This "Car of Tomorrow" was the vision of Preston Thomas Tucker (1903-1956) of Ypsilanti, Michigan.
51 were built, of which 47 survive now (and many are on display to the public)
This fastback sedan was styled by Alex S. Tremulis.
The car was put together by chief mechanic John Eddie Offutt, who had worked with Tucker and Harry Miller at Indy. Offutt's cars won twice at Indy.
The car is called the "Tucker '48" (for its model year). It was only called the "Tucker Torpedo" as it was being designed and promoted. Therefore no Tucker Torpedos were ever built.
The Tucker 48 was designed in Michigan, and built in Chicago in a vast factory that is now the site of the "Ford City Mall" on Cicero Avenue.
The Tucker 48 pioneered automotive features and ideas that became standard later.
The Tucker story is the subject of the 1988 film "Tucker: The Man and His Dream" by Francis Ford Coppola.
Fiberglass replica bodies are available for building Tucker replicars.
Tucker 48 Specifications
Engine: H-6 (horizontally opposed), ohv, 335 ci (4.50 x 3.50 in. bore x stroke), 7.0:1 compression ratio, 166 bhp, 372 lbs/ft torque.
Size: 128" wheelbase, 219" overall length, 60" height, 79" width, 4200 pounds.
Performance: 0-60 in 10 seconds, est. top speed 120 mph
Original (projected) price: $2450
Current value: from about $200,000 on up (Tucker #1043 sold in a private transaction in 2005 for upwards of $750,000)
Yes, it could go in reverse
1972 Pontiac GTO Station Wagon 
