Tucker 48 (1948)rsaxvc, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tucker 48

1948 — USA

Post-War (1946-1959)AmericanRear EngineFailed Automotive Startups
Engine5,473 cc
DrivetrainRWD

Tucker 48

Preston Tucker's innovative sedan featured advanced safety concepts like a padded dashboard, windshield designed to pop out in accidents, and a reinforced safety chamber. The rear-mounted flat-six helicopter engine provided surprising performance and handling balance. A third center headlight turned with the steering for improved cornering visibility. Legal troubles and accusations of fraud ended production after just 51 cars, though Tucker was eventually acquitted of all charges.