Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I first saw the car in 1948 or 49 and thought it was a beauty considering the time era just after WW11. The fenders had the lines of the 47 Chev Fleetline. The big deal was the 3rd headlite in the middle above the massive grill.
Saw the movie sat night on the TV and it brought back memories.
A few years ago, I was lucky enough to see one at a Car Show and you are absolutely correct . . . a very unique vehicle. The rear definitely resembled a Chevy of that same era and the front leaned more towards a Studebaker.
As for that center headlight, Steve . . . if I remember correctly, it was linked to the steering and pivoted for better visibility when turning. Very clever idea.
As for that center headlight, Steve . . . if I remember correctly, it was linked to the steering and pivoted for better visibility when turning. Very clever idea.
Yep, the center headlight did turn in the direction the car was steered.
The engine was in the rear.
It was engineered to be America's safest car according to the promo's.
I have a model of one from the Danbury Mint.
I wish I could make it bigger and come alive and drive it.
A few years ago, I was lucky enough to see one at a Car Show and you are absolutely correct . . . a very unique vehicle. The rear definitely resembled a Chevy of that same era and the front leaned more towards a Studebaker.
As for that center headlight, Steve . . . if I remember correctly, it was linked to the steering and pivoted for better visibility when turning. Very clever idea.
This innovation is the grandfather of today's autoleveling system headlights technology.
I first saw the car in 1948 or 49 and thought it was a beauty considering the time era just after WW11. The fenders had the lines of the 47 Chev Fleetline. The big deal was the 3rd headlite in the middle above the massive grill.
Saw the movie sat night on the TV and it brought back memories.
Any others with info etc?
Steve
If you are visiting Napa Valley, you can see one at the Niebaum-Coppola winery. It's part of Francis Ford Coppola's collection. Saw it last week, beautiful brown color. The gearshift inside looks pretty complicated.
I've read/heard.....helicopter engine, flat opposed 6 similar to the Corvair in some ways. Lots of torque.
The headlight was supposed to turn, but the "production" models lacked that feature.
The safety zone...flat floor for passenger to drop to just before an accident....we all have that 6th sense and the time to do it......!
Nowhere near the legend according to many who tested it.
Again, this is what I've read/heard.....no personal opinions. Don't shoot the messenger!
The original idea with the headlights was for the Front wheels to have wheel fairings with the headlights mounted to them. That way when they turned the headlights would always point in the direction of steering. Having worked on a similar idea in a different area I can tell you there are several technical obsticals to overcome. So the idea was scrapped in favor of just the headlight moving. Tucker had some great ideas. Too bad they couldn't make it. Would have been cool to see how their designs would have evolved over the years.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
