As World War II came to an end, automotive designer Preston Tucker envisioned a brand new vehicle that focused on safety, performance and style. He went to work, aiming to perfect a car that would revolutionize personal transportation in post-war America. The result was the remarkable Tucker 48. Unfortunately, only 50 complete models, along with the prototype dubbed the Tin Goose, would leave the Chicago factory before the company was forced to declare bankruptcy. It was not poor engineering or insufficient performance that led to the shut down. A Securities and Exchange Commission investigation and stock fraud trial led to negative press that made production all but impossible. Tucker’s challenge to the Big 3 came to a close.
The Tucker Corporation ceased operations on March 3, 1949. What followed was an auction that saw all of the remaining vehicles, including several left unfinished in the factory, as well as parts and machinery, sold to the highest bidder. However, at the time of the auction, a secret project, a Tucker convertible, stamped #57 on the frame, was under construction at Lenki Engineering, the same firm that built the Tin Goose prototype. The car remained there, under a cover, for many, many years before a Lenki employee finally purchased it. Now, for the first time ever, this fully restored vehicle is up for auction by Downs Auction both online and on site in Meridian, Idaho, with the hammer falling on December 1, 2023. This is your chance to own one of the rarest and most significant pieces of automotive history.
The History of the Tucker 48 Convertible
For decades the convertible Tucker flew under the radar, with many historians and enthusiasts unaware of its very existence. And rightfully so, given the top-secret nature of the project being handled by both Tucker Corporation engineers and those from Lenki. The Tucker convertible began life as a standard Tucker 48 sedan, chassis number 57. Preston Tucker initiated the building of the drop-top prototype, which led to workers cutting the roof off of 57. Once removed, the frame underwent reinforcement to deter lag. Those reinforcements are still in place today.
After engineers addressed the frame issues, they lengthened the front doors and created new sheet metal to replace of the reverse opening rear ones. Then workers shortened the windshield to accommodate a 1940s General Motors convertible frame modified to fit the Tucker. At this point, the financial troubles boiled over and the project stalled.
According to interviews with Robert McLelland, head of the Tucker Experimental Assembly & Test Department, and Joe Lenki of Lenki Engineering, following the closure of the Tucker plant, those in on the project moved the convertible to Lenki Engineering. It would sit there for years, untouched, until a Lenki employee purchased the car in its unfinished state with plans to complete it. He never did.
The car exchanged hands a few times and included ownership by early Tucker collector Nick Jenin before being acquired by Benchmark Classics in Madison, Wisconsin. The restoration firm finally completed the car, using authentic Tucker parts, including a correct 335 cubic inch Franklin-Tucker flat 6 originally developed for helicopters. This unit is water cooled. Tucker engineers originally rated the engine at 167 horsepower and 390 lb ft of torque, pushing the 4,200 pound sedans to 60 miles per hour in about 7 seconds. A correct pre-selector Cord transmission helps spin the wheels.
Is the Tucker Convertible a Real Tucker?
After its completion, the Tucker made appearances at many of the most prominent car shows, including a return home to Chicago for Auto Historica. It also shined at Keels and Wheels Concours D’Elegance in Houston, Fairfield County Concours D’Elegance in Newport, CT and the Antique Automobile Club of America’s Hershey, PA meet. One question often asked by people who come across the Tucker is, “Is it real?” The short, accurate answer is Yes. Eye witness interviews and sworn affidavits of multiple people trace its existence all the way back to the Tucker factory.
Beyond the statements from Robert McLelland, some of the most affirming evidence of the Tucker Convertible authenticity is testimony from Al Prueitt, founder of Prueitt and Sons Restorations. He is on the record saying, “In 1966, I saw the rolling chassis and many sheet metal parts for the Tucker Convertible, along with other Tucker 48 Sedans. I also saw that the convertible was stamped #57 and its frame was reinforced at that time.” He goes on to say he has inspected the car and deemed it authentic.
Another man, John Walczak, stated in sworn testimony, “In the spring of 1972, I saw the Tucker convertible, a Tucker 48 Sedan, and the original full scale 1:1 Tucker Corporation mechanical drawings for the Tucker convertible at a machine shop on Blue Mound Road in Milwaukee, WI.”
Jerry Renner, a Harley dealer in Milwaukee, also testified, stating, “The Tucker Convertible was brought to The House of Harley (Renner’s dealership), by Allan Reinert in the late 1980s because he wanted my help restoring it.” He went on, “Over the course of about four years, I spent hundreds of hours restoring the Tucker Convertible’s frame and floors. While the Tucker Convertible was at my shop, I was visited by a former Tucker Corporation employee named Henry. As soon as Henry walked into my shop he said ‘Oh my goodness, that’s #57!’ (or something very similar). He then told me that he and another Tucker employee named Bernie were told at the Tucker factory, when they were still Tucker Corporation employees, to cut the top off of sedan #57 so that work could be started on a Tucker convertible.”
As what is sure to be the last original Tucker ever finished, this pristine vehicle, with less than 100 miles on the odometer, represents a chance to own a true piece of automotive history. Finished in beautiful Waltz blue with a tan top, the Tucker convertible will forever be a testament to the ingenuity and passion of Preston Tucker.
How to Bid on the Tucker Convertible
This historic Tucker 48 convertible is being sold as part of a sale that includes a number of other high end collector cars. It is titled in the current owner’s name and all documentation, including sworn affidavits and original drawings of the Tucker convertible, are available for viewing by interested parties. Simply call Downs Auction at (208) 939-9456 or email downsreceptionist@gmail.com to request an information packet. Additional photos can be found here and be sure to view this gallery documenting the extensive restoration. You can preview the auction November 30th from 9am-8pm at 1135 N. Hickory Ave. Meridian, Idaho 83642.
If you would like to be the owner of this truly one of a kind automobile, you can bid on location December 1st, 2023, at the addressed listed above or bid online now through December 1, 2023. This car is going to the highest bidder, along with a host of other incredible vehicles. Bidding and auction rules can be found here.
