Reading Steve Lehto's book about Preston Tucker felt like uncovering a hidden chapter of automotive history. Tucker wasn't just a car enthusiast; he was a visionary who dared to challenge the giants of Detroit with his revolutionary '48 Tucker Torpedo.

What struck me most was how Tucker's story mirrors modern startup struggles—big dreams, relentless innovation, and brutal opposition from established players. The SEC's witch hunt against him made my blood boil, especially knowing how many of his safety innovations (like seat belts!) later became industry standards.

The courtroom drama was particularly gripping. Imagine Tucker driving his creation to court every day, literally proving the government wrong with each engine rev. That tangible defiance gave me chills—it's rare to see such poetic justice in business history.

Lehto's balanced approach impressed me. He doesn't deify Tucker, showing his business naivety alongside his engineering brilliance. The post-trial aftermath—how only 47 Tuckers survived yet became million-dollar collector items—adds bittersweet closure to this American tragedy.

As someone who grew up watching the Coppola film, I appreciated learning about Tucker's pre-car life too—from police force rebel to wartime inventor. This isn't just a car book; it's a case study on how bureaucracy can crush innovation, making it painfully relevant today.

The surviving Tucker cars' whereabouts section felt like an automotive treasure hunt. After reading, I found myself browsing auction sites, half-seriously wondering if I could ever own one of these mechanical unicorns.