1948 Tucker 48 Sedan
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Artifact Overview
Swooping fenders and six exhaust pipes make the Tucker look like a rocket ship. But Preston Tucker's car mixes fantasy with practicality. The center light turns with the front wheels to cast light around corners. Taillights are visible from the side for safety. Doors curve into the roof for easier entry and exit, while grilles on the rear fenders feed cooling air to the rear-mounted engine.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Automobile
Date Made
1948
Place of Creation
Creator Notes
Designed by Preston Tucker and Alex Tremulis; made by Tucker Corporation, Chicago, Illinois.
Location
at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America
Object ID
58.62.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of the Evening News Association.
Material
Metal
Glass (Material)
Rubber (Material)
Leather
Dimensions
Height: 64.5 in
Width: 80 in
Length: 221 in
Wheelbase: 130 in
Specifications
Make & Model: 1948 Tucker 48 sedan
Maker: Tucker Corporation, Chicago, Illinois
Engine: horizontally opposed 6, overhead valves, 334 cubic inches
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Height: 80 inches
Wheelbase: 130 inches
Width: 64.5 inches
Overall length: 219 inches
Weight: 4235 pounds
Horsepower: 166 at 3200 revolutions per minute
Pounds per horsepower: 36.5
Price: $2,450
Average 1948 wage: $2,933 per year
Time you'd work to buy this car: about 10 months
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