Man what a beautiful historical automobile! And driven my the man himself! Makes it even more special, that car was definitely way ahead of anything on the road back then! And it still look modern today! Kinda like what Tesla is today!
My dad ordered a Tucker in 1948. Unfortunately the company was forced out of business by the big three automakers, before the car was built. Dad ended up buying a blue 1949 Kaiser that broke down on its first drive home from the dealership. I remember seeing one of these Tuckers in the same blue color, at a car show in Duluth, MN.
That car is so cool I have never seen a tucker up close that is so cool and to have one that was owned by the Tucker Family is so awesome those cars are one of a kind that's for sure and rare as hens teeth
In the 1950s, there was a big black Tucker in a museum featuring lots of coin-op mechanical things next to the Cliff House at Ocean Beach. Our Dad used to take us kids there every once in a while, and I was always fascinated by that beautiful and impressive car. Wonder whatever happened to that car? I bet somebody out there knows . . .
I love Tuckers! ❤️ Mr. Tucker was so ahead of his time, and it's a shame he never got the recognition he deserved, during his day. He and the company were so revolutionary.
Such a neat piece of history. Glad your a taking such great care of it. I have a post card from the Pioneer Car Museum in Murdo, SD. The Family that owned it leased it to the Pioneer Car museum. Then later it was returned back to Elk Point, SD. Car #31 They had a manequin of a pretty lady dressed in a fur coat. next to the Car.
Very well done Charles! Such a shame what Mr Tucker was put through by the rest of the car industry. This car was way ahead of it's time, which sadly was part of the problem.
Probably the most intimate video of a Tucker up close that I've seen! Outstanding! We not only got to see a Tucker struggling to start cold, but got to hear it at initial start up. A beautifully maintained car that is kept in actual running condition. There is one at a museum not far from where I live, but I'd be surprised if it gets started very often. The car in the video kind of "thunks" while cranking, but really smooths out and runs quiet as soon as it's started. Thanks to Charles for the video and interview, and thanks to the owner for sharing.
My introduction to the Tucker was in a book called "Auto Album" by Tad Burness when I was in elementary school 50 years ago. I was fascinated by it. The Torpedo styling by Alex Tremulis, the rear engine, the third headlight - all so unique. It's worth noting that Preston Tucker was 30 to 50 years ahead of his time. Today's cars have all the features Preston Tucker included in the Tucker '48, or had under development to introduce them after production started - fuel injection, disc brakes, fully independent suspension, and a focus on safety. What an amazing visionary and one who had the guts to pursue his vision. Thank you, Charles, for sharing this rare and pristine monument to mid-century style and technology!
Those were incredible cars! As a kid, we had a neighbor about 3 houses away from ours on the side street... He had a Maroon one in the garage. It's been so many years now, I can't remember the old Gent's name, but he'd show us kids that car whenever we asked... He'd even let us crawl around all over and underneath it! He was really proud of it and knew the history BACKWARDS. That was back in the mid 1970s, and that was when I developed MY appreciation for the Tucker marque. It's sort of sad that there seemingly aren't as many decent and trustworthy Mentors like that old Gentleman around, anymore. Thanks for another great memory, Charles!
OMG! How's that for a rare car! I've only seen one in person. I find it more attractive than most cars of the time. It's a damn shame that it was never mass produced before the company was shut down. Who knows what would've happened?
There is a private collection in Orange County (and I mean VERY private) which includes three Tuckers. And the display space is enhanced by a spare engine on a stand (as seen here), plus a glass case full of original Tucker seat covers and radios, still in their original boxes. Also, a share of Tucker stock, framed and hanging on the wall. Truly mind-blowing to see!
I'm a 43 year old car enthusiast and have been in love with the style of these cars since I saw the movie when it came out. I didn't know anything about them before I saw them movie. But as I've gotten older I've read a lot more about Preston and the story behind his car company, and I've come to realize that the movie puts more emphasis on the Big Three colluding in a big conspiracy to bring him down, when that really wasn't the case. He'd basically over-extended his credit on personal and government loans and could not procure the supplies and build the cars quickly enough to start turning a profit and pay back his debts, and that's really what did him in. GM, Ford, and Chrysler were so big at the time they weren't worried about him. People forget, after the war there were many, many other car companies that had either sprouted up or were smaller companies that existed pre-war, and then got bigger after the war. Kaiser, Studebaker, Packard, DeSoto, Hudson, and Nash were all formidable car companies in the late 1940s-early 1950s that the Big Three would have been far more concerned about competition wise than Tucker.
What a true piece of Americana & a rare car indeed!! The Tucker has such an interesting story & a unique place in automotive history. Thanks Charles for a good look at this rare beauty 🙂
OH MY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That color...the sound of that motor.... could it be even better than my favorite '58 DeSoto with that checkerboard interior?????????????
I saw a Tucker at the Francis Ford Coppola winery in CA while on vacation several years ago. Definitely a very different car and one whose short production life is still amazing considering the legend and lore that it inspired. Thanks for this Joyride and another fun-filled trip down Americana motoring memory lane!
Mr. Coppola made the movie. He has two Tucker's. A maroon colored one and a grey one. I don't know the numbers. I believe George Lucas also has two. Both of these guys are "low key" car nuts!!
Feast for the eyes on this beauty, eh? I know! I remember seeing at least two 48 Tucker Torpedos. Beautiful looking car. One of them was the same colour (Waltz Blue) as this beauty, and is on display at the LeMay ACM Museum here in Tacoma Washington. I'd give anything to go for a ride in this. I love the colour, I love the condition, I love the rarity. I know!!! :)
What a treasure! When Smithsonian had a traveling (exhibit) they brought one to Houston, Texas. I got to see it. I've never been to the Smithsonian (It came to ME) Nice factoid about cigar burns on steering wheel. Through it all Preston stayed upbeat. What a car! Great video with great sounding engine!!!
They are very interesting cars. I sat in one in Australia and was amazed at the dashboard. It just felt so different to any other car. They are a very big imposing car. At the time I was told the car was worth several million given its rarity....who knows now....no doubt even more
I see some similarity between the 1957-58 Mercury front and rear and the Tucker. Also the '62 Mercury Monterey rear reminds me of the Tucker rear, with the horizontal panel and the little fins. And the sculpturing behind the front wheels of the 1958-60 Lincolns is a variation on the bulge which sweeps back on the Tucker front fenders. Alex Tremulis, designer of the Tucker, worked in Ford styling from 1952-64. Maybe he added some Tucker "flourishes" to those cars?
This guy is the owner but it's clearly in a museum setting - where? The AACA car museum in Hershey PA has a major permanent Tucker display with 3 Tuckers and I think a film mockup one, mechanical bits, etc. The body design was a combination of far ahead and actually by then behind elements like the split flat plane windshield and suggestion of fenders with a tapering body in between like a prewar car instead of the 1949 Ford "shoebox" concept. At Hershey there's one with hood and trunk open, and there are a lot of wasted cubic feet in it in the engine compartment and under the front hood with those shelves Charles mentioned. I'm guessing the preselector transmission was the Bendix one used on Cords because of the transmission being so distant from the driver. I assume Tucker didn't have the money to adapt a Hydramatic.
Fantastic car Charles. Just imagine how different the auto industry could have been if the Tucker had continued in production. Similar thing happened in the UK at around the same time with the Invicta motor company.
Tucker getting started kinda sounds like me in the mornings 🤣....odd looking car to say the least. It is truly a museum piece , though , given this ones particular history. I need to watch the movie at some point...don't know much about the car or Mr. Tucker...
From Wikipedia The car is incorrectly referred to as the "Tucker Torpedo". This name was never used in conjunction with the actual production car, and its name was officially "Tucker 48".
Hey Charles, Is there a way to reach you by email? I'm writing from the Netherlands. I've tried your website and seen no email address there. I would like to share with you, if it's OK, the details of some new TV show projects you might be interested in. I'd appreciate your response. Thanks and regards.
Mr. Tucker would be very upset at you referring to that car as a Tucker Torpedo. They were never called that. It is simply a Tucker '48. Secondly, the owner seriously needs to retard the initial timing on the engine.
How many remember the movie.the Tucker the man & his dreams.good movie.
One of my favorites! I have it on dvd
Have it on dvd, great movie
this is the first video I've ever seen when somebody actually stopped and got the central headlight rotating... Thank You!!! Rare Is The Day!
Excellent piece. Loved seeing this particular car that was owned and driven by Preston Tucker himself. Wonderful car, sad story. If only!!!!!
Man what a beautiful historical automobile! And driven my the man himself! Makes it even more special, that car was definitely way ahead of anything on the road back then! And it still look modern today! Kinda like what Tesla is today!
6/2024....Wow,..and Thanks for another great video. You are the grandmaster of presenters.
7 figure cars these days, very rare, and the people that have them, Keep them.
The design of that car is a masterpiece. Such a shame he was pushed out. That car is gorgeous.
Charles.....you have such a dream job.......Peace.
Tucker is a very beauty and amazing car...i love this car😎
I used to occasionally see these at the big shows, but since the movie came out they've disappeared into museums.
I have never heard a car start like that before! Thunk...thunk...thunk...etc.
Just fantastic.
What a dream it would be to drive a Tucker, it has been on my first hunt list for when I win a huge lottery haha
My dad ordered a Tucker in 1948. Unfortunately the company was forced out of business by the big three automakers, before the car was built. Dad ended up buying a blue 1949 Kaiser that broke down on its first drive home from the dealership. I remember seeing one of these Tuckers in the same blue color, at a car show in Duluth, MN.
Greatest car ever built . . . 'I knowwww!'
That car is so cool I have never seen a tucker up close that is so cool and to have one that was owned by the Tucker Family is so awesome those cars are one of a kind that's for sure and rare as hens teeth
My dream car.
Only you Charles can describe a car as you can!
What a beautiful car it was!
Wow I’m Totally Jellyusbeans .. Just to see a tucker… never mind drive one… you lucky puppy
In the 1950s, there was a big black Tucker in a museum featuring lots of coin-op mechanical things next to the Cliff House at Ocean Beach. Our Dad used to take us kids there every once in a while, and I was always fascinated by that beautiful and impressive car. Wonder whatever happened to that car? I bet somebody out there knows . . .
I was completely on the edge of my seat while he was starting the engine.
I love Tuckers! ❤️ Mr. Tucker was so ahead of his time, and it's a shame he never got the recognition he deserved, during his day. He and the company were so revolutionary.
I agree Kelli
8:34 lol thanks for the laughs and great rare car with a HELICOPTER engine you guys and yet more laughs.
You're to be congratulated, Charles in making Tucker fans envious of Eric who we thank for sharing. Bravo!
Another winner from Charles🤩👌
A Tucker and a Phoenix all in one video. Behold the Glory!!
'Oh I know, whoa'.........always makes smile.
LOL ...
People weren't really ready for a car like this. Ditto Tucker the man himself. Lucky I've seen aprox 3 tho.
Such a neat piece of history. Glad your a taking such great care of it. I have a post card from the Pioneer Car Museum in Murdo, SD. The Family that owned it leased it to the Pioneer Car museum. Then later it was returned back to Elk Point, SD. Car #31 They had a manequin of a pretty lady dressed in a fur coat. next to the Car.
Awesome.
Very well done Charles! Such a shame what Mr Tucker was put through by the rest of the car industry. This car was way ahead of it's time, which sadly was part of the problem.
Probably the most intimate video of a Tucker up close that I've seen! Outstanding! We not only got to see a Tucker struggling to start cold, but got to hear it at initial start up. A beautifully maintained car that is kept in actual running condition. There is one at a museum not far from where I live, but I'd be surprised if it gets started very often.
The car in the video kind of "thunks" while cranking, but really smooths out and runs quiet as soon as it's started. Thanks to Charles for the video and interview, and thanks to the owner for sharing.
Totally didn't expect that thumping sound while cranking. Sounds like a helicopter motor once going.
What a beautiful car!
wonderfull !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was lucky enough to see #39 Grey(Silver)/500 when the Smithsonian traveling exhibition came to Scottsdale,AZ!
Thank you Charles phoenix for showing us the tucker car
Mr. Preston Tucker was an amazing man
He left a legacy unequaled by any other
Awesome video!! The Tucker was ahead of it's time!!
My introduction to the Tucker was in a book called "Auto Album" by Tad Burness when I was in elementary school 50 years ago. I was fascinated by it. The Torpedo styling by Alex Tremulis, the rear engine, the third headlight - all so unique. It's worth noting that Preston Tucker was 30 to 50 years ahead of his time. Today's cars have all the features Preston Tucker included in the Tucker '48, or had under development to introduce them after production started - fuel injection, disc brakes, fully independent suspension, and a focus on safety. What an amazing visionary and one who had the guts to pursue his vision. Thank you, Charles, for sharing this rare and pristine monument to mid-century style and technology!
Yay! Big thumbs up for Auto Album & Tad Burness!
Those were incredible cars!
As a kid, we had a neighbor about 3 houses away from ours on the side street... He had a Maroon one in the garage.
It's been so many years now, I can't remember the old Gent's name, but he'd show us kids that car whenever we asked... He'd even let us crawl around all over and underneath it! He was really proud of it and knew the history BACKWARDS.
That was back in the mid 1970s, and that was when I developed MY appreciation for the Tucker marque.
It's sort of sad that there seemingly aren't as many decent and trustworthy Mentors like that old Gentleman around, anymore.
Thanks for another great memory, Charles!
Where was that ???
OMG! How's that for a rare car! I've only seen one in person. I find it more attractive than most cars of the time. It's a damn shame that it was never mass produced before the company was shut down. Who knows what would've happened?
There is a private collection in Orange County (and I mean VERY private) which includes three Tuckers. And the display space is enhanced by a spare engine on a stand (as seen here), plus a glass case full of original Tucker seat covers and radios, still in their original boxes. Also, a share of Tucker stock, framed and hanging on the wall. Truly mind-blowing to see!
I've been there! ... AH-MAZING !!!
What a fantastic Car! And I love the sound, its like stepping back into time!
I've taken some really great shots of number 15 sitting in the Tallahassee Automobile Museum.
I'm a 43 year old car enthusiast and have been in love with the style of these cars since I saw the movie when it came out. I didn't know anything about them before I saw them movie. But as I've gotten older I've read a lot more about Preston and the story behind his car company, and I've come to realize that the movie puts more emphasis on the Big Three colluding in a big conspiracy to bring him down, when that really wasn't the case. He'd basically over-extended his credit on personal and government loans and could not procure the supplies and build the cars quickly enough to start turning a profit and pay back his debts, and that's really what did him in. GM, Ford, and Chrysler were so big at the time they weren't worried about him. People forget, after the war there were many, many other car companies that had either sprouted up or were smaller companies that existed pre-war, and then got bigger after the war. Kaiser, Studebaker, Packard, DeSoto, Hudson, and Nash were all formidable car companies in the late 1940s-early 1950s that the Big Three would have been far more concerned about competition wise than Tucker.
What a true piece of Americana & a rare car indeed!! The Tucker has such an interesting story & a unique place in automotive history. Thanks Charles for a good look at this rare beauty 🙂
Well said!
Smooth sounding motor. The “mean girls” aka The Big Three, couldn’t have Tucker out do them. But now we have a zillion automakers.
A very special car shown by a equally special host. It has been a treat. Thanks 😊
thank you!
Wow! That is an amazing car and an amazing story behind #31. That car is as old as me :)
Cool car and great vid Charles!! 👍👍👍
Mega cool
It barely started. Definitely American made!!
Wonderful automotive history. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it
OH MY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That color...the sound of that motor.... could it be even better than my favorite '58 DeSoto with that checkerboard interior?????????????
Thank you both!!! I've never heard a Tucker engine. Nice smooth and quiet!
Great episode! Thanks for a rare vignette on this make.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Ford museum has one.
I saw a Tucker at the Francis Ford Coppola winery in CA while on vacation several years ago. Definitely a very different car and one whose short production life is still amazing considering the legend and lore that it inspired.
Thanks for this Joyride and another fun-filled trip down Americana motoring memory lane!
Thrilled ur enjoying!
Mr. Coppola made the movie. He has two Tucker's. A maroon colored one and a grey one. I don't know the numbers. I believe George Lucas also has two. Both of these guys are "low key" car nuts!!
Feast for the eyes on this beauty, eh? I know! I remember seeing at least two 48 Tucker Torpedos. Beautiful looking car. One of them was the same colour (Waltz Blue) as this beauty, and is on display at the LeMay ACM Museum here in Tacoma Washington. I'd give anything to go for a ride in this. I love the colour, I love the condition, I love the rarity. I know!!! :)
What a treasure! When Smithsonian had a traveling (exhibit) they brought one to Houston, Texas. I got to see it. I've never been to the Smithsonian (It came to ME) Nice factoid about cigar burns on steering wheel. Through it all Preston stayed upbeat. What a car! Great video with great sounding engine!!!
Great story, thank you for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Too bad you weren’t able to go for a “Joy Ride” in the Tucker
Always great to have something to look forward too
Fabulous piece of automotive history and style!
It sure is!
They are very interesting cars. I sat in one in Australia and was amazed at the dashboard. It just felt so different to any other car. They are a very big imposing car. At the time I was told the car was worth several million given its rarity....who knows now....no doubt even more
I see some similarity between the 1957-58 Mercury front and rear and the Tucker. Also the '62 Mercury Monterey rear reminds me of the Tucker rear, with the horizontal panel and the little fins. And the sculpturing behind the front wheels of the 1958-60 Lincolns is a variation on the bulge which sweeps back on the Tucker front fenders. Alex Tremulis, designer of the Tucker, worked in Ford styling from 1952-64. Maybe he added some Tucker "flourishes" to those cars?
Interesting observations!
How can this be! #31! I'm in awe!
This guy is the owner but it's clearly in a museum setting - where? The AACA car museum in Hershey PA has a major permanent Tucker display with 3 Tuckers and I think a film mockup one, mechanical bits, etc. The body design was a combination of far ahead and actually by then behind elements like the split flat plane windshield and suggestion of fenders with a tapering body in between like a prewar car instead of the 1949 Ford "shoebox" concept. At Hershey there's one with hood and trunk open, and there are a lot of wasted cubic feet in it in the engine compartment and under the front hood with those shelves Charles mentioned. I'm guessing the preselector transmission was the Bendix one used on Cords because of the transmission being so distant from the driver. I assume Tucker didn't have the money to adapt a Hydramatic.
Saturdays may be made for dads and dads car, but *_Fridays are made for Charles Phoenix and Charles Phoenix's car(s)_*
Amazing video as always✨
I like that
Fantastic car Charles. Just imagine how different the auto industry could have been if the Tucker had continued in production. Similar thing happened in the UK at around the same time with the Invicta motor company.
Today's Nissan Armada has very similar rear quarter windows.
Tucker getting started kinda sounds like me in the mornings 🤣....odd looking car to say the least. It is truly a museum piece , though , given this ones particular history. I need to watch the movie at some point...don't know much about the car or Mr. Tucker...
I can smell the exhaust
I can't
There is a nice example @ Sweigart auto museum Huntingdon, Pa.
i lived in Ford City Condos ........................ Ford City , Chicago , Illinios , is where Tuckers were built !
I didn't know there was such. place!
@@_charlesphoenix mattstonecars.com/tucker-automobile-company-factory-chicago/
It would be great to see the car on the road ! Probably be beneficial to keep it mobile in the long term ?
We would've taken it out BUT it was kinda blocked in by about 10 cars ... maybe next time
Another excellent video, how do you do it, excellent choice of vehicle, I Know.
Thank you very much!
That color......I know
Yeah the man was squashed by the big at the time now there are 5o diffrent auto makers are more
The biggest flaw with the car was the Torsilastic suspension. Poor idea!
Where is it? I want to see it.
private collection
From Wikipedia The car is incorrectly referred to as the "Tucker Torpedo". This name was never used in conjunction with the actual production car, and its name was officially "Tucker 48".
FIXED that ... darn spellcheck!
Stop revving it !!
Hey Charles, Is there a way to reach you by email? I'm writing from the Netherlands. I've tried your website and seen no email address there.
I would like to share with you, if it's OK, the details of some new TV show projects you might be interested in. I'd appreciate your response.
Thanks and regards.
charlesphoenix.com
@@_charlesphoenix
🙂I know, I've already joined the mailing list.
But, still, no email address to write to.
🤷♂️
Best regards!
Mr. Tucker would be very upset at you referring to that car as a Tucker Torpedo. They were never called that. It is simply a Tucker '48.
Secondly, the owner seriously needs to retard the initial timing on the engine.
He should also learn how to start and shift it.