The iconic Tucker Torpedo, widely known as the Tucker 48, was powered by an air-cooled flat-6 engine known as the Franklin O-335, manufactured by Air Cooled Motors.
The Chosen Powerplant: Franklin O-335
Preston Tucker's ambitious vision for his revolutionary automobile necessitated an innovative and powerful engine. The search for the perfect powerplant led to an unconventional, yet highly effective, solution. While an initial attempt to integrate a Lycoming aircraft engine proved unsuccessful due to its inability to fit in the car's rear engine compartment, the team ultimately discovered a more fitting alternative.
The Franklin O-335, an engine originally designed for the Bell 47 helicopter, emerged as the ideal choice. This decision was driven by its compact, air-cooled, flat-6 design, which perfectly accommodated the Tucker 48's distinctive rear-engine layout. The engine's robust performance, delivering 166 horsepower, was also a significant factor that pleased Preston Tucker.
Key Specifications of the Franklin O-335 in the Tucker 48
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Air-cooled, Flat-6 (Horizontally Opposed) |
| Manufacturer | Air Cooled Motors (Franklin) |
| Original Purpose | Bell 47 Helicopter |
| Horsepower (HP) | 166 hp |
| Kilowatts (kW) | 124 kW |
| Metric HP (PS) | 168 PS |
| Cooling Method | Air-cooled |
Why the Franklin O-335?
The selection of an aviation-derived engine for a car might seem unusual, but it provided several practical benefits for the Tucker 48:
- Space Efficiency: The flat-6 configuration allowed for a lower profile, enabling it to fit seamlessly into the rear engine bay without compromising the vehicle's unique design.
- Simplified Cooling: Being air-cooled, the engine eliminated the need for a complex and heavy liquid cooling system, contributing to a lighter and more streamlined design.
- Reliability: As an engine designed for aircraft, it was built to rigorous standards of durability and performance, offering inherent reliability.
The Initial Engine Consideration
Before the Franklin O-335 became the definitive choice, Tucker's engineering team explored other options. Their first consideration was a Lycoming aircraft engine. However, this particular engine proved too large and could not be successfully integrated into the Tucker 48's unique rear engine compartment. This early challenge ultimately led to the discovery and adoption of the Franklin engine, which became a signature component of the legendary automobile.
For further details on the innovative engineering behind the Tucker 48, you can explore its history on Wikipedia.
