The Tucker Type O-335 horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine was derived from a Franklin designed engine further modified to power air-cooled Bell 47 helicopters for use in World War II.
Preston Tucker acquired the engine manufacturer, Air-Cooled Motors of Chicago, and had them modify the engine for automotive use, including the industry's first fully sealed water-cooling system.
While only 51 original cars were completed, Tucker intended to build more cars and had a total of 98 engines produced. They cost more than he had been marketing the car for... 1500 for the engine, vs his early claims of a car for 1000 dollars.
The remaining new engines were sold at the factory bankruptcy auction and are generally displayed by collectors. The engine sold in Monaco is build number 335-78.
http://www.rmsothebys.com/mc16/monaco/lots/tucker-48-engine-no-33578/1079118
http://www.motortrend.com/news/brand-new-tucker-flat-six-engine-sells-nearly-35000-auction/
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