The Tucker 48, commonly but incorrectly referred to as the Tucker Torpedo, was an automobile conceived by Preston Tucker while in Ypsilanti, Michigan and briefly produced in Chicago, Illinois in 1948. Only 51 cars were made including their prototype before the company was forced to declare bankruptcy and cease all operations on March 3, 1949, due to negative publicity initiated by the news media, a Securities and Exchange Commission investigation, and a heavily publicized stock fraud trial (in which the allegations were proven baseless and led to a full acquittal). Tucker suspected that the Big Three automakers and Michigan Senator Homer S. Ferguson had a role in the Tucker Corporation's demise.[2]
The 48's original proposed price was said to be $1,000, but the actual selling price was closer to $4,000.[3]
The 1988 movie Tucker: The Man and His Dream is based on the saga surrounding the car's production. The film's director, Francis Ford Coppola, is a Tucker owner and displays his vehicle on the grounds of his winery.[4]
The Tucker 48 is often referred to as the Tucker Torpedo. However, the Torpedo was actually a prototype, and the name was never used for the production model, which was officially called the "Tucker 48".
The car you are interested in is one of an extensive collection that my 91-year-old father, my housemate (for the past 3+ years and cancer patient) built over a 30+ year period. He has asked me to sell the collection. He was/is the car collecting aficionado, and I am learning the nuances of this selling business through experience. For example, I did not know that I should dust these cars that have been packed up in Styrofoam. I am learning from purchasers and not always in a kindly way. I handle the model cars as gently and as little as possible because they are fragile. I have zero idea of what specific accoutrements are supposed to be on/with the cars. There are hundreds of cars and I do not have time to research each car to try to determine if any of these cars is in mint, or excellent or good or fair condition. I note any irregularities that are obvious to me, take plenty of very clear and closeup photographs of each car which should allow the buyer plenty of information regarding whether he or she would like to own the car, basically, enough visual information to make an informed decision and to prevent any disappointment when the car arrives. I package in original packaging when available (and most cars, particularly Corvettes, (my dad’s favorite car) were stored in original packaging. The prices listed are based on other vehicles in the same class and category that appear to be in the same or similar condition. I double wrap the boxes in bubble wrap before wrapping in brown paper and mark the boxes as FRAGILE on every side of the boxes. Unless USPS handles the package too roughly, the car will be delivered exactly as pictured. If you don’t want to take the risk of purchasing a model car from a person who is not an expert in the area, please don’t. However, if you choose to purchase the car, I hope very much that it brings you joy. If you are not happy with the purchase, please let me know so that I can do whatever I can to correct any problems. Before I had much experience with this a few buyers did not offer me this kindness and have written scathing reviews which affected my rating- went from, 100% to the high 70s overnight. And if you are happy with it, please leave me a happy review (to help restore my rating).