The Tucker Torpedo: A Dream Car Still Waiting to Be Born

Unfinished Legacy - In the world of automobiles, countless futuristic ideas often remain just that—ideas. Many bold designs never make it past the drawing board simply because the visionaries behind them can’t gain enough support to turn sketches into steel. Yet, once in a while, a concept refuses to fade into history, no matter how many years pass or how many obstacles stand in its way.

This George Lawson designed Tucker Torpedo concept car was never produced, instead led to the Tucker 48 with 51 examples ever built by defunc Tucker Corporation. (Picture from: Rob Ida Concepts)

One such case is the Tucker Torpedo, a car envisioned by designer George Lawson in 1946. Lawson worked with the Tucker Corporation, an ambitious automotive startup led by the equally visionary Preston Tucker. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Tucker imagined a car that prioritized safety and forward-thinking design. 

This George Lawson-designed Tucker Torpedo that Ida Automotive tried to put into reality based on hand drawn rendering images, and ¼ scaled model from the original automaker Tucker Corporation. (Picture from: Rob Ida Concepts)

While at the time, the Tucker Corporation ultimately chose to bring the Tucker 48 to life—designed by Alex Tremulis and featuring innovative safety features—the original Torpedo concept never made it to full-scale production.

Once completed, a full 3D scan of the Torpedo's ¼ scale model, allowing the automaker to CNC making the car's frame (on the right) and the matched wooden-bucks (on the left) to every contours and edges of the car design. (Picture from: Rob Ida Concepts)

Lawson’s Torpedo design was radical for its time. It featured sleek, futuristic lines and a unique three-seat configuration with the driver positioned in the center. But the most imaginative ideas remained limited to paper and a 1:4 scale model. The Tucker 48, on the other hand, managed to hit the road—though only 51 units were built—becoming one of the most legendary vintage cars ever created. 

The Tucker Torpedo concept car is built based on the custom-made steel chassis featured with rotating seats assembly in the middle, and rear engined layout. (Picture from: Rob Ida Concepts)

Still, many couldn't help but wonder: What if the Torpedo had been realized? The Tucker Corporation’s dreams were cut short in 1949 due to legal troubles involving stock fraud allegations. With the company’s closure, the Torpedo was quietly shelved. However, the dream never entirely died.

The unique steering wheel system of the Tucker Torpedo allows the front fenders can be moved in any direction according to driver desired. (Picture from: Wired)

Decades later, enthusiasts tried to give the car a second chance. One such attempt was by Roy Tucker—who, despite the last name, isn’t related to Preston Tucker in 1994, who built a replica dubbed the "Tucker Torpedo Prototype II" using a 1971 Buick Riviera as its base. Though a creative homage, it stirred mixed reactions since it was far from the original concept.

The Tucker Torpedo concept car's bodywork is made of metal pieces formed by hand using an english wheel and hammer following curved of the car's wooden-buck pattern. (Picture from: Wired)

Another, more faithful and ambitious attempt to bring the Tucker Torpedo to life came from Bob and Rob Ida of Ida Automotive, a custom car workshop based in New Jersey. The Idas weren’t just skilled builders—they had a personal connection to the Tucker legacy. Joe Ida, Bob’s father, once briefly owned a Tucker dealership before the automaker’s untimely end. With that family history and a lifelong passion for custom cars, the Idas took on the challenge with heart and precision.

The Tucker Torpedo concept car's bodywork is made of metal pieces formed by hand using an english wheel and hammer following curved of the car's wooden-buck pattern. (Picture from: Wired)

Their project had the support of Sean Tucker, the great-grandson of Preston Tucker, adding even more weight to the effort. With Sean’s blessing and involvement, Bob and Rob Ida set out to create a full-sized, running version of George Lawson’s original 1946 Torpedo concept. Unlike previous replicas, their goal was to stay as close as possible to the original vision, using vintage building techniques wherever they could.

The Tucker Torpedo concept car's unique 'Cyclops Eye' headlight features attached in the middle. (Picture from: Wired)

The Idas brought years of experience to the table, having previously restored one of the rare Tucker 48s and countless other classic cars. Their shop had a reputation for high-quality custom builds, and this one was among their most challenging. Every step was carefully planned to maintain authenticity while adapting the concept for real-world construction.

The Tucker Torpedo concept car aluminum body work after completely attached on the custom frame and steel chassis. (Picture from: Rob Ida Concepts)

To bring Lawson’s drawings into three-dimensional form, the team began by 3D-scanning the original quarter-scale model. With that data, they used CNC machines to cut wooden bucks—precise forms that helped guide the shaping of the body panels. Each curve and line was formed by hand, using traditional tools like the English wheel and body hammers. “We shape each piece of metal using old-world techniques,” said Rob Ida. “English wheel and hammers.”

The Tucker Torpedo concept car's cabin assembly process which has a unique rotating seats and center drive systems. (Picture from: Rob Ida Concepts)

Built on a custom steel chassis, the car featured a rotating middle-seat assembly—just as Lawson envisioned—and was designed to be powered by a rear-mounted Porsche air-cooled flat-6 engine with a matching transaxle. This modern drivetrain allowed the car to function while still honoring the spirit of its futuristic, postwar design. Every detail was carefully chosen to reflect what the Torpedo might have become, had it been built in its time.

The Tucker Torpedo concept car's has also an advanced 360 degree disc brakes. (Picture from: Rob Ida Concepts)

Towards the end of 2017, a full-sized uncompleted prototype of the Tucker Torpedo concept car was presented to the public at the AACA Museum. Even in its unfinished state, the car turned heads. With its sweeping lines and center-seated cockpit, it offered a striking glimpse into what might have been—a vision first imagined over 70 years earlier by George Lawson and Preston Tucker.

The Tucker Torpedo concept car under construction will be powered by a rear-mounted Porsche flat-6 opposed air-cooled engine. (Picture from: Rob Ida Concepts)

Everything about the build showed careful thought and dedication. Based on original scale models and renderings, the body panels were handcrafted using traditional methods, staying true to the era in which the car was first conceived. The Ida family, deeply connected to Tucker history, poured years of expertise into making the Torpedo as authentic as possible, blending old-world techniques with modern precision.

But despite the promising progress, things began to unravel. After nearly a decade of hard work, a serious conflict between the Idas and their client brought the project to an unexpected stop. Rob Ida, who had been central to the effort, had to walk away, and the car was relinquished—unfinished and without a clear future.

To this day, no one outside the circle truly knows what went wrong. The dream paused, once again, just short of reality. Still, the Tucker Torpedo continues to fascinate. It stands as a powerful reminder that visionary ideas never truly disappear. Sometimes, they just need the right moment—and the right hands—to finally come to life. *** [EKA [10112022] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ROB IDA CONCEPTS | WIRED | AUTO YAHOO | STREETMUSCLEMAG | HEMMINGS | WEIRDWHEELS IN REDDIT | KUSTOMRAMA | GMAUTHORITY | CARSTYLING.RU | OLDCARSWEEKLY ]

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