Tucker Tales: The Story of Tucker 48 #1021

Welcome to Tucker Tales, where the Tucker experts at Nostalgic Motoring LTD uncover the captivating histories of these iconic cars.

Every Tucker 48 has a story. We want to share them with you.

By Jakob Hansen

Today we bring our focus to a special car in the Tucker lineup: Tucker #1021.

21st of only 50 Tucker 48s ever produced, #1021 finished production August 29, 1948, midway through the Tucker 48 production run.

This particular example is of significant importance to the Tucker community because it has remained in operable condition—and indeed was frequently used—from its purchase in February 16, 1949, up to 2021 when the previous owner moved the car into storage. It is still in running condition today.

For the majority of its life, #1021 was cared for by only two gentlemen, adding its third owner in 2023 when Nostalgic Motoring LTD purchased the car.

Recently, #1021 was sold at the Mecum Kissimmee 2024 auction and has found a new owner, the Martin Auto Museum.

This Tucker 48 stands out as one of only four finished in the rarest color for these iconic automobiles, Striking Black.

#1021 was originally sold from the Tucker Corporation on February 16, 1949 to California Tucker dealer, Charles DeCosta. The car was kept under DeCosta’s ownership until 1967, at which point it was sold to Gene Clark, a dedicated and active member of the Tucker Automobile Club of America.

The car remained in Gene Clark’s care and was frequently used until 2021, where it remained in storage until 2023, at which point it was acquired by Nostalgic Motoring LTD owner Mark Lieberman, senior director of the Tucker Automobile Club.

Notably, this Tucker ’48 played a supporting role in the acclaimed movie “Tucker: The Man and His Dream,” adding another layer of prestige to its already impressive pedigree.

In preparation for the movie, the car was resprayed in its original black, despite Francis Ford Coppola, the director, putting pressure on Gene to change the color. Gene held his ground, however, and refreshed the black paint, keeping its original color.

In fact, our friends at Silodrome recently featured this special car in a great article of their own, covering much of what makes this Tucker special.

This highly original Tucker ’48 boasts original floors and body panels, original engine—engine no. 33591— and remarkably, traces of the original paint are still visible in the door jambs, engine bay, luggage compartment, showcasing its well-preserved condition.

The car’s suspension was also augmented by coil springs, retaining Tucker’s original Torsalastic Suspension, but being supplemented by the coil springs.

Powering #1021 is the factory air-cooled 335 cubic-inch horizontally-opposed rear-mounted flat 6-cylinder engine, number 33591. Power is surprisingly healthy with 166 horsepower and a whopping 372 lb-ft of torque. This Tucker retains its Y1 4-speed pre-selector transmission.