Cinema: Car Of Tomorrow

In 1947 Preston Tucker proclaimed it “The car of tomorrow — today!” The Tucker seated six adults and could cruise at 100 m.p.h. with its air-cooled rear engine. It boasted innovations that later became Detroit standards: disk brakes, a padded dashboard and curiosities such as a pop-out windshield and a crash compartment. (Preston’s idea for seat belts was nixed by his company’s board.) Sticker price: $2,450.

Only 51 Tuckers were produced. Five have been destroyed; the other 46 are still roadworthy and sell for up to $100,000. Francis Coppola has two; so has George Lucas. Owners admit the car’s design flaws (the suspension system, a sticky transmission) but wouldn’t trade it for a Lamborghini. Says Owner Curtis Foester: “It’s my idea of what a car ought to be.” That’s the Tucker — a car for yesterday, today and tomorrow.