Tucker 48
The revolutionary 'Car of Tomorrow' that challenged the Detroit giants.
- Power
- 166 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 10.0 s
- Top speed
- 120 mph
- Est. value
- $1.1m–$2.9m
About the Tucker 48
The Tucker 48, famously known as the Torpedo, was a radical post-war sedan designed by Preston Tucker to disrupt the American automotive industry. It featured advanced safety innovations decades ahead of its time, including a padded dashboard, a pop-out safety windshield, and a central 'Cyclops Eye' headlight that turned with the steering wheel. Power came from a rear-mounted Franklin O-335 flat-six engine, originally designed for helicopters and converted to water-cooling for road use. Despite its technical promise, the company collapsed following a controversial SEC investigation, leaving only 51 examples ever produced.
Tucker 48 specs
The Tucker 48 produces 166 bhp (124 kW) and 504 Nm (372 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 10.0 seconds and has a top speed of 120 mph (193 km/h).
| Make | Tucker |
|---|---|
| Model | 48 |
| Trim | Torpedo |
| Years | 1947–1948 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Sedan |
| Country | United States |
| Production | About 51 built |
| Original price | About $2,500 when new |
| Engine | 5.5-litre water-cooled flat-6 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 5,473 cc (5.5 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 166 bhp (124 kW) at 3,200 rpm |
| Torque | 504 Nm (372 lb-ft) |
| 0–60 mph | 10.0 s |
| Top speed | 120 mph (193 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed electro-vacuum manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,905 kg (4,200 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 87 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Tucker 48 worth?
A typical Tucker 48 is estimated to be worth $1,060,000 – $2,920,000 (about £790,000 – £2,170,000).
Its original price when new was about $2,500.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Tucker 48 rarity in CarSpot
The Tucker 48 is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 100 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Tucker 48 fun facts
- The central 'Cyclops Eye' headlight was illegal in 17 US states at the time, requiring Tucker to provide a cover for it in those jurisdictions.
- To secure a steady supply of engines, Preston Tucker purchased the Air Cooled Motors company, which held 65% of post-war US aviation engine contracts.
- The car's entire engine and transmission were mounted on a removable subframe that could be swapped out for servicing in just 30 minutes.
