The 1948 Tucker - Serial Number 1003 is the third of just 51 examples built and the first to feature the valance panel between the body and front bumper. Its rarity is further elevated by its desirable color; of the six factory colors available, 1003 is one of only 12 originally painted Maroon.
Well-documented from new, it boasts a superb provenance and ownership history, having passed through the hands of numerous respected collectors, including the late Bill Pettit. In the late-1980s, it was purchased by none other than prominent filmmaker George Lucas, the visionary imagination behind Star Wars and other box office hits. Lucas took a special interest in Tuckers and was executive producer of Francis Ford Coppola’s 1988 film Tucker: The Man and His Dream. The film revived modern interest in the Tucker and has become something of a cult classic among automobile enthusiasts.
Overview
- Production Year: 1948
- Manufacturer: Tucker Corporation
- Model: Tucker 48 (also known as the Tucker Torpedo)
- Body Style: Sedan (4-door)
Design and Specifications
- Engine:
- The Tucker 48 was powered by a rear-mounted 5.5-liter (335 cubic inches) horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine.
- This engine was capable of producing around 166 horsepower, and it featured several innovative design elements, including hemispherical combustion chambers and fuel injection.
- Transmission:
- Equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission.
- Chassis:
- The car featured an advanced perimeter frame chassis with a safety "crash chamber" design intended to protect occupants in the event of a collision.
- Suspension:
- Front: Independent suspension with rubber torsion tubes.
- Rear: Independent suspension with coil springs.
- Brakes:
- The Tucker 48 featured hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels, which were advanced for the time.
Innovations and Features
- Safety Features:
- The Tucker 48 was equipped with numerous safety innovations, including a padded dashboard, pop-out safety glass windows, and a central headlight that turned with the steering wheel for improved visibility.
- Engineering Innovations:
- The rear-engine layout provided excellent interior space and handling characteristics.
- Other innovative features included a unique revolving rear seat and a dashboard-mounted centralized instrument cluster.
- Design:
- The Tucker 48 was designed by Alex Tremulis and stood out for its sleek, aerodynamic profile, which was ahead of its time.
- Its distinctive Cyclops central headlight became a hallmark of the car and remains one of its most recognizable features.
Legacy
- Historical Significance:
- The Tucker 48 is remembered for its innovative design, advanced engineering, and the ambitious vision of its creator, Preston Tucker.
- Despite production challenges and a limited run of only 51 cars, the Tucker 48 left a lasting impact on automotive design and safety standards.
You may purchase a print of the 1948 Tucker - Serial Number 1003 in our dElegance 2013 online gallery.
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