A Short Lived Spin in the Short Lived 1948 Tucker Torpedo
I've had the chance to ride in many neat automobiles, but I literally jumped at the chance to take a spin in this pristine 1948 Tucker 'Torpedo' this afternoon. Sadly, like the Tucker's history, the ride was painfully short-lived.
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With only 51 cars ever manufactured and approximately 47 still in existence, a Tucker certainly isn't a common sight. Nor was it in its day; the triclops-like front fascia, gentle fastback and rear-mounted engine were considered radical in the post-war automotive market, and shaky funding prevented the company from starting series production.
So when RM Auctions offered up rides in car #38, a beautiful sedan finished in a metallic moss green paint, I threw my hat in the ring. Although it won't be up for grabs this weekend, the car may make an appearance at the 2008 Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance -- which is how I stumbled into an opportunity for a quick spin.
After waiting my place in line, the 'Torpedo' rolled up; I popped open the suicide-style rear door and jumped into the backseat. My driver fired up the Franklin-sourced 166-hp, 5.5-liter flat-six, shifted the Cord-based transmission into first gear, and we were....not moving. We were, however, sampling the scent of hot brake pads.
It so happens that, when left in sweltering July heat, the Tucker's parking brake isn't easily released. We were able to limp the car around in reverse, but the car could barely crawl away when left in a forward gear.
RM's mechanics swarmed upon the car to fix the problem, but I took my time sampling its interior. You've got to wonder if Preston Tucker's brainchild could have been a contender: wide, comfortable bench seats could easily fit four across in back, while passengers in front, due to a miniscule dashboard, have acres of legroom -- more, perhaps, than a contemporary Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Sadly, it was never to be. That said, this particular car (with a well-sorted parking brake) will appear at RM's Sports & Classics auction in Monterrey, California, on August 15 and 16. If you've got a $700,000 lying around, heed the advice of the car's ad campaign: don't let this Tucker pass you by.
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What do you do?
I’m an associate Web editor at Automobile Magazine. Which, in a nutshell, means I write about cars and car news primarily for our lovely Web site.
Are you a car guy?
How could I not have been? A disturbing number of my relatives have worked in the auto industry, and I spent my formative years as a child grinning in the back seat of my dad’s 1965 Mustang. I’d also note I’m more of a “wheeled machine” guy, as I also have an alarming affinity for things like trucks, trains, and buses. Don’t ask.
Does every 9-5 shift involve driving exotic supercars in the French Riviera?
I wish.
How can I get your job?
Timing is everything. By luck, an internship opening at AutoWeek opened while while I was finishing my collegiate coursework; I then worked at freelancing news items for Winding Road. A similar position opened up at Automobile just as I graduated, and I’ve been here ever since.
What’s your dream car?
Honestly, this changes with the weather.
Seriously, what cars do you like?
For reasons beyond my understanding, I have a soft spot for Francomobiles, especially the Citroen ID/DS, 2CV, the Renault 4 (not 4CV), and anything designed and constructed by Gabrielle Voisin. Also, I’m in the process of convincing my wife that a vintage Mercedes-Benz Unimog or a Steyr-Puch Pinzgauer is both a sound investment and a practical family vehicle. Wish me luck with that.
What’s the best car you’ve driven?
Oh, dear. I’ve had some fun with some really fun machines during my time at Automobile, including (but not limited to) the Cadillac CTS-V Wagon, a Porsche Cayman R, a Bentley Continental GT, and an Aston Martin DBS. I also once managed to miraculously cram my hulking frame into the confines of a Lotus Exige.
I’ll never forget my brief time behind the wheel of a giant International semi truck (let alone trying to shift the 18-speed gearbox), but the most memorable vehicle piloted during my employment? That honor has to go to a mint-condition Peugeot 205 Turbo 16.
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