Flossi & Buck: In the Motor City

The Tucker 48, also known as the Tucker Torpedo, was an innovative automobile developed by Preston Tucker in 1948. The car was intended to be a revolutionary vehicle that would challenge the dominance of the "Big Three" automakers—Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler. Despite its potential, only 50 Tucker 48s were produced before the company was forced to shut down.

The Tucker 48 featured a central headlight that swivelled with the steering wheel, providing better illumination when turning. This "Cyclops Eye" was an innovative safety feature designed to improve nighttime driving visibility.

The windshield was designed to pop out in the event of a collision, reducing the likelihood of injury from shattered glass.

The dashboard was padded to reduce injuries during accidents, a feature that was ahead of its time.

The Tucker 48 was powered by a rear-mounted, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine originally developed for aircraft. This engine produced around 166 horsepower, which was impressive for its time.

The car featured a torque converter transmission that eliminated the need for a traditional clutch, making driving smoother and more comfortable.

The Tucker 48 was designed with a low, aerodynamic profile, giving it a futuristic appearance that set it apart from other cars of its era.

The Tucker Corporation faced significant legal and financial challenges, leading to its closure in 1949. Preston Tucker was accused of fraud, although he was later acquitted. The company's downfall is often attributed to a combination of undercapitalisation, internal mismanagement, and competitive pressure from established automakers.

Preston Tucker's story and his car were popularised by the 1988 film Tucker: The Man and His Dream, directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Jeff Bridges.