Design and Destiny: The Making of the Tucker Automobile

ISBN: 0924321008

Author: Egan, Philip S.

Condition: New

Design and The Making of the Tucker The Tucker 48 (named after its model year) was an advanced automobile conceived by Preston Tucker and briefly produced in Chicago in 1948. Only 51 cars were made before the company folded 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 allegations were proven baseless in court with a full acquittal). Speculation exists that the Big Three automakers and Michigan senator Homer S. Ferguson also had a role in the Tucker Corporation's demise.

• The most recognizable feature of the Tucker '48, a directional third headlight (known as the "Cyclops Eye"), | Some components and features of the car were innovative and ahead of their time. | The car was rear-engined and rear wheel drive. | The steering box was behind the front axle to protect the driver in a front-end accident. | The instrument panel and all controls were within easy reach of the steering wheel, and the dash was padded for safety.