<VV> Tucker ...no Corvair but rear engine

[Louis C. Armer,Jr.]

 From Wikipedia:


Tucker had promised 150 hp (112 kW), and his innovative 589 was not 
working out, so another engine was sourced. The company first tried 
the <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki//wiki/Lycoming>Lycoming aircraft 
engine but it would not fit in the car's rear engine compartment. The 
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki//wiki/Franklin>Franklin 
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki//wiki/Air-cooled>air-cooled 
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki//wiki/Helicopter>helicopter 
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki//wiki/Flat-6>flat-6 did fit, however, 
so Tucker purchased four samples for $5,000 each. The company's 
engineers converted it to a 
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki//wiki/Water-cooled>water-cooled design, 
and its 166 hp (124 kW) pleased Tucker. He quickly bought the 
Franklin company to secure the engine source.

Another failed element of the prototypes was the Cord transmission, 
designed for 
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki//wiki/FF_layout>front-engine/front 
wheel drive use. It could not handle the power of the Franklin 
engine, so a new design was needed. The creator of the 
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki//wiki/Buick>Buick Dynaflow transmission 
was called in, designing a special "Tuckermatic" transmission with 
only 27 parts, about 90 less than normal. This transmission was to 
cause more trouble, however, as the initial prototype lacked a 
reverse gear. A skeptical press reported that the car could not go 
backward, hurting its reputation.


I loved the movie.
Chuckster

CORSA Member
CORSA Tri-membership Chairman
Corvair Atlanta Member
Corvair Atlanta BOD
Corvanatics Member
SECC Member

1965 Corsa Coupe
1964  Greenbrier
1966 Monza Convertible
1966 WTBRT #112 xcrosser 1/2 owner
http://carmerjr.home.mindspring.com/