On June 19, 1947, Preston Tucker, an ambitious automotive designer, revealed his revolutionary Tucker 48 prototype, famously known as the “Tin Goose,” at his factory in Chicago. This event marked a significant moment in automotive history, as Tucker aimed to disrupt the industry with his innovative design and forward-thinking safety features.
Preparation and Challenges
The lead-up to the unveiling was fraught with challenges. Just the night before the grand event, two independent suspension arms on the prototype broke under the car’s substantial weight. This added pressure on Tucker and his team to perform quick repairs. The prototype, notably heavier than the subsequent production models, also faced minor engine issues that had to be addressed swiftly. These problems were symptomatic of the accelerated pace at which the first prototype was assembled.
Despite these hurdles, Tucker’s team managed to make the car presentable for the unveiling. The experimental 589 cubic inch six-cylinder helicopter engine, while innovative, was extremely loud. Tucker ingeniously instructed the band to play at full volume to mask the engine noise. Additionally, the high-voltage starter required an external power source to ignite the engine, prompting the team to keep the engine running throughout the event to avoid any public mishaps.
The Unveiling Event
Over 3,000 attendees, including prominent figures, prospective dealers, and media personnel, gathered for the much-anticipated unveiling. The event began with a luncheon, followed by a tour of the factory. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation as the moment to reveal the prototype approached.
When the Tin Goose was finally driven onto the platform, a minor yet conspicuous issue arose: the liquid coolant boiled over, causing steam to escape from the car. However, amidst the excitement and the band’s loud music, this detail went largely unnoticed by the attendees.
Drew Pearson, a highly influential columnist of the time, later reported that the car was a fraud, claiming it couldn’t go in reverse and made strange noises while moving. This negative publicity dealt a significant blow to Tucker’s reputation and overshadowed the innovative aspects of the vehicle. However, he didn’t let the negative review halt him from chasing his dreams.
Production and Demise of Tucker Corporation
Ultimately, only 51 Tucker 48 vehicles, including the Tin Goose prototype, were produced. The cars were built at a repurposed factory in Chicago, which had previously been used during World War II. Each vehicle showcased Tucker’s commitment to innovation and design excellence.
The production of the Tucker 48 was marred by financial difficulties and legal challenges. Tucker’s ambitious plans included acquiring two steel mills to ensure a steady supply of raw materials. However, these bids were rejected by the War Assets Administration, an outcome tinged with political controversy and speculation of undue influence.
The most significant blow came from a lawsuit filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), accusing Preston Tucker of fraud. The charges were severe, alleging that Tucker misrepresented the progress and capabilities of his company and the car itself. Although Tucker was eventually acquitted of all charges, the prolonged legal battle drained the company’s resources and damaged its reputation irreparably.
Legacy of the Tucker 48
The story of the Tucker 48 is one of innovation and adversity. Despite producing a limited number of vehicles, the Tucker 48 left a lasting impact on the automotive industry. Its emphasis on safety and forward-thinking design influenced future car manufacturers and set new standards for vehicle engineering.
The surviving Tucker 48 cars have since become highly prized collector’s items, celebrated for their historical significance and innovative features. They serve as a testament to Preston Tucker’s vision and the enduring allure of his ambitious, albeit short-lived, venture into the automotive world.
Where is the Tucker Tin Goose Now?
The original Tin Goose prototype is on display at the Swigart Antique Auto Museum in Huntingdon, PA.
The Tucker Automobile Club of America describes the Tin Goose in this way: The 1947 Tucker is a steel-bodied four-door fastback sedan. It features a body-on-frame construction with a perimeter-type chassis with a rear mounted engine and rear-drive configuration. The current engine is an aluminum 335 CID liquid-cooled, overhead-valve, longitudinally mounted, horizontally-opposed six-cylinder built by Air-cooled Motors, Inc. (Syracuse, NY). The engine is naturally aspirated with a dual-barrel Stromberg downdraft carburetor. A modified Cord four-speed manual transaxle is mounted forward of the engine and features an electro-pneumatic pre-selector shift mechanism. The automobile features independent suspension both front and rear.
Transverse leaf springs now mount to the A-arms in the front and the rear where rubber torsion units were originally fitted. The torsion units remain in place on the rear of the car in addition to the leaf springs. Braking is provided by four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. The automobile rides on aluminum (magnesium) dish-type 13- inch diameter wheels and bias-ply tires. The exterior of the automobile is painted a maroon color similar to its original color. The Tin Goose was restored in the 1980s and retains much of its original components and historic integrity.
