Preston Tucker formed the Tucker corporation in 1946. Despite this, The company did not produce any cars until 1948. During this two year period, the Tucker Corporation lost their chief stylist George Lawson, and the Tucker Torpedo went through many design changes before the final release.
Ragged Release
Upon the awaited release, the prototype proved too heavy for the suspension arms and the car seemed to have minor engine problems. Additionally, the high voltage starter required outside power to start the engine, requiring the engineers to allow the car to run during the entire release. The engine waas so loud that the band had to play as loud as possible to drown out the car. One journalist found the car to be behind the times, however, due to the prototype's inability to drive backwards and its wobbly driving. This was all fixed in later models, but the company's image never recovered.
A Fraudulent Downfall
One of Tucker's most innovative business ideas, his Accessories Program, caused problems before production began. In the post war era, there were exceptional waiting lists for cars. Returning veterans were given preference and therefore non-veterans were bumped down the ever-growing list. The program allowed potential Tucker 48 buyers to obtain a guarenteed spot on the waiting list.The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commision and the U.S. Attorney investigated this concept, leading to an indictment of company executives.Eventually all charges were dropped, but the company never recovered from this negative publicity and production of the car was halted.
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