Tucker, undoubtedly one of the most famous of the many failed automotive companies the world has seen, was way ahead of its time in automotive technology. Featuring a rear-mounted engine that first designed for helicopter use, a full perimeter frame, a padded dash for safety and – lest we forget its most iconic design element – the cyclops front headlamp, the Tucker Torpedo stood apart from the crowd. As you probably already know, though, Preston Tucker's dream came crashing down after just 50 sedans and one prototype were produced in Chicago. Apparently, there is much conjecture as to whether one of those machines was a convertible.

What's not debatable is the fact that a lone topless 1948 Tucker exists today, though it is not really known whether it was a full factory effort or a one-off special made by another firm. Regardless of its murky past, Benchmark Classics, a collector car dealership and restoration shop in Madison, Wisconsin, has gotten its hands on the droptop and announced plans to completely restore the machine by May of this year. They plan to publicly show the Tucker 'vert at both Pebble Beach and Amelia Island, with a possible SEMA appearance added later in the year. All of this will eventually lead to what's sure to be a high-profile sale. Thanks for the tip, Matt!

[Source: Old Cars Weekly]