Tucker is best remembered for his bold attempt to take on the “Big Three” American automakers by founding his own revolutionary car company—the Tucker Corporation. Tucker’s mission was to build a car that excelled in areas like styling, safety, performance, value, and engineering, applying his unconventional wisdom and common sense to create something truly unique.
Had he succeeded, it would have taken the Big Three years and millions of dollars to adjust their own cars to compete. They would have watched helplessly as a Tucker car overtook them, shaking their dominance in the American auto industry.
Tucker achieved his vision with the Tucker 48, a car that was unlike anything else when it was introduced. Some of its standout features included a “Safety Windshield,” a centrally mounted swiveling third headlight, a quick-swap powertrain, and a rear-mounted “flat-six” aircraft engine.
The Safety Windshield was designed to be shatterproof and easy to remove in the event of an accident, while the swiveling headlight, synchronized with the steering wheel, allowed drivers to see around curves in the road—something not seen in modern cars until recently.
The quick-swap powertrain system allowed for easy removal and replacement of the engine and transmission within just fifteen minutes, ensuring minimal downtime for the driver. This would have been incredibly convenient for long trips, where the hassle of car repairs could have otherwise been a major inconvenience.
Additionally, the Tucker 48’s rear-mounted Franklin aircraft engine could accelerate from zero to sixty in just seven seconds, outperforming many full-size luxury cars of today. The flat-six engine design lowered the car’s center of gravity, allowing it to handle curves and winding roads like a European sports car.
Listing
This Used 1948 Tucker Convertible Prototype is on sale at Fast Cars for 2.3 million dollars. The dealership is located in Rowlett, Texas.
This rare Tucker Convertible has been showcased at major car events and featured in numerous articles, yet its most significant feature remains largely unrecognized: it is the last Tucker automobile to be completed using primarily original body parts sourced from Tucker. This makes it not only the final Tucker to be finished but also the only Tucker Convertible in existence.
Many believe that car number 57 was intended as a prototype for a 1949 sedan with wraparound rear glass, though no evidence supports this theory.
However, the authenticity of the Tucker Convertible was verified by the late Al Prueitt, a renowned classic car expert with over 50 years of experience in the industry.
Mr. Prueitt authenticated the car as an authentic Tucker Corporation concept, having seen and inspected the vehicle in its original form.
In 2010, the convertible was sold privately to a collector who appreciated its significance as a rare, original piece of automotive history.
This 10-mile car is in pristine condition, featuring a correct Franklin-Tucker flat-six engine, the original Cord-sourced transmission, and a unique factory-reinforced Tucker frame.