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Topic starter
09/02/2021 7:26 am
For those of us here who love and appreciate the styling and appeal of most any automobile, we all know the story and history making of the TUCKER. A car that was for its time, years ahead of time with it's innovative third front headlight, pop-out windshield, padded dash, rear engine, disc-brakes and seat belts. That last one "seat belts" received a lot of heat, as it was stated that they implied the car was unsafe.
By all accounts the TUCKER automobile should have been a success, but problems from within Preston Tucker's small short-lived company and those from the Big Three auto makers took the car down faster than it took Ford to kill their Edsel a decade later.
Now in hindsight and facts clearer, it appears that the single factor in the downfall of the TUCKER was not so much the lack of financing or mismanagement of company funds, but rather the United States government itself dealing the death blow. The the government filed unfounded charges against Preston Tucker and forced the closing of his assembly plant, it was over for the company. The fact that the charges were proved false and even that Preston Tucker himself was exonorated was of little consequence at the end of the trial. The simple fact remains that the government closed the company and the company was dead.
When this flyer arrived in my mail box from FRANKLIN MINT, I remember being most excited because of the rarity and iconic status of the TUCKER, than I was for most any car the mints might give us. Simply put, it was a "Must Have" model.
George Schire
Oakdale, Minnesota
09/02/2021 8:04 am
I know the Tucker was very innovative and standouts in automotive history, but I never felt the need to add it to my collection. A nice model none the less and another great presentation, George.
John Bono
North Jersey
09/02/2021 9:46 am
The Tucker plays an important role in the history of the automobile and, as such, is well represented in my collection.
Topic starter
09/02/2021 10:48 am
I added this BLUE Tucker and the two FM repaints, along with DM's "Tin Goose" version. It is for the historical significance of the car that I wanted them in my collection. And they are a conversation piece for sure.
George Schire
Oakdale, Minnesota
John Merritt and John Merritt reacted
09/02/2021 2:05 pm
The Tucker is certainly a significant slice of American automotive history. I don't have any of the diecast models, though, as I focused my collecting on 1950s cars. A film dramatization of the Tucker story was done in 1988. "Tucker: The Man and His Dream" was directed by Francis Ford Coppola, produced by George Lucas and starred Jeff Bridges in the title role. What I like about the movie is that 20 Tuckers, borrowed from members of the Tucker Automobile Club, were used in the film. Out of 51 Tuckers produced, 47 still survive. Coppola himself has a maroon Tucker in his collection of movie memorabilia on display at his winery in Geyserville, CA.
George Schire and George Schire reacted
09/02/2021 2:09 pm
Thanks George for this post, it is one of the most interesting cars ever, my opinion of course.
I just love the Tucker. The car has mystified since the first time I saw one. I was very young and it was the most interesting car I'd ever seen.
I have the DM version and the four from FM. As well as 2 in 1:18 scale, 14 in 1:43 and 4 in 1:64. I've had the opportunity to see eight different ones in person, I am just as thrilled with each one viewed as I was when I saw the 1st.
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
George Schire and George Schire reacted
Topic starter
09/02/2021 5:05 pm
@jcarnutz, I've seen a few Tucker's in person too, at museums. In my opinion, it is the most interesting car story of the last century. I'm thrilled to have all the FM and DM models.
George Schire
Oakdale, Minnesota
Topic starter
09/02/2021 5:06 pm
@al_dorado, saw the movie when it came out in the theaters and I have the DVD. Every time I watch it, I in awe! Preston's "Tucker" should have been able to live on.
George Schire
Oakdale, Minnesota
09/02/2021 5:53 pm
George, here's one "out in the sun"
This is Tucker 1052, not one of the original 51 cars produced at the factory. This one was completed in 2015 (this Concours show was its debut) it was built using a a test chassis, driveline, suspension and other parts leftover in the factory as well as front sheetmetal from Tucker #1018 and some reproduction parts.
I have some photos of two others at the 2016 Orphan Car Show. Tucker #1015 & #1044. I just need to finish them up for posting. Also included in those photos is a custom-built Tucker street rod by Robert Ida which is pretty cool.
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
Topic starter
09/02/2021 6:48 pm
@jcarnutz, WOW! Looks great! Thanks for the awesome photos!
George Schire
Oakdale, Minnesota
John Merritt and John Merritt reacted
09/02/2021 6:58 pm
It was very cool. I stood right next to it as was running, waiting for it's trip up to the Concours stage. The sound of these smooth running engines just amazes me every time I hear it. My 2020 Ford Fusion doesn't sound that smooth.
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
George Schire and George Schire reacted