"Lower 48" is a hot rodded version of Preston Tucker's futuristic design. The Tucker 48, or Tucker "Torpedo" was so far ahead of its time, that some of his ideas are just being rediscovered today. Our "Lower 48", stays true to Tuckers forward thinking ideas. This car is a mid-engine lay out, with four wheel disc brakes, steerable headlight, fuel injection, aircraft style door openings, and four wheel independant suspension. After two solid years of creating a plug (full scale model), tooling and the first prototype body, they are able to make their own New Tucker 48 bodies. Rob has chosen to build this model as a modern street rod. Each part of this car is hand made in the shop, or by some of the hand chosen vendors listed on our links page. This car is laid out so differently from most other cars, that it requires new thinking, and unusual build procedures to make it a reality. To the Ida's, the Tucker sedan is truly a family car. Yes, it is a family car because it has room enough for the whole family, with safety and entertainment features of a modern SUV or luxury sedan, but it also has a rich family history for them. In 1947, Rob's Grandfather, Joe Ida, opened a Tucker dealership in Yonkers NY. After the Tucker Car Co. failed, he still stayed in contact with Preston Tucker. Fifthy years later, after the word was out about what the Ida's were doing, they had the pleasure of receiving a phone call from Preston Tucker's grandson, John Tucker Jr. They have stayed in contact with John and his family, and take pleasure in having his support in their efforts. The Ida's absoloutly love building and driving their New Tucker 48 cars, and hope you enjoy watching its progress.

 

The "Lower 48" is using a transverse mounted Cadillac Northstar engine with a computer harness from " The Detail Zone", tubular chassis with "Fat Man Fabrications" suspension air ride struts by "Air Ride Technologies", two "Air-Zenith" air pumps with pneumatic operated doors, hood and trunk and one-off 22" billet wheels by "Billet Bob" wrapped in "Hankook Performance Tires" and front and rear 6 piston brakes, with drilled and slotted rotor by "Wilwood". Subtle body mods include a pie cut hood, selective trim removed, and a slammed stance. A leather and suede interior,  "Hot Rod Air" dual zone air conditioning, with drop down TV screens, in-dash navigation, and a multitude of amps and speakers from "Rockford Fosgate", and video components from "Vivo" electronics, including rear view camera and in dash monitor, two rear seat drop down screens, and one in-trunk monitor for viewing a slide featruring the cars build up. All of the electronics are powered by an Optima battery. Custom Olive and Black Jade paint from "Outer Limit Paints" detailed in gold leaf finish off the look. Other features incled a 31 gal stainless steel fuel tank by "Rock Valley Antique Auto", and a 6" 5 in 1 gauge by "Haneline".