Tucker Torpedo Special

In 1947, Preston Tucker wanted to promote his future Tucker '48 automobiles by entering race cars in the 1947 Indy 500 Race. He hired veteran Indy driver 50-year old Ralph Hepburn to captain a team of three racers. The #66 Tucker '48 Special Miller Rear-Engine Racer was owned by the Tucker Corporation. The racer built initially by Harry Miller had several components similar to the planned Tucker '48 automobile including; the rear engine, independent suspension and hydraulic disc brakes.

In 1947, the #66 Tucker '48 Special Racer was driven by Al Miller of Standish, Michigan. For the 1947 Indy 500, Miller qualified at 124 mph, just 2 mph slower than the fastest qualifier. The race car broke down on the 34th lap after experiencing magneto trouble. The Special Racer was entered in the Milwaukee 100 race in June 1947, but was withdrawn from race "due to motor damage".

Two Gulf Oil Miller Rear- Engine Racers were entered in the 1941 Indy 500 Race by Eddie Offutt. The #35 Racer twas to be driven by George Barringer, but was destroyed on race day in a historic garage fire. Its sister #12 Racer was driven by Al Miller and finished 28th and was later purchased by George Barringer.

In 1946, Preston Tucker purchased the #12 Racer from Barringer and entered it in the 1946 Indy 500 Race. It raced as the #26 Tucker Torpedo Racer and was driven to a 29th place finish by its former owner George Barringer. This was the same race car entered one year later as the #66 Tucker '48 Special Racer in the 1947 Indy 500 Race.

For the 1947 Indy 500 Race, Preston Tucker and his "partners" also entered two front-engine racers; #3 Preston Tucker Partners Special and #44 Preston Tucker Partners Special.

https://libwww.freelibrary.org/digital/item/33913
http://www.vanderbiltcupraces.com/blog/article/mystery_friday_foto_3_a_tucker_48_special_race_car
http://www.georgebarringer.com/1947.html