1948 Tucker 48 ‘Torpedo’

By Richardd Adams

A look at Mr. Preston Tucker's 48, alternatively known as the 1948 Torpedo and you’ll realize it's something special.

  It should have been like introducing Gangman Style to the 1940s, but it wasn't. 
Just 51 Tucker Torpedo sedans were built in Chicago in 1948, before the company went out of business. Priced at $2,450 and of the cars built (50 production and the original prototype), 47 still exist, most in outstanding condition. None of the large motor manufacturers followed the design.

Those were exceptional machines, fitted with technology which may not be unusual today, but in 1948, it was ground-breaking: like a rear engine, disc brakes, fuel injection, non shattering pop out windscreen and a padded dashboard. 

Achieving a modern day auction price of $ 2,9 million to drive the Tucker home, its value is now being respected.

It had a central 3rd headlight that moves with the car's steering wheel, to assist seeing around turns. The front and rear seats could be interchanged, so that the upholstery could wear evenly. The engine was fixed so that it could be removed in minutes in order for it to be serviced.

It was only 1524 mm (60 inches) high, yet very spacious inside. It was called the most aerodynamic car in the world logging a drag coefficient of only 0.27. Weighing in at 4235 lbs or 1920 kg with a 5,7 litre 166hp (122kw) engine in the rear, with 372ft-lbs (504nm) torque at only 2000 rpm, it manages a 0 – 60 mph (98 km/hr) time of 10 seconds and a top speed of 120 mph ( 193 km/hr). 

The flat 6 cylinder (Porsche 911-style)  ALV 335 Franklin helicopter engine was fitted, now liquid cooled, to a Cord 810 (ex- front wheel drive) transmission. The 4 speed electric-shift transmission had a Bendix vacuum-electric pre-selector. the car has excellent fuel economy.

The car has all-independent rubber vulcanized suspension with tubular shock absorbers. The Tucker had a step down passenger compartment floor, creating a low center of gravity.

The car was featured in the 1988 film “Tucker: The Man and His Dream” by Lucas Films. Impressively for Hollywood, it accurately told the story of Preston Tucker and his car.    

The price you ask, well $ 2,9 million (US)