The 1948 Tucker Torpedo

Tucker-The Man and His Dream

In 1988 Paramount with Lucas Film LTD made a period piece entitled, "Tucker, The Man and His Dream". Starring Jeff Bridges, and directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Here ar few tidbits from the movie, and a link to learn more about it.

In the scene where a car is rolled in Indy ,they could'nt use an actual Tucker. A stunt car was built instead. Made from a Studebaker, it was dubbed the "Stucker".

You can see the "Stude" nose. Also the tacked on Tucker features, which looks mostly like bondo.

The Tucker never entered full production, but its design epitomized automotive trends that were new and significant in the immediate postwar years: avant-garde styling, innovative mechanical features, awakening interest in passenger safety, and efforts by small manufacturers to capture a larger share of the new-car market. The Tucker was an exaggeration of these trends and evidence that the desire for change was strong enough to move some fairly radical ideas from the drawing board to the production stage.

Fast Fact Sheet

This "Car of Tomorrow" was the vision of Preston Thomas Tucker (1903-1956) of Ypsilanti, Michigan. 51 were built, of which 47 survive now (and many are on display to the public) This fastback sedan was styled by Alex S. Tremulis. The car was put together by chief mechanic John Eddie Offutt, who had worked with Tucker and Harry Miller at Indy. Offutt's cars won twice at Indy.

The car is called the "Tucker '48" (for its model year). It was called the "Tucker Torpedo" as it was being designed and promoted.

The Tucker 48 was designed in Michigan, and built in Chicago in a vast factory that is now the site of the "Ford City Mall" on Cicero Avenue.

The Tucker 48 pioneered automotive features and ideas that became standard later.

The Tucker story is the subject of the 1988 film "Tucker: The Man and His Dream" by Francis Ford Coppola.

Fiberglass replica bodies are available for building Tucker replicars.

Tucker 48 Specifications Engine: H-6 (horizontally opposed), ohv, 335 ci (4.50 x 3.50 in. bore x stroke), 7.0:1 compression ratio, 166 bhp, 372 lbs/ft torque.

Size: 128" wheelbase, 219" overall length, 60" height, 79" width, 4200 pounds.

Performance: 0-60 in 10 seconds, est. top speed 120 mph

Original (projected) price: $2450

Current value: from about 1/4 million to 1/2 million (Tucker #1030 sold at auction in March, 1996 for $259,000) Yes, it could go in reverse.

Preston Tucker's Other Work

Preston Tucker worked with the legendary Harry Miller on Indianapolis 500 race cars during the 1930's Tucker's "Tucker Turret" gun turret was used during World War II. Tucker's prototype "combat car" armored personnel carrier was rejected because it went too fast.

The Talisman: a planned sportier version of the Tucker 48

The Carioca: a sportscar to be built in Brazil. Preston Tucker was working on this when he died.