Popular Post munzieb Posted August 20, 2020 Popular Post Report Share Posted August 20, 2020 (edited) Many years ago, my wife and I visited the Napa Valley and had a chance to tour the Francis Ford Coppola Winery. On the property was a museum of some of his memorabilia including his 5 Oscars, the desk from the Godfather and the Tucker car. After WWII there was a demand for new cars and Preston Tucker, the founder, wanted to produce an innovative car with many safety features, like seat belts, padded dash and shatter proof glass. This car had a rear engine and transmission and many versions of engines. (most problematic) He also incorporated a 3rd headlight that tracked along with the steering wheel. His marketing plans and possible stock fraud got him in trouble with the SEC. Even though he was indicted he was never convicted, the bad press led to his bankruptcy and closing of his company. Only 51 cars were ever produced. In 1988 Jeff Bridges starred in a film called Tucker, A Man and His Dream, that documents the history of the car and Preston Tucker. Another fun cut, especially the grill. Time to give the cars a rest for a while. Looking at an Art Deco box pattern. Edited August 20, 2020 by munzieb Added text JimErn, amazingkevin, new2woodwrk and 13 others 16 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodrush Posted August 20, 2020 Report Share Posted August 20, 2020 1 minute ago, munzieb said: Many years ago, my wife and I visited the Napa Valley and had a chance to tour the Francis Ford Coppola Winery. On the property was a museum of some of his memorabilia including his 5 Oscars, the desk from the Godfather and the Tucker car. After WWII there was a demand for new cars and Preston Tucker, the founder, wanted to produce an innovative car with many safety features, like seat belts, padded dash and shatter proof glass. This car had a rear engine and transmission and many versions of engines. (most problematic) He also incorporated a 3rd headlight that tracked along with the steering wheel. His marketing plans and possible stock fraud got him in trouble with the SEC. Even though he was never convicted, the bad press led to his bankruptcy. Only 51 cars were ever produced. In 1988 Jeff Bridges starred in a film called Tucker, A Man and His Dream, that documents the history of the car and Preston Tucker. Another fun cut, especially the grill. Time to give the cars a rest for a while. Looking at an Art Deco box pattern. You nailed that one. Great job munzieb 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
munzieb Posted August 20, 2020 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2020 1 minute ago, Woodrush said: You nailed that one. Great job Thank you. I just finished watching the movie again after many years. A little campy but fun. The Tucker car club loaned several cars to make the movie and gives it that authentic look. There are still 46 drivable cars. Woodrush 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockytime Posted August 21, 2020 Report Share Posted August 21, 2020 I saw that movie and loved it. A sad ending for Tucker but you revived it beautifully. Great work. munzieb 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wombatie Posted August 21, 2020 Report Share Posted August 21, 2020 What a lovely looking car, very sleek. Great work Bernd. Marg munzieb 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amazingkevin Posted August 21, 2020 Report Share Posted August 21, 2020 Wow, 46 out of 50 cars still on the road. I,LL bet this is a world record! Your expertise is transportation it looks like!!! munzieb 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meflick Posted August 22, 2020 Report Share Posted August 22, 2020 While I am not necessarily a car person, I always enjoy seeing your cuttings you make and the stories behind them that you share. This one is beautiful as well, munzieb 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldhudson Posted August 22, 2020 Report Share Posted August 22, 2020 Great job, a car from when cars really had style and character. munzieb 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GusGustin Posted August 22, 2020 Report Share Posted August 22, 2020 I'm in Sonoma County - California - There's one of these - the real TUCKER - at the Coppola Winery Tasting Room in Geyserville. I wish they had made more than .. what? 48 of them ? something like that. Well. Francis Ford Coppola shares his with the public. He may have had something to do with the filming of the movie, I don't know. I think I've memorized every single little mark on that car. Great work !!! munzieb 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
munzieb Posted August 22, 2020 Author Report Share Posted August 22, 2020 Thanks Gus. Francis Ford Coppola was the director of the film. Martin Landau got best supporting actor Oscar. I wish I had taken pictures when we were there. The '88 movie showed a lot of Tucker cars at the end to prove the court he could mfg. 50 cars. Not that much CGI then. They must convinced the Tucker car club to bring as many as they could. Big 3 had it out for him because of his safety innovations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Johnson Posted August 23, 2020 Report Share Posted August 23, 2020 Beautiful work Bernd. munzieb 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GusGustin Posted August 23, 2020 Report Share Posted August 23, 2020 18 hours ago, munzieb said: Thanks Gus. Francis Ford Coppola was the director of the film. Martin Landau got best supporting actor Oscar. I wish I had taken pictures when we were there. The '88 movie showed a lot of Tucker cars at the end to prove the court he could mfg. 50 cars. Not that much CGI then. They must convinced the Tucker car club to bring as many as they could. Big 3 had it out for him because of his safety innovations. If you want .. next time I'm in there .. I pass it every time I go fishing up at Lake Sonoma .. which is ON FIRE right now .. heck .. Coppola may have burned down, too, in fact .. but .. if it's standing after this is done .. I can send you a bunch of pictures of it ... I'm part of the "COPPOLA FAMILY" .. just something he did when he first opened the winery. Not really family. But - I have a card that says I am. hahahahahaha. I wonder if it's still standing. ... . hmmmmm. Napa and Sonoma Counties on fire .. over 17,000 lightening strikes hit last Friday. One even hit the Mini-Horse next door. He's in "horse heaven" now. Can see the fires from my front porch. Well .. lemme know .. I'll get ya pictures of that TUCKER. munzieb 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
munzieb Posted August 23, 2020 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2020 That would be fantastic! Hope the fires subside soon. Wine harvest season is coming soon. Cooking wine is good but not "cooked" wine. GusGustin 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lawson56 Posted August 23, 2020 Report Share Posted August 23, 2020 WOW!! Down Right Awesome job of a Beautiful car.I too saw the movie.Loved it. munzieb 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomanydogs Posted August 24, 2020 Report Share Posted August 24, 2020 Very nice cutting of the car. munzieb 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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