The post-war period calls for new solutions. Preston Tucker becomes a motor manufacturer and automaker in 1948. He is the creator of a single model, the Tucker 48, built in 51 units including a prototype. The other brands do not like the mediatized arrival of this new company. On a suspicion of fraud that will not be confirmed during his trial, Tucker terminates his business in March 1949 leaving behind him 23 unsold cars.
Described as a torpedo, the Tucker 48 is a sedan with low bodywork designed for security, speed and comfort. It is equipped with a third headlight that lights up when the driver turns the steering wheel. Other features are very innovative including the windscreen that does not burst under impact.
The car of the future designed by Tucker has aroused passions but it is not perfect. Only specialists were able to keep it in working order after the untimely disappearance of the brand.
On January 21, 2012, Barrett-Jackson sold the 43rd Tucker, chassis number 1043, which had been restored by Nostalgic Motoring, the best technical expert of the Tucker 48. It fetched $ 2.9M including premium which is much more than the usual price achieved by this model at auction.
On January 19 in Phoenix, RM Sotheby's sells the 44th with original chassis and body number 1044.
The engine and transmission were changed in the 1970s. It was not enough to keep it operational. In 1982, a new owner gave up driving it after three small attempts of a few miles each. He put it safe in a dry place with the idea of finding later some time to take care of it. 1044 thereafter slept untouched for 34 years.
The minor problems of transmission and cooling which prevented the use of this car are thus the root cause of a great preservation of its mechanical elements. The specialist who had restored 1043 has also made 1044 back in working order. Having become one of the best among the 47 surviving Tucker cars, it is estimated $ 1.6M, lot 160.
SOLD for $ 1.35M including premium
Described as a torpedo, the Tucker 48 is a sedan with low bodywork designed for security, speed and comfort. It is equipped with a third headlight that lights up when the driver turns the steering wheel. Other features are very innovative including the windscreen that does not burst under impact.
The car of the future designed by Tucker has aroused passions but it is not perfect. Only specialists were able to keep it in working order after the untimely disappearance of the brand.
On January 21, 2012, Barrett-Jackson sold the 43rd Tucker, chassis number 1043, which had been restored by Nostalgic Motoring, the best technical expert of the Tucker 48. It fetched $ 2.9M including premium which is much more than the usual price achieved by this model at auction.
On January 19 in Phoenix, RM Sotheby's sells the 44th with original chassis and body number 1044.
The engine and transmission were changed in the 1970s. It was not enough to keep it operational. In 1982, a new owner gave up driving it after three small attempts of a few miles each. He put it safe in a dry place with the idea of finding later some time to take care of it. 1044 thereafter slept untouched for 34 years.
The minor problems of transmission and cooling which prevented the use of this car are thus the root cause of a great preservation of its mechanical elements. The specialist who had restored 1043 has also made 1044 back in working order. Having become one of the best among the 47 surviving Tucker cars, it is estimated $ 1.6M, lot 160.
SOLD for $ 1.35M including premium
You don't see many of these around https://t.co/Xxsija7UbO #Tucker48 pic.twitter.com/evYlzYHBhS
— Paul Fraser (@PFCollectibles) January 11, 2017
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