The Tucker ’48 is an automobile conceived by Preston Tucker and briefly produced in Chicago in 1948. Only 51 cars were made before the company ceased operations on March 3 1949 due to negative publicity initiated by the SEC. Each car cost about $4000 to build.
When new the Tucker ’48 sold for about $3000 more than a top-of-the-line Cadillac. Two years after production ceased a Tucker ’48 sold for a record $75000. In recent years Tuckers have sold at auction for as much as $2 million.
The value of a Tucker ’48 today depends on a number of factors including its condition provenance and rarity. There are only 47 known surviving Tucker ’48s plus one replica. Of the 47 survivors 46 are in the United States and one is in France.
Condition is a major factor in the value of any vintage car and the Tucker ’48 is no exception. A car that has been well-maintained and is in good or excellent condition will be worth more than one that is in poor condition.
Provenance is also important. A Tucker ’48 that can be documented to have belonged to Preston Tucker for example will be worth more than one with no known provenance.
Rarity is another factor that affects value. As only 51 Tucker ’48s were built it is one of the rarest cars in existence. This rarity combined with its historical significance makes it a highly sought-after collector’s item.
The value of a Tucker ’48 is also affected by the current market conditions. In general the value of vintage cars has been on the rise in recent years. This is due in part to the increasing number of baby boomers who are entering their retirement years and have the disposable income to pursue their hobbies.
The Tucker ’48 is a unique and significant piece of automotive history. Its rarity combined with its condition and provenance make it a highly valuable collector’s item.
How much did the Tucker 48 sell for when new?
$5000
How much is a Tucker 48 worth today?
Prices vary depending on the condition of the car but a Tucker 48 in good condition can sell for upwards of $2 million.
What was the original price of a Tucker Torpedo?
$2450
How much is a Tucker Torpedo worth today?
Prices for a Tucker Torpedo vary depending on the condition of the car but a Tucker Torpedo in good condition can sell for upwards of $1 million.
How much did the Tucker 48 cost to produce?
$4000
How much did the Tucker Torpedo cost to produce?
$2500
How many Tuckers were produced?
51
How many Tuckers still exist?
47
What was the biggest obstacle to Tucker’s success?
False rumors and bad publicity which ultimately led to an investigation by the SEC.
Did the Tucker Corporation ever turn a profit?
No the Tucker Corporation was only in operation for about a year and a half before it ceased production in 1949.
What happened to Tucker after the Tucker Corporation went out of business?
Tucker went on to work on various other projects but he never again achieved the level of success he had with the Tucker Corporation.
What was the fate of the Tucker 48?
The Tucker 48 was sold at auction in 1950 for $75000.
What was the fate of the Tucker Torpedo?
The Tucker Torpedo was sold at auction in 1951 for $154000.
How did the Tucker Corporation’s demise impact the American automotive industry?
The Tucker Corporation’s demise had a chilling effect on the American automotive industry and it wasn’t until the 1960s that another major automotive startup would occur.
What is the legacy of the Tucker Corporation?
The Tucker Corporation is remembered as an innovative company that produced a high-quality product but ultimately fell victim to false rumors and bad publicity.
