By Robert Tate Award Winning Automotive Historian/Researcher
Published 11.12.25
Images Courtesy of Gordon Buehrig Archives.
One of the most exciting automotive designs of the 1940’s was the Tasco sports car concept. The 1948 Tasco concept model was designed by the late Gordon M. Buehrig (June 18,1904-January 22,1990).
Gordon Buehrig seated at his desk
It was built on a 1947 Mercury chassis which featured a futuristic automotive design theme.
Many automotive designers at the time suggested that the model looked like a WWII plane that was used during the war time efforts.
1948 Tasco concept
The sports car design offered a long-hood styling feature with two seats for the driver and passenger when traveling. The body was built by the Philadelphia-based Derham Body Company under the direction of Enos Derham. The Tasco sportscar concept model was the only prototype that was designed by Buehrig during the 1940s.
Tasco concept model
The Tasco model also featured a removable glass panel that was located above the driver and passenger. At the time, Gordon Buehrig had patented his design idea. This concept would later influence the T-bar roof design as appeared on the 1968 Chevrolet Corvette, a feature that became popular among consumers in the 1960s. The interior design echoed aviation aesthetics, with a high-mounted instrument panel and aircraft-inspired details. The front wheel enclosures, made from fiberglass, were engineered to improve turning radius—though Buehrig had to refine this feature multiple times before achieving the desired functionality.
Automotive historians have said that European sports car designs of that era reportedly supplied the inspiration for the Tasco’s design footprint, along with aircraft design influences. Challenges arose during development such as the use of fiberglass in the front-end design and criticism of the grille styling, suggesting it lacked refinement.
The 1948 Tasco sports car concept never made it into production because the model was too costly at $57,000, which was a considerable sum for the time. Despite that, the Tasco sports car concept began to travel around the country for prestigious classic automotive shows including “Motorcar Cavalcade” and the Amelia Concours d’Elegance, at the Ritz Carlton in Amelia Island, Florida.
Tasco Prototype at Amelia Island Concours
Today, many auto enthusiasts still find the 1948 Tasco sports car concept model very fascinating. Repainted gray, it is proudly displayed at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum for many people to see and enjoy.
Tasco concpet at Cord Duesenberg Museum
Biography
Peek Jeff. “Weird and wonderful: Odd-Looking 1948 Tasco Prototype draws a crowd in Amelia”. Hagerty Media Articles/Automotive History June 02, 2021.
Staff Writer. “A Closer look at the 1948 Tasco” Mac’s Motor City Garage. December 18, 2012, by MCG.
Buehrig M. Gordon & Jackson S. William. “Rolling Sculpture A Designer And His Work” Haessner Publishing New Jersey. 1975.
