Taking Down The Tucker
In 1948, the charismatic and audacious entrepreneur Preston Tucker launched a new and unique car, the Tucker. Historians have called Tucker a visionary, but the automotive industry did not welcome Tucker when he launched his sleek and futuristic automobile. The 1988 film Tucker: The Man and His Dream hints that the big 3 automakers conspired to eliminate Tucker as a competitor.
A born salesman, Tucker had a long career selling many different car brands including Chrysler and Studebaker. After World War II he felt the time was right to introduce a new kind of car to the American public. The Tucker included a rear-mounted engine, disc brakes, and a padded dashboard. (Many of his innovations later became standard in cars.) He ran into money problems from the beginning, and pre-sold cars, attracting the attention of the Securities and Exchange Commission, which accused him of fraud. After producing only 51 cars, Tucker had to cease production, even though he was found not guilty. Money woes were too great. A Tucker recently sold at auction for $1,567,500.