Cars That Defined Their Decades

4. 1940s: Tucker 48

Part of a limited edition of 51 cars produced in 1948, the Tucker 48 is exotic because of its story as well as its unique design. Also known as the "Tucker Torpedo," the car was the dream of Preston Tucker. He hired a team of designers to create a unique styling that went beyond the times, as did the many safety, theft proofing, and convenience features, including a steerable center headlight. Tucker's many innovative ideas, such as a rubber torsion bar to replace springs in the suspension, all went for naught as the company was driven quickly into failure.