1948 Tucker

[munzieb]

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 3^rd 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

[Woodrush]

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 3^rd 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 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. 

[Rockytime]

I saw that movie and loved it. A sad ending for Tucker but you revived it beautifully. Great work.

[wombatie]

What a lovely looking car, very sleek.  Great work Bernd.

Marg

[amazingkevin]

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!!!

[meflick]

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,

[oldhudson]

Great job, a car from when cars really had style and character.

[GusGustin]

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]

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. 

[Ron Johnson]

Beautiful work Bernd. 

[GusGustin]

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]

That would be fantastic! Hope the fires subside soon. Wine harvest season is coming soon. Cooking wine is good but not "cooked" wine.

[lawson56]

WOW!! Down Right Awesome job of a Beautiful car.I too saw the movie.Loved it.

[Tomanydogs]

Very nice cutting of the car.