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Vintage RARE 1948 Tucker Motorola Car Radio NEW IN BOX

Here's your chance to own a piece of automotive history, a 1948 Tucker Motorola Car Radio, unused and in its original box. This particular radio, model 708T6  - Part # 102954, was sent to H.G. Spears & Sons in Macon, Georgia and was sold as part of the Tucker Accessories Program, where potential buyers of a new Tucker automobile could purchase accessories to their vehicle. The Tucker Accessories Program, basically a fundraiser for Tucker, ultimately led to the company's downfall. What makes this Tucker piece unique is its extraordinary condition. Stored for nearly 60 years in its original box, the bronze-colored radio is in gorgeous shape, still retaining its luster after all this time. There is a small, inch-long patch on the top of the unit where the paint is starting to corrode and a few minor surface blemishes, but otherwise this unit appears flawless. (see photos) The unit has never been tested (for obvious reasons) but based on its present condition and years of careful storage, I'm sure this unit would rise to the challenge if ever called upon.In addition to the auto radio receiver unit, this Tucker kit includes an original Motorola Speaker, the original installation hardware (still sealed in its original box - never opened), installation instructions, a customer guarantee sheet, voltage warning tag, package contents list, as well as its original Tucker packaging. The Tucker packaging exhibits significant wear, but is very sturdy and has held up very well to the test of time. This is truely a unique find in such extraordinary condition!History of the TuckerThe 1948 Tucker Sedan or Tucker '48 Sedan (also nicknamed the Tucker Torpedo) was an advanced automobile conceived by Preston Tucker and briefly produced in Chicago in 1948. Only 51 examples were made before the company folded on March 3, amid allegations of fraud.Although it was well-funded, the company decided to raise more money in order to secure its future and credibility. $17,000,000 was raised in a stock issue, one of the first speculative IPOs. Another money maker was the Tucker Accessories Program. Future buyers could purchase accessories, like seat covers, radios, and luggage, before their car was built. This brought an additional $2,000,000 into the company.The Accessories Program was investigated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the United States Attorney, and led to an indictment of company executives. Although all charges were eventually dropped, the negative publicity destroyed the company and halted production of the car.Today, the '48 Sedan has fame far greater than would be expected from its modest production run. Of the 51 cars built (50 production and 1 prototype), 47 still exist, the majority in excellent condition. When the cars appear at auction, they command prices attained by only a few marques. Tucker 1043 was recently sold for the record-setting price of $700,000. In April 2005, Tucker 1029 sold for $461,500 and Tucker 1003, formerly owned by the filmmaker George Lucas, sold at auction in September 2005 for $385,000. Several other cars are prominently featured in automotive museums.(information courtesy of Wikipedia) 

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