The Tucker 48, commonly referred to as the Tucker Torpedo, was an automobile conceived by Preston Tucker while in Ypsilanti, Michigan and briefly produced in Chicago, Illinois in 1948.

Only 51 cars were made including their prototype before the company was forced to declare bankruptcy and cease all operations 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 the allegations were proven baseless and led to a full acquittal).

Tucker suspected that the Big Three automakers and Michigan Senator Homer S. Ferguson had a role in the Tucker Corporation's demise.

These cars are powered by an aluminum 335-cubic inch, opposed 6-cylinder engine with 167 horsepower and an astonishing 390 pound-feet of torque,

The power is delivered to the wheels through a 4-speed, electric pre-select transmission. This combination delivered extraordinary performance for the time. Zero to 60 mph was recorded at 10 seconds and a top speed of 130 miles per hour. This was considered a rocket ship in 1948!

The suspension was also unique. It had no springs. Instead, it utilized rubber torsion units called Torsilastic suspension. This was executed with four-wheel independent suspension, and the result was a smooth and great-handling ride.

“Safety was a pimary feature of these cars. Pop-out windshields, the first padded dashboard, safety crash compartment and aviation-style doors were all part of the innovative features. There were also other unique attributes, such as reversible seat cushions, door exit buttons instead of handles, rear engine for improved traction, and probably the best-known feature… the Third Headlight, that would light your way into turns.”