Twins buy 1-in-50 car their Michigan great-grandfather couldn't build 77 years ago

The Tucker Corporation is likely a name that you have never heard.

However, it’s the subject of one of the most important – and controversial – sagas in car history.

Recently, the two great-grandsons of the founder bought one of his cars back.

And it remains one of the most unique and original cars you will ever see.

DISCOVER SBX CARS – Bid now on supercar auctions powered by Supercar Blondie

Tucker Corporation: An idea to change the world

Preston Tucker, like many of us, was simply a man with an idea to change the car world.

In 1948, the American car market was in a complete state of flux and change.

The big three manufacturers, owing to their commitments to the war effort, hadn’t produced any new cars since 1941.

This left the car market wide-open for smaller, independent brands to make their mark.

And one of the people determined to make their mark was Preston Tucker.

In 1948, Tucker released his marque’s first – and only – car: the Tucker 48 sedan.

The entrepreneur even released his own promotional material, and touted his sedan as ‘the first completely new car in 50 years.’

And, to his credit, Tucker wasn’t entirely wrong in making such a sweeping statement.

For one thing, his sedan came with a rear-mounted boxer engine, which was unheard of.

The block of the engine was crafted from lightweight aluminum alloy – also revolutionary.

But one of the most revolutionary changes that the new marque made was with the drivetrain.

It was extremely expensive to develop, but the entire drivetrain could be swapped out in 15 minutes.

All in all, the Tucker 48 sedan was a car that had the potential to change the car world.

SEC investigation ruins the Tucker brand

As part of the fundraising process, he came up with an innovative method to raise money.

In order to get on the waiting list, customers could purchase car parts, such as seats covers, radios, etc.

Aside from the $17,000,000 previously raised, this raised an additional $2,000,000.

Unfortunately, it also raised the suspicion of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Rumours swirled that executives from the big three car companies had initiated the inquiry.

Whatever the reason, the investigation by the SEC and the US Attorney General led to indictments for executives.

The charges were all eventually dropped, but the publicity torpedoed the Tucker Corporation forever.

Preston Tucker’s great-grandsons buy back 48 Sedan

As it turns out, the entrepreneur has two great-grandsons.

Twins Sean and Mike happen to run a YouTube channel known as Preston Tucker’s Speed Shop.

And recently, the two acquired one of their great-grandfather’s original 48 sedan cars.

This particular unit, Chassis No. 1051, was only partially assembled due to the company closing.

In the 1980s, this example was finally put together using parts sourced from various enthusiasts.

An interesting thing to note is that this example also has fiberglass tenders crafted by the builder.

This 48 had been carefully stored inside a garage, so it was very well cared for.

We’re extremely happy to see a Tucker vehicle back with the original family, and we wish Sean and Mike well.

DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie