The 1948 Tucker Sedan (photo)

Introduced during a period of pent-up consumer demand, the Tucker was promoted as a new type of automobile because of its novel engineering and safety features and its unique styling. The rear-mounted, aluminium alloy engine is a liquid-cooled version of a Franklin helicopter engine. Instead of springs, the Tucker has rubber cylinders mounted at each wheel. Safety features include a windshield designed to pop out in a crash, a padded dashboard, a “safety chamber” providing crash protection for the front passenger, and a center headlight that turns with the front wheels.