world cars: Tucker Torpedo by ric gustafson
In 1948, Preston Tucker came up with an idea for a car that was ahead of it's time. His idea was for a rear engined car that had some safety features that nobody had ever heard of. A crushable passenger compartment and a pop out windscreen were two of these features. A low slung style and a independent suspension system put it years ahead of it's competition.
Tucker raised millions on the stock market to fund his dream. An aircraft factory in Chicago was leased to build his dream car. 300,000 people placed orders for the car but disaster happened. At the last minute, a different engine and transmission had to be installed.
Preston Tucker ran out of money and only 51 Torpedos were produced. Tucker was indicted for fraud and the car remains one of the greatest to nearly get made.
research help: ' Cars the greatest automobiles ever made' by Hilton Holloway and Martin Buckley
Happy New Year to all and God Bless. Love Ric
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