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Preston Tucker and His Battle to Build the Car of Tomorrow
A 2017 Michigan Notable Book
After World War II, the American automobile industry was reeling. Having spent years building tanks and airplanes for the army, the car companies would need years more to retool their production to meet the demands of the American public, for whom they had not made any cars since 1942.
And then in stepped Preston Tucker. This salesman extraordinaire from Ypsilanti, Michigan, had built race cars before the war, and had designed prototypes for the military during it. Now, gathering a group of brilliant automotive designers, engineers, and promoters, he announced the creation of a revolutionary new car: the Tucker '48, the first car in almost a decade to be built fresh from the ground up. Tucker's car would include ingenious advances in design and engineering that other car companies could not match. With a rear engine, rear-wheel drive, a safety-glass windshielf that would pop out in case of an accident, a padded dashboard, independent suspension, and automatic transmission, it would be more attractive and aerodynamic—and safer—than any other car on the road.
But as the public eagerly awaited Tucker's car of tomorrow, powerful forces in Washington were trying to bring him down. An SEC commissioner with close ties to Detroit's Big Three automakers deliberately leaked information about an investigation the agency was conducting, suggesting that Tucker was bilking investors with a massive fraud scheme. Headlines accused him a perpetrating a hoax and claimed that his cars weren't real and his factory was a sham.
In fact, the Tucker '48 sedan was genuine, and everyone who saw it was impressed by what this upstart carmaker had achieved. But the SEC's investigation had compounded the company's financial problems and management conflicts, and a superior product was not enough to keep Tucker's dream afloat.
Here, Steve Lehto tackles the story of Tucker's amazing rise and tragic fall, relying on a huge trove of documents that has been used by no other writer to date. It is the first comprehensive, authoritative account of Tucker's magnificent car and his battles with the government. And in this book, Lehto finally answers the questions automobile aficionados have wondered about for decades: Exactly how and why was the production of such an innovative car killed?
After World War II, the American automobile industry was reeling. Having spent years building tanks and airplanes for the army, the car companies would need years more to retool their production to meet the demands of the American public, for whom they had not made any cars since 1942.
And then in stepped Preston Tucker. This salesman extraordinaire from Ypsilanti, Michigan, had built race cars before the war, and had designed prototypes for the military during it. Now, gathering a group of brilliant automotive designers, engineers, and promoters, he announced the creation of a revolutionary new car: the Tucker '48, the first car in almost a decade to be built fresh from the ground up. Tucker's car would include ingenious advances in design and engineering that other car companies could not match. With a rear engine, rear-wheel drive, a safety-glass windshielf that would pop out in case of an accident, a padded dashboard, independent suspension, and automatic transmission, it would be more attractive and aerodynamic—and safer—than any other car on the road.
But as the public eagerly awaited Tucker's car of tomorrow, powerful forces in Washington were trying to bring him down. An SEC commissioner with close ties to Detroit's Big Three automakers deliberately leaked information about an investigation the agency was conducting, suggesting that Tucker was bilking investors with a massive fraud scheme. Headlines accused him a perpetrating a hoax and claimed that his cars weren't real and his factory was a sham.
In fact, the Tucker '48 sedan was genuine, and everyone who saw it was impressed by what this upstart carmaker had achieved. But the SEC's investigation had compounded the company's financial problems and management conflicts, and a superior product was not enough to keep Tucker's dream afloat.
Here, Steve Lehto tackles the story of Tucker's amazing rise and tragic fall, relying on a huge trove of documents that has been used by no other writer to date. It is the first comprehensive, authoritative account of Tucker's magnificent car and his battles with the government. And in this book, Lehto finally answers the questions automobile aficionados have wondered about for decades: Exactly how and why was the production of such an innovative car killed?
272 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2016
71 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 24, 2017
All I knew of Preston Tucker was from the 1998 movie (which I haven't seen since). As I recall, it was a really good movie about a guy who has a dream to make a better car than was available after WWII from "The Big 3" automakers. Unfortunately, the Detroit automakers didn't like the competition and arranged for the Federal government to put him out of business.
For the most part, that's the story of the book, Tucker's attempt to build his car and the troubles with the government, although Tucker himself doesn't come off quite as heroic as he did in the movie. But Steve Lehto addresses that in the book and explains that Tucker's personality was that of a salesman, not a businessman. He also quotes one of Tucker's associates suggesting that there really was no conspiracy, but points out that it's something that would be hard to prove one way or the other. Lehto also talks about the movie and tells what became of many of the other people involved in the story, as well as the cars themselves - apparently 47 of the 51 cars actually produced are still in existence (and you can see pictures of them all online). I thought it interesting that he even brings up John Delorean and his similar bout of government persecution (after seeing the movie, my dad mentioned hearing Delorean on the radio telling a similar story).
Overall, it's an interesting book. I thought it felt a little long while I was in the middle (I'm sure car aficionados might disagree) but I still found it enjoyable reading - certainly a lesser-known piece of American history. (Incidentally, there was a fast food joint across the street from my high school back in the early 80s that had a car - the front end only - artfully arranged on the roof so it stuck out over the sidewalk. All I remember is that it was a very unusual car and it was gone by the time I graduated, but some of my friends thought it was a Tucker. Not sure if that was true or not, and not sure how to find out. Maybe a yearbook has a picture...?)
For the most part, that's the story of the book, Tucker's attempt to build his car and the troubles with the government, although Tucker himself doesn't come off quite as heroic as he did in the movie. But Steve Lehto addresses that in the book and explains that Tucker's personality was that of a salesman, not a businessman. He also quotes one of Tucker's associates suggesting that there really was no conspiracy, but points out that it's something that would be hard to prove one way or the other. Lehto also talks about the movie and tells what became of many of the other people involved in the story, as well as the cars themselves - apparently 47 of the 51 cars actually produced are still in existence (and you can see pictures of them all online). I thought it interesting that he even brings up John Delorean and his similar bout of government persecution (after seeing the movie, my dad mentioned hearing Delorean on the radio telling a similar story).
Overall, it's an interesting book. I thought it felt a little long while I was in the middle (I'm sure car aficionados might disagree) but I still found it enjoyable reading - certainly a lesser-known piece of American history. (Incidentally, there was a fast food joint across the street from my high school back in the early 80s that had a car - the front end only - artfully arranged on the roof so it stuck out over the sidewalk. All I remember is that it was a very unusual car and it was gone by the time I graduated, but some of my friends thought it was a Tucker. Not sure if that was true or not, and not sure how to find out. Maybe a yearbook has a picture...?)
June 20, 2019
This was a sad story and it also made me angry in some parts. Knowing that all of this is true was unbelievable! Preston Tucker had great ideas for a new kind of car after the war, but he did not go about it the right way. He did not know how to start from scratch, the right way. He also faced jealousy from the big 3 automakers and a lot of government interference. However, some of the cars did get finished and today they are worth millions even though he was ruined. This is a very interesting piece of history.
January 11, 2018
This book is a history of the Tucker Automobile Company, and also a high level biography of Preston Tucker. The book's primary purpose is to cover the history of the Tucker automobile company from its initial conception to its bankruptcy and liquidation. Preston Tucker was a complex character who was both creative and naive. He was a crack salesman who could convince investors to finance his high risk company, even after the prospectus highlighted its many risks. Tucker's company failed due to lack of capital, immature technology, excessive sales hype, and evidence that Tucker and his company were persecuted by the SEC. Whether you consider Preston Tucker an visionary or a fraud, the cars he produced are highly valued in today's collector car market. Forty-seven of the 51 cars produced (including the prototype) still exist, and they currently sell at auction for 7 figure sums.
September 30, 2019
The book did a good job covering Tucker, his corporation, and their legal fights. I wish the author did a better job with Tucker's early life, as some of the early chapters read like facts of Tucker's life strung together without much context or analysis. I think the book could have also been improved if it provided parallels to other car founders who made it, or maybe what other car companies at the time to give an idea of how small Tucker's enterprises were. When it comes to Tucker the man, Lehto seemed fairly uncritical of him until the end of the book, when he admits that Tucker was a salesman in over his head.
February 7, 2022
This book is a great introduction to the real story behind the Tucker automobile - a car brand that emerged after WWII, attracted tons of attention and investment, but then went out of business almost as quickly, dogged by an investigation and prosecution by the Federal government of its founder Preston Tucker. The book includes a short biography of Tucker, a charismatic Michigan businessman who was involved in car racing and auto dealerships before the second World War, then turned his attention to military contracting and arms inventions during the war. In 1945 he started cooking up a new car with styling and safety features unlike anything that had come before and with the automobile industry having switched over completely to arms manufacturing since 1942, the country was more than ready for it. Excitement in the media exploded and customers and dealers signed up in droves to buy and sell the Tucker Torpedo, later called the Tucker ‘48. Tucker’s company leased a massive plant outside Chicago, hired a bunch of designers, executives, and engineers, and then, apparently through the influence of the Big Three and their political allies, the company was undone by a series of government actions that led to media attacks, law suits, and prosecution. The Tucker was not to be - only about 50 were made - but the story of the Tucker has lived on, most famously in the Francis Ford Coppola movie. This book briefly covers the making and reception of the film and has quite a bit of information about the whereabouts of the surviving few dozen Tucker cars. They were innovative and well-built, disproving the government case that Tucker was a fraudster out to rip off his investors. This book is about the American Dream and how it can be derailed and destroyed.
December 25, 2021
The book only gives Preston Tucker's early life a cursory glance, then it makes the claim that when Tucker came out with his new car, he was a victim of a conspiracy from the Big Three automakers who wanted the upstart quashed. (Never mind there were still plenty of other smaller automotive companies such as Studebaker and Packard.) But even before he tries to make this case, the author tells enough of Tucker's earlier business practices to suggest he was a great salesman but not a great engineer and depended on other people to do design work for him. Many of his World War Two weapon designs would also prove impractical and not used by the US military.
The 1948 Tucker sedan itself was an innovative design for its era, and incorporated collision safety devices such as a pop-out windshield which other car manufacturers at the time did not incorporate. Tucker even made a number of hand-built cars to demonstrate to the public, and he got plenty of preorders from numerous customers. Unfortunately he could not manufacture all the cars he promised, bringing in federal investigators. No deliberate fraud could be proven on Tucker's part, but the Big Three automakers certainly were not guilty of bringing Tucker down. He ended up bungling things on his own accord. The book fails in its promised case of a credible conspiracy theory.
The 1948 Tucker sedan itself was an innovative design for its era, and incorporated collision safety devices such as a pop-out windshield which other car manufacturers at the time did not incorporate. Tucker even made a number of hand-built cars to demonstrate to the public, and he got plenty of preorders from numerous customers. Unfortunately he could not manufacture all the cars he promised, bringing in federal investigators. No deliberate fraud could be proven on Tucker's part, but the Big Three automakers certainly were not guilty of bringing Tucker down. He ended up bungling things on his own accord. The book fails in its promised case of a credible conspiracy theory.
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October 1, 2020The book Preston Tucker will be an amazing book for you if you like history and or cars. This book is about a man in the late 40's who had a dream to build a car. During this time the war was just coming to an end. The military had used most of their recourses so they didn't have many options for automobiles. Preston Tucker ended up designing the so-called " perfect car" for the time, it was the Tucker 48. everyone loved it and people started to reserve their spots for the car when it comes out. A group of car brands including Ford, Chrysler, and GM all hated this idea and got mad cause it was taking all of their business and their money. This group got jealous and hired lawyers to take Preston down in court. Preston Tucker ended up going bankrupt and had to go declare bankruptcy for his company. If you like historical books like this, then I would recommend this book to you.
June 14, 2024
Starting from one legend that was misunderstood and misconsidered for about forty years and vindiated the following forty, the author gives us a good effort on impartiality. Researching for aspects forgotten or unkwnown to so many, he was able to bring facts in a most detailed, careful manner, pointing out the concrete evidence and warning about what not fully confirmed. As an admirer of Tucker legend (the car, the man, the dream) I liked very much finding a non biased nor sensationalist work to present the public a substantiated story.
A great bonus - to me - was the description on several cars' doings. Many times it has been discussed on Tucker's reliability and endurance, whether the cars were conserved because they were tough enough or because they were very early considered rare and therefore preserved, and the book also shows light on this aspect.
A great bonus - to me - was the description on several cars' doings. Many times it has been discussed on Tucker's reliability and endurance, whether the cars were conserved because they were tough enough or because they were very early considered rare and therefore preserved, and the book also shows light on this aspect.
August 29, 2020
This is the story of Preston Tucker, an automobile entrepreneur who set out to build the car of the future from scratch. Using innovative engineering and styling he willed the car into existence and generated incredible excitement. His promotional efforts also attracted the scrutiny of the SEC, likely at the behest of the big 3 Detroit automakers who did not like the idea of an American upstart competitor. It’s a good story and, while parts of it will likely appeal most directly to hardcore car enthusiasts, the story reveals lessons that about the difficulties of entrepreneurship and the non-market forces that incumbents and the American government have employed to tilt free market outcomes to benefit favored businesses and clubby insiders.
May 30, 2019
Very interesting story, written in an objective tone. Details go well beyond the movie, but give insight to an amazing endeavor, and a man who was not afraid to think big! Caution: As a reader, you probably long for pictures, but have little interest in the lengthy end notes and citations which take up the last quarter of the book. Pictures are provided, but at the very END of the book, and might be overlooked.
Great Kindle Unlimited bargain.
Great Kindle Unlimited bargain.
March 4, 2023
Enjoyed reading this book about Preston Tucker and his dream. He was a very ambitious in what he wanted to accomplish and several of his visions are incorporated in today's cars. On the flip side you have to wonder what brought on his and the Tucker Corporation fall from grace, was it mismanagement, underestimating what it would cost to put this idea on the streets or was the Big 3 auto makers behind it in order to eliminate competition....
July 20, 2025
This was a very interesting read. I had to skip some chapters and in the middle and jump to the end as I was curious to know how and why something as good of a design as a Tucker can end up being extinct. Couldn’t find an answer and went back and read every word in the whole book , and still no answer to why Tucker couldn’t proceed with producing the car of tomorrow. All in all it was educational entertaining but above all a mystery
September 18, 2017
If I was a car lover, this book would probably have been rated 4 stars. It is well written and very interesting -- just not my thing. Having met the author and listening to him speak about Tucker made the book come alive for me. I am looking forward to reading other books by the author. If you a a automobile fan and interested in the history of cars other than the big three, read this book.
February 22, 2021
Felt like the story was stretched to fit a page count.
The story of Preston Tucker was interesting and also sad. I liked the collection of photographs found at the end of the Kindle edition. I felt that the description of the legal actions taken against Tucker and his corporation was awfully boring to read through and unnecessarily lengthened the book.
The story of Preston Tucker was interesting and also sad. I liked the collection of photographs found at the end of the Kindle edition. I felt that the description of the legal actions taken against Tucker and his corporation was awfully boring to read through and unnecessarily lengthened the book.
October 1, 2017
A very detailed and well researched story about an incredible individual, who was more of a hustler/salesman than automotive engineer. It's evident the author set out to write the definitive history of Tucker and as such it was kind of a dry read, but intriguing nonetheless.
January 20, 2019
An important book about a legendary time in automotive history. The car that could have changed the industry was destroyed by the illegal actions of the Federal government. Students of U.S. Automotive history will find this compelling story both tragic and frightening.
November 7, 2021
Tucker was prone to exaggeration and perhaps promised things far too soon. But, this book told me that if the government and the press work together against you, you have no chance to have a fair trial, much less prevail.
September 28, 2018
This was good. Anyone interested in old cars, especially the Tucker 48 will enjoy this book.
April 11, 2020
An interesting book overall though a little dry at times. I've been interested in Tuckers ever since I saw one at the ACD Museum in Auburn, Indiana.
February 21, 2021
Great history
Great historical facts. Easy read. American invention at its best. Also shows the power of the govt. must be a great car
Great historical facts. Easy read. American invention at its best. Also shows the power of the govt. must be a great car
July 2, 2016
Lehto does an excellent job of telling the story of Preston Tucker and his attempt to build a new car company with a car very much ahead of its time. But just as he is about to start rolling cars off the assembly line the federal government begins investigations and lawsuits that cause the company to shut down just as it was being born.
At one point in the story I had to put the book down, not because of any problem with the story or writing itself, but because the story was too upsetting. As Tucker himself is quoted as saying on page 188: "When government agencies become the tools of private monopoly, individual initiative and enterprise are doomed." While the author carefully avoids painting the governmental assault as a conspiracy, he details the unfairness of the attacks and the unscrupulous (and illegal) activities that went into the legal battles that ultimately consumed the company.
This book tells about Tucker, so it is a biography. But it is also about the building of the car and the company, and the company's downfall. The story ends after 191 pages, but the author continues on to tell about the movie about Tucker starring Jeff Bridges, a worthy inclusion.
And the final chapter, which gives an update on the status of each of the 47 Tuckers (out of 51 that were produced). The fact that so many are around is a testament to the vision of Tucker, and justification enough for telling the story of how they came to be.
Definitely a good read.
At one point in the story I had to put the book down, not because of any problem with the story or writing itself, but because the story was too upsetting. As Tucker himself is quoted as saying on page 188: "When government agencies become the tools of private monopoly, individual initiative and enterprise are doomed." While the author carefully avoids painting the governmental assault as a conspiracy, he details the unfairness of the attacks and the unscrupulous (and illegal) activities that went into the legal battles that ultimately consumed the company.
This book tells about Tucker, so it is a biography. But it is also about the building of the car and the company, and the company's downfall. The story ends after 191 pages, but the author continues on to tell about the movie about Tucker starring Jeff Bridges, a worthy inclusion.
And the final chapter, which gives an update on the status of each of the 47 Tuckers (out of 51 that were produced). The fact that so many are around is a testament to the vision of Tucker, and justification enough for telling the story of how they came to be.
Definitely a good read.
July 4, 2016
I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway. I was very excited when I opened up the packaging to find this book. To be honest, I'm not much of a car guy, but I was quite intrigued when I saw the forward by Jay Leno, the ultimate car guy.
I decided to read this book right away. As far as the forward, it was only a couple pages and didn't offer much besides saying the car was awesome. The book itself was a detailed biography of the man who set out to compete against the big 3 US automakers after WWII. The book is slanted toward making Tucker sound as amazing as possible, which is understandable. The SEC went after Tucker and his business, effectively drying them out of their resources trying to defend themselves. This is by no means a masterpiece of a novel, but it was very interesting learning about such a unique car that tried to change the landscape of the automotive culture.
From now on, if I happen to see a Tucker '48 at a museum or road show, I'll be able to appreciate the uniqueness as well as the story behind the car.
I'm not giving this book to my brother who is a car guy and will be able to appreciate the history and significance of the Tucker name and automobile.
I decided to read this book right away. As far as the forward, it was only a couple pages and didn't offer much besides saying the car was awesome. The book itself was a detailed biography of the man who set out to compete against the big 3 US automakers after WWII. The book is slanted toward making Tucker sound as amazing as possible, which is understandable. The SEC went after Tucker and his business, effectively drying them out of their resources trying to defend themselves. This is by no means a masterpiece of a novel, but it was very interesting learning about such a unique car that tried to change the landscape of the automotive culture.
From now on, if I happen to see a Tucker '48 at a museum or road show, I'll be able to appreciate the uniqueness as well as the story behind the car.
I'm not giving this book to my brother who is a car guy and will be able to appreciate the history and significance of the Tucker name and automobile.
September 1, 2017
I really enjoyed this story. I did win it on Goodreads. I wished there had been a bit more on the car. There was lots to explain the politics that went on and how it affected the man. Easy to read and it did teach me a lot about this time in history. Well written hard to put down.
July 1, 2016
A good biography of Preston tucker and his automobile. Hard to believe that our government and industry leaders have not changed much today. Money, power and influence impact the decisions. A fairly balanced picture of Tucker's fight to start his car company and its failure.
A goodreads giveaway.
A goodreads giveaway.
September 15, 2016
An entertaining bio that is meticulously well-sourced. Unlike the most recent Ford book submitted for consideration, the automotive engineering portions are accessible to non-gearheads.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews