The Mystery Of The Tucker Convertible

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#VINwiki #Tucker #PrestonTucker

[@radical026]

It could be that chassis #57 was used to try two different designs, starting with testing the wrap around window and then if/when that was passed on it was reused for the convertible rather than changing it back into a standard Tucker, it'd be more sensible than taking another chassis off the line for testing.

[@patrickclawson9622]

Yeah, seems to me that making a wrap-around window would involve cutting out the C-pillar, the same as making a convertible. So, whatever chassis it was, they were halfway there, already.

[@redslate]

Yeah, reusing a prototype isn't unheard of. Two birds, one stone.

[@phil2782]

Having worked in factories before, reusing, hacking prototypes up, a bit of bog here and there and then finishing it with the ol hammer tune up till "it ain't pretty, but it works" isn't uncommon. Sounds like that's the kinda thing tucker would have done based on the launch story.

[@waylandcool]

That is very common in car and aircraft factories and wouldn't shock me in the slightest if chassis 57 had a wrap around window and then either Tucker didn't like it or (more likely) they needed a car for the convertible project and 57 happened to be available so it got used. Prototypes get repurposed a lot since they just sit at the factory or in a warehouse.

[@54raceman]

That’s honestly most likely what happened. If you cut a car up for a idea and ended up not using it there’s no reason to cut the same stuff off another car for the new idea

[@vaughngordon1095]

As a man who restores automobiles, this is a Tucker 48 convertable.... finished years later in the spirit of the people who started the project.

[@inherentmirth5180]

*convertible

[@MarcelaHernandez-im6kt]

I am the head builder of the tucker convertible that finished it. Here is the truth about the tucker. The body is the cowl and maybe some other parts off car 57. Car 57 was a big back window car....I personally held the only picture of car 57 in the factory...only mod was big back window.When I worked at benchmark the car came with a lot of tucker paper work...photos...notes off Preston's desk etc. Enough stuff to fit in a 20x20 room. I spent countless hours on this car and researching it. I spent many hours with Al also during the build. Here is the car build from front to back. Hood is real....front inner structure is real....left fender was made by someone who is unknown to me heance why there is photos of it with no gas door..right fender is real....doors where stretched by someone unknown to me...I built the door jams and fabbed all the regulators and channels . Rockers hand made. Convertible top mechanisms and inner structure was out of a 48 Buick that was in smidts junk yard. One of the rear fenders was real the other fake....this can be seen by looking at the lower front edge. Dutchman panel hand made...trunk lid is real but I sectioned it to fit. Rear inner structure was some real...some hand made. Bumpers are real. Lights are real. The famous reinforced frame was built by the guy from the Harley dealership up north...I worked with him when I leaded the car. I thought it was real up to this point...but while working him he told me about the frame. The frame was found in a swamp and was rotted from A pillar back ...the rear 2/3s was sunk in the mud. He rebuilt the frame. Motor was tucker replacement engine...along with the cord transaxle. I was the first person to drive the tucker down the road with my apprentice shifting the car from the back seat area like they did with car 27 I think. The shifting tube was very difficult to figure out and I had read about this and Adam and I where driving it down the road when Justin Cole showed up for work. The shifter in the car worked of a joy stick and two seliniods ...very complicated piece. The Vin tag was stamped at the shop and was not the Vin tag for the car...it was bought separate from a gentleman I believe in south or north carolina. The car is not at accelerated auto group in Rowlett Texas...it's in California the last time I knew . Justin does have it forsale though. He traded the car for property and some cash before he went bankrupt around 07-08. I am pretty sure he figured out a way to keep his fingers in the pot and not lose the car more or less. Build cost was 1.2 million. Justin trade a 57 corvette ...a 2000ish thunderbird ...a bathroom remodel...and some cash for the car. Anyways that was the original deal. There is a lot of people that will try taking credit for this build ...but It happened over the course of three months ...it was being worked on for a few years....but they had no idea what they were doing. I assembled most of the crew who built it. Me ....Earl Stoflet....Ryan Genin ....Adam Rheil... Andy onslow...Jay stone....Bill Stahl on paint.... Richard and Doc helped some . The guy who fitted the top and 48 Buick innerstructre was an Australian guy who I can't remember his name. Top was originally done by Vics in Madison and redone out east after it was damaged in the tent accident in Arizona . The people who authenticated the car....all kinda had skin in the game as investors. I worked for Justin at benchmark...and I helped him start accelerate auto group. He is a real special human being that I have ZERO respect for . Believe what you want about the Tucker ...but it most of it is fake. Al Rheinart had hoarded many tucker parts and was as I would say a tucker and 32 Ford " rainman" . I spent a lot of time with Al ...he was a friendly enough guy...but I would say at the very least tended to lie with a very good poker face . He set Justin Cole up ....and I can not say there is a more deserving person to get set up as Justin Cole. Everything I have said here is 100% accurate...I am the only person not to sign a disclaimer....and Justin Cole screwed me put of lots of money and time....first with benchmark classics...and once again with Accelerate Auto group. I have many pictures of this build....and the photos you see of it when picked up at Al's garage are photo shopped and staged with the qts being just quickly wrapped with tin and primed blue for pics. And that reminds me of one more thing....rear qts hand made. In Justin's defense he didn't know it wasn't real at first either.... I got him drunk at UFC fight...Mad town throw down and I asked him " when did you realize the Tucker was fake and he started to answer and realized he just slipped up and cracked his stupid grin and said you f'er don't you ever tell anyone. We were with Adam Rheil who died a few years ago in an accident in colorado....Ryan Genin...and I. Both Ryan's and Adam's mouth just dropped...I was literally working with the gentleman from the harley dealership the day before putting over 100lbs of lead into the body when I learned about the frame. The frame was the only thing that validated it being real. The left fender...one of the rear fenders...and both doors where stretched by the same guy in 90s which I believe was from Ohio. Well now you know

[@UberLummox]

@@inherentmirth5180 *converdubble

[@jasonsparshott7208]

^^ above is fake .. in several other comments he ^^ ( I can’t tag him because it types all stupid which is typical with fake scammer accounts ) says he is Earl Stofet then in above comment he says the people involved were Me…. Earl Stofet … Ryan Genin …. And others .. it’s just doest seem legit . And even if his story is real the car isn’t fake it has 90% real tucker parts …

[@MarcelaHernandez-im6kt]

@@jasonsparshott7208 so a hood...a cowl...a modified deck lid...two modified doors..and the front half of a frame...is 90%... sure buddy

[@olivierdochez4141]

I love that you use the words "restore" and "repair" while it is basically a brand new car. I believe it should be in the Guinness book of world record as "the car that took longest to be assembled" because 60 years from start to finish is an awful long time for a brand new car to be made. it should have a movie of it's own, see if it sells then!

[@myrmeko]

I literally cannot wrap my head around how fans of the Tucker say it's not a real Tucker, if the *ACTUAL EMPLOYEES* of Tucker say it's real and they worked on it. What do they even base their argument on?

[@MarcelaHernandez-im6kt]

I built the car ..it's fake. I am Earl Stoflet on my wife's phone

[@neilbrown82]

​@@MarcelaHernandez-im6ktproof?

[@UpgradeUrWinRARTrial]

@@MarcelaHernandez-im6kt Could you elaborate on why it’s fake? Like is there evidence that points to the contrary?

[@MarcelaHernandez-im6kt]

@@UpgradeUrWinRARTrial frame fake...left front fender fake...doors stretched in the 90s. Qts fake...one rear fender fake...Vin plate fake...convertible top and inner structure 48 buick...I can keep going

[@carchub]

@@MarcelaHernandez-im6ktfake isn’t the right word. Of course it has all those parts, it was never finished at the factory. It’s a real Tucker that never saw completion until now. “Now” being an era where Tucker replacement parts do not exist. Calling it fake is like calling all project cars on the planet that use aftermarket parts and/or parts from other models fake. With that logic, majority of classic cars on the road today are fake. When in fact they are very real cars

[@WaymanXXV]

I personally know of this car. I worked at Accelerate Auto in Texas. Justin Cole owns Accelerate auto. He does not own the vehicle and just transferred his representation of selling it from Benchmark Classics to Accelerate. The car, last I knew, is not in Texas. It’s stored by the owner in Wisconsin. The car is being sold/represented by Accelerate Auto to this day.

[@MarcelaHernandez-im6kt]

I started accelerate with Justin...and I was the tucker convertible builder...I am Earl

[@alexsetterington3142]

No, I am the real Earl.

[@BastardX13]

Looks FANTASTIC in rag top. No mistaking that face. It's a Tucker. Great story.

[@nikkrueger5734]

Thanks!

[@Ashleycorrie8494]

It's important to buy cars when interest rates and prices are low. My financial advisor also gave me the same advice. When rates and prices are low, it can save you money on financing and make the overall cost more affordable.

[@GaryWinstonBrown]

My financial advisor advises buying cars when interest rates and prices are low. However, he also cautions against it right now due to the hidden costs of car ownership, like insurance and maintenance. He helps me plan for these expenses and manages my portfolio to ensure financial stability. It's all about making strategic decisions and having a well-rounded financial plan.

[@Rhgeyer278]

Having a well-diversified portfolio is essential for financial success. A financial advisor can provide expert guidance, minimize risks, and offer insights on profitable investments. They bring experience and expertise, ensuring your portfolio is optimized for success. It's like having a trusted ally by your side, helping you achieve your financial goals..

[@Seanmirrer]

Please how can I reach out to your advisor, if you don't mind me asking?

[@Rhgeyer278]

My Financial Advisor is Samuel Peter Descovich. I found him on a CNBC interview where he was featured and reached out to him afterwards. He has since provide entry and exit points on the securities I focus on. You can run a quick online research with his name if you care for supervision. I basically follow his market moves and haven't regretted doing so.

[@Seanmirrer]

Thank you, i pasted his name on my browser and his portfolio came up. Just wrote to him and waiting for reply.

[@snaredude56]

I was a member of the TACA discussion forum at the time that this car surfaced and the controversy started. The first thing about the body shell with with the wrap around windshield. It could be seen in pictures in the LIFE magazine photo archive at the time. One of the pictures is shown in this video. These pictures were taken after the factory was shutdown. There was picture or two that showed a row of incomplete body shells in the factory assembly line with a gap where it appeared one had been removed. Based on the number of known assembled bodies and incomplete body shells at that time, it appeared to line up with being the 57th body. There was no way to prove it though. Regardless, since "Project Vera" supposedly started before all of the trouble with the Feds, and the body shell with the wrap around rear glass was sitting in the factory after it was shutdown, there is no way that it is the "Project Vera" car. If "Project Vera" actually existed, it would have to have been a different body shell.There were somewhere between 5 to 10 incomplete body shells sitting in the factory at this time. This was after they 50 cars built by Tucker. I don't know where the number of 36 came from. That is definitely not correct. After the factory was shutdown, they auctioned off everything. People bought complete cars, Partially completed cars, bare body shells, engines, body parts, radios, the 589 test chassis, the Tuckermatic test chassis and anything else that was for sale. There are pictures of rusted out body shells that sat outside until they collapsed. Several people bought large numbers of stuff to try to complete cars from the incomplete body shells. The gentleman who supposedly had bought the "convertible" was one of them. These things weren't worth anything back then like they are now. One guy had a semi truck load full of Tuckers along with the 589 test chassis and I think he had the original "tin goose" prototype. He took these cars all over the country displaying them. There were 50 cars built by Tucker plus the Tin Goose, although they were not all complete with drive trains. 51c was built from NOS Tucker parts and some fiberglass parts. 52c is built on a test chassis that was used for the Tuckermatic transmission testing along with parts from other wrecked Tuckers and some NOS parts. They had to make some of the sheet metal parts and modify some doors to complete 52c. If I remember correctly, the doors or at least parts of the doors and the top mechanism for the "convertible" were from a different make altogether and I believe they were supposedly Chevy parts from several years after the factory closed and everything had been sold off. When it surfaced, the car was far from in any sort of completed shape and the shop owned by Justin had to fabricate a lot of the back end of the car to be able to mount fenders and rear deck lid. There was very sketchy "documentation" at the time like someone saying that they had seen this car in a shop several decades earlier, and this was the big "proof" that it was "Project Vera". Regardless, I don't recall anyone ever saying that this wasn't a Tucker in the sense of, it was made of Tucker parts other than the roof, doors and any other convertible only parts that had already been fabricated by someone and then what Justin had to make to complete the car. Justin had a web site with progress pictures of the "restoration" at the time. In reality, it wasn't so much a restoration as it was a completion as they had to make so much to have a complete car. The beef was with the lack of any real proof that "Project Vera" actually was a real project started by Preston Tucker and if that were the case, that this was that actual car. It is one thing to try to sell it as an official project started by Preston Tucker with no real proof and to sell it as modified Tucker. The real thing, if started by Preston would be in one price range and and modified Tucker made from parts will be in a much lower price range. That's just the reality of the situation. Now if new reliable proof has come to light, I haven't kept up with it so I can't comment. However, a factory started convertible, being worth who knows how much more than a standard Tucker, does provide people with the incentive to try to prove it is the real deal and hence worth a premium price. So there's that to consider. Many of the "purists" as some have referred to them, actually own, had owned or ran museums that owned Tuckers. These were some of the people questioning the validity of the story and this car. These weren't people who "had zero hope of ever owning one" Personally, I think it is not "Project Vera" and I seriously doubt that the story of the secret project is true. It is my opinion, that it was an incomplete body shell bought at the factory auction that some started to make into a convertible at some point. Justin bought this car and finished it. The blue car made from Tucker parts and with a fabric roof is a handsome car, and the work done to finish it looked to have been done to a very high level regardless of whether it was started by Preston or not.

[@nikkrueger5734]

Very interesting thanks for that perspective!

[@dracoseason3784]

key word is many not most of the purist. my dad is a purist and doesnt know what hes talking about

[@carchub]

I hope everyone who cares about the Tucker 48 reads this comment

[@randallhoffer3391]

Purists never quit, do they?

[@manfredschmalbach9023]

So, ain't it absolutely unimportant, to the degree of "neglectable" actually, whether that has been, or has never been, a "factory project"? It is a reasonably Tuckerish looking Convertible, obviously put together with a lot of love, knowledge and work put in, it runs and drives (or doesn't), it has a certain fictional worth for some people actually having the kind of money that seems to be needed to make it change hands, and that's it. All those bloody "it ain't the real thing" foulmouths, all the "it absolutely *_is_* the right thing"-dreamers, the storytellers and gasoline-yarners just help to keep it remembered. That's it. Somebody wants a Tucker Convertible Tucker didn't succeed in completing before being shunned out of the car-making business? Here it is, You can either afford it, or You can't. Same for any potential sellers: You found somebody crazy enough to rake out an umphteen figure sum for a *_car_* ...? Well done, give it away then, close the deal before these people start to come to their senses again! End of story. What is to "authenticity" when there can not be *_any_* authenticity whatsoever in the whole thing from day 2?

[@billmaguire6216]

In 1971 my best friend and I went to Alex Tremulis' Bay View apartment in my hometown Ventura, CA. a couple of times. He told us all kinds of stories about the Tucker and how he designed it with the moving center headlight and independent suspension etc. It went around Indy at some amazing speed. He didn't mention the convertible, but I believe Tucker ordered it done. Alex was a great guy with amazing true stories.

[@mathewanderson7552]

Tucker got screwed so bad.... so so far ahead of his time

[@justiceofskitzerland6429]

It happens alot in America

[@markgrace659]

He was a bad businessman. The movie takes some liberties to put it nicely.

[@sccarguy8242]

@@markgrace659care to elaborate??

[@denialphasebitcoin5639]

​@@sccarguy8242he was a con man, Watch the movie

[@sccarguy8242]

@@denialphasebitcoin5639 he wasn’t he made the cars he said he would and would have continued if not shut down.

[@davidjoe3368]

"Don't let a Tucker pass you by!"

[@waylonmccrae3546]

" Hold That Tiger " !! 😉👍🏻

[@gallonoffuel]

This is easily in the top 5 of VinWiki car stories.

[@nikkrueger5734]

Thanks!

[@michaelbaka4777]

Wow, that car is BEAUTIFUL. Great story, too. If I had the money, I would buy it. Maybe not drive it too much, but can you imagine the bragging rights???? That car is a REAL Tucker.

[@jammytimmy]

Always thought it was a real shame Tucker got screwed over because the cars he designed look so good.

[@5610winston]

The only person who screwed Tucker was Preston Tucker.

[@scubatrucker6806]

Great looking Tucker💙💙

[@DaveInVirginia]

Nice story! One of my bosses when I worked for Motorola almost 50 years ago was Preston Tucker jr. He didn't talk much about the Tucker car stuff but when he did he had some nice stories to tell.

[@nikkrueger5734]

That’s so cool!

[@DaveInVirginia]

@@nikkrueger5734 He said he went to work for Motorola to pay off what they owed them for the radios Motorola made for the Tuckers. Then he stayed at Motorola after that.

[@josephconsoli4128]

The car is done so beautifully and there's a genuine possibility that it's "real", so I say it's historical value is valid. I know I would love to have it!

[@earlstoflet1320]

I did it....its not real

[@josephconsoli4128]

@@earlstoflet1320 It's done so well that it has become part of the Tucker legend. Beautiful work.

[@drremulack6196]

Preston Tucker was a great man with vision. A beautiful design and family owned... The Big 3 are truly evil

[@nikkrueger5734]

Imagine if he’d have made it happen!

[@bwofficial1776]

I wouldn't be surprised if the UAW strike ends up sinking the Big 3 too. They're probably regretting allowing the UAW to take over their factories. Imagine the innovation we could have had without the union strongarming them into fighting anything new.

[@lokibrux]

1st off, Just wow, what a stunning vehicle. 2nd off, If the guys on the line are saying it's real, it's real. As if anyone is listening to a bunch of peoples opinions that weren't even there. I was born in 81, in England. If I say it was a fabrication, would you listen to me? No, I have no idea as I wasn't there building it, just like these minecraft playing, sandal and sock wearing, spectacle adjusting people also had no hand in it. Stick with them old boys that keep coming in the shop. They're the real deal.

[@earlstoflet1320]

I built a lot of it..its not real

[@galynahoffer889]

​@@earlstoflet1320How did your employment go there at Benchmarch? Any issues?

[@earlstoflet1320]

I quit after the tucker build because the team who built did not get any credit....I did about 8 years later move to Texas to help Justin start Accelerate ...I do not like JUstrin at all...but that does not change the FACTS about the tucker ....let me say this one more time...FACTS ABOUT THE TUCKER>>>>>ONCE AGAIN FACTS @@galynahoffer889

[@rossbryan6102]

WHILE I AM NOT A TUCKER FAN, I AM STILL A CAR AND TRUCK GUY!! THE STORY OF THIS CAR IS AMAZING THAT ONE OF THE SEVERAL OWNERS DID NOT GET DISCOURAGED AND SCRAP IT ALTOGETHER! IN MY EYES, A GENNIE TUCKER WITH A CRAZY HISTORY!!👍👍

[@danielseelye6005]

A "Tucker" video _without_ Steve Lehto? Blasphemy, I say! 😁

[@nikkrueger5734]

He said he’d watch it at least 😂

[@AnomalousOne1401]

​@@nikkrueger5734 Thank you Nik, for the amazing Car story. How ironic that even today the legacy of Preston Tucker is subject to unimaginable scrutiny.

[@nikkrueger5734]

@@AnomalousOne1401agree!

[@user-qg6by9le2f]

It's an engineering mule for a convertible. They weren't worried that 60 years later there would be a controversy about what it is or isn't. They were taking a chassis and figuring out how to make a convertible version of the car to sell for the company. All manufacturers have oddball prototypes like that.

[@HLife719]

A really well worded talk on the Tucker convertible. You make no claims regarding authenticity, but lay out the different claims and opinions floating around, and don’t lead the viewer down a particular path. Still, you present a fascinating story of this wonderful mystery car. I’m looking forward to your next presentation. Thank you very much!

[@nikkrueger5734]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed!

[@stevek917]

I'm surprised Jay Leno has not snapped up this car.

[@Mr-pn2eh]

I think Jay already has one.

[@jestucker2268]

@@Mr-pn2eh nope, he doesn't, though he has made offers on Francis Ford Coppola's... and he's driven FFC's Tucker around the vineyard a few times.

[@bking12762]

I heard he has 2...

[@ExUSSailor]

Real, or, not, it's GORGEOUS.

[@nikkrueger5734]

Even more so in person if you can imagine 🔥

[@Iconoclasher]

Of course it's a real Tucker. Even if it were built as a HT and later converted to a ragtop, it's still a real Tucker. Geez, Tuckers are rare. Enjoy them!

[@nikkrueger5734]

Fair argument! Thanks for watching!

[@rolliebear42]

As soon as I saw what car Nik was talking about, i knew it had (double) ties to Wisconsin. I remember reading about chassis 57 and the convertible project ages ago. Always hoped to see it in person. My dad knew a guy that owned a burgundy sedan, but he passed away before I even knew wat a Tucker was. I wonder where that car is today. Cool car, and a cool story very well told.

[@nikkrueger5734]

So cool! Thanks for watching!

[@JoeR203]

They had some cool colors on those cars. Movie director Francis Ford Coppola (Nicolas Cage's uncle) owns two Tuckers.

[@liberator818]

He made the movie!!!!!

[@jimbeck4317]

Its appropriate its a mystery. Tucker is always a mystery

[@cookieman0916]

I’ve gotten a personal tour of chassis 1044. Howard is an avid collector. Has quite an amazing collection. Look up his collection , you’ll be amazed at what he has found. The Tucker is immaculate. Literally knew it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Much appreciated Howard!!

[@nikkrueger5734]

Sounds awesome!

[@prestontuckersspeedshop1948]

Howard is absolutely amazing!

[@ChristopherOvrebo]

If you are into these cars, Preston's grandson's have a channel centered around the car

[@prestontuckersspeedshop1948]

Thanks for the mention! Preston Tucker was our great grandfather.

[@ChristopherOvrebo]

What's your take on this car?@@prestontuckersspeedshop1948

[@mattskustomkreations]

@@prestontuckersspeedshop1948What is you r opinion on this car?

[@volvowagon70]

That is a real Tucker convertible people, and Tucker himself would be speechless at the end result. This story choked me up a bit. To finally have what Tucker always dreamed of, is a honor to his legacy. He was a visionary ahead of his time, and this car being so loving built is a physical way to keep men like him alive. It gives people hope to see this car. Bravo!

[@gullepomp]

There have been several manufacturers that sourced parts together to build new models. If this was a car build by an employee during his lunchbreak with parts from the floor it would still be a tucker.

[@nikkrueger5734]

Interesting theory 🤔

[@my31and37]

Great story..I remember this car and all the controversy around it..I think it's probably legit, but with mostly all original Tucker parts, it has to be valuable in its own right even if it's a fake.

[@5610winston]

Somehow this story reminds me of the much-better-capitalized Henry J Kaiser. Kaiser's plan for his namesake car included Front wheel drive, but his engineers couldn't make it work, so he fell back on a shortened version of the Graham-Paige Frazer. The Graham-Paige name was dropped early on, but Joe Frazer stayed on with Kaiser-Frazer until Henry J commanded continues production of 1950-models when they had almost a year's supply of '49s unsold in storage yards. even after Frazer recommended discontinuing production until the surplus had sold down. H-J famously responded "Kaisers never retrench!" Frazer left the company while Henry J poured money into development of hardtop sedans and convertible sedans under the name _Virginian,_ _Vagabond_ and _Traveler_ hatchbacks, the _Henry J_ which was supposed to be some sort of post-war Model T. Kaiser had a 288 cubic inch V8 on the drawing board ready to build a prototype and Hurry-Up Henry pulled the plug to build, instead, the odd-ball models and body styles described. Perhaps the best thing to come out of these programs was the KFD161 _Darrin_ roadster, sliding doors and perfect from every angle. Kaiser, who was among the richest men in the world, lost fortunes in the auto industry, even though he sold almost a million cars in the US between 1946 and 1955. People claim Preston Tucker, who was selling radios, seat covers, and fitted luggage sets for cars that didn't exist was hounded out of business?

[@seed_drill7135]

I think it was the Henry J they went for instead of the V8.

[@MarcelaHernandez-im6kt]

It's not

[@dyer2cycle]

There used to be pictures on the internet of the build/construction/finishing of it. Many detailed close-up shots. I can't find those anymore. Anyway, it looked like they fabricated everything behind the front doors from scratch, and modified a real Tucker trunk lid/engine cover so the profile would match the convertible configuration. Also, it was clear from the pictures that the front doors had been cut up and re-welded in some fashion, especially evident on the inner structure. I also think it contained pieces from Tucker #1027 and #1018. One of the rear fenders was smashed up so bad, they had cut it up and re-welded the seams many times and weld in patches to get it straight...the rear fenders on #1027 were smashed up like that. Also, the inner fender/engine bay area had extensive rust they had to repair, some suggested it was from #1018...or perhaps it came from one of those unused extra bodies that were left outside with no paint to rust for years...

[@MarcelaHernandez-im6kt]

@@dyer2cycle I actually think all found some of the parts from the car that was at the shop in Michigan that ended up going to the scrap yard...that is my guess and what makes the most sense to me

[@jeffgann6613]

Call it whatever you want; I call it STUNNING. Ageless styling wrapped around innovative engineering. 🤩

[@revvolutions]

It's beautiful. If you made one car and only one car before you went backrupt (or the SEC seized your assets), you'd be proud if it was the Tucker 48.

[@mikegee729]

Backrub? Bankrupt? 🤔

[@GTSCarLife]

Awesome story!

[@nikkrueger5734]

Thanks!

[@GTSCarLife]

@@nikkrueger5734 It's not easy telling worthwhile and entertaining stories. Ed is the master. You pulled it off. Thank you for sharing!

[@johnnix862]

This is a fascinating story! I heard about it, about 15 years ago, with no pictures. ( First time I've seen it! Absolutely, bad ass! ) thank you for sharing! I believe, it is!

[@nikkrueger5734]

Awesome, thanks for watching!

[@61rampy65]

Do people think that this is not a real Tucker because it wasn't finished at the factory? Isn't this a similar situation with the original Fox body Mustangs, where ASC took the notchbacks and made them into a convertible? Just because work is farmed out doesn't mean it's not legitimate.

[@nikkrueger5734]

Fair argument!

[@earlstoflet1320]

It was never started as a convertible in the factory

[@Tclans]

Loved this story, thanks for sharing!

[@nikkrueger5734]

Thanks!

[@ckosacranoid]

This is cool, I have never even heard about this car before and it was huge into being here in Wisconsin for sure and cool and thanks for sharing this for sure.

[@nikkrueger5734]

Thanks!

[@realmaindrianpace]

I think it's a beautiful car, far better looking than the sedan. The convertible top assembly and windshield frame are believed to be from a Buick or a Cadillac. Everyone has an opinion, so here's mine: Preston Tucker was famously concerned about safety in his cars; he wanted the best rollover protection, body structure, seat belts, disc brakes, and padded interior parts to protect the occupants in crashes. Convertibles have almost none of that, so it seems unlikely that he would have approved of a version of his car that was inherently unsafe in an accident, as convertibles were at that time. That, and no actual factory documentation of the project make this car basically a phantom - a car that never was, but is factory in appearance and easily could have been.

[@earlstoflet1320]

48 buick

[@dyer2cycle]

I think that's pretty much it....

[@Atlas.X9X]

Good story today. I never knew about chassis 57.

[@nikkrueger5734]

Thanks!

[@RobsNeighbor]

New Glarus Wisconsin here, southern Wisconsin. This will be a great watch. Yes capitol Corvette! As a kid coming into Madison that was the coolest thing every time was seeing all the awesome cars!

[@nikkrueger5734]

Thanks for watching - love summers in New Glarus!

[@lilboatsman]

I saw the car when it was being worked on in Madison. Definitely cool, but I had no idea the story behind it. Thanks for the video!

[@nikkrueger5734]

So cool right?!

[@kellyscars]

The original body was so cool looking. I think it had a chassis code of 1057, and has a really trick wrap around window!

[@lawsonclark2466]

I saw this Tucker convertible at Benchmark several times . Awesome. I was looking at a square bird they had in inventory.

[@arthurlangford5861]

It is car #57! And always will be car #57, whether it has a roof or not! You can't get better documentation and corroboration than the people who actually knew and worked on the car! It's a Tucker!

[@reelreeler8778]

"I worked for the company that did the steering wheels for Tucker"....well, that would be the Lincoln division of the Ford Motor Company, the Tucker steering wheels were Lincoln Zephyr and were all given to Tucker by FoMoCo.

[@nikkrueger5734]

Correct!

[@jarnosaarinen4583]

Looks like a Tucker to me!

[@fomocopowersgarage7103]

Always remember growing up my dad telling me that "Ford City Shopping Mall" was the Tucker plant. He also said that one of his neighbors in the late 1950s had one, which makes sense since he grew up just a few miles from the plant.

[@fomocopowersgarage7103]

Also.....parts would randomly show up for sale near us. NOS, mostly radios. Really wish I bought one. Side note, the junk yard where most of the assets went to, also turned into a shopping mall, "Chicago Ridge Mall".

[@nikkrueger5734]

Very cool! Yeah, there were plenty more radios than cars produced haha

[@dennyny8]

Whether the car is a real Tucker or not is irrelevant. The point is, the car is freaking gorgeous!

[@nikkrueger5734]

Indeed!

[@johnwilliamson467]

One can only ask what is the required of sword eye witness is need to prove that this is the chassis 57 seen in the factory. As well as the required level of documents to further prove it provenance .

[@cpl_0503]

Great story told by a great story teller. THANKS!

[@CannonballGMC]

Love seeing Nik on VINWiki! Fascinating story!

[@nikkrueger5734]

Thanks Steve!

[@lesklower7281]

An intriguing story is it or isn't but what a good looking car

[@joeinmi8671]

Wow! Wasnt expecting this today. Great video.

[@nikkrueger5734]

Thanks!

[@blaakrose]

Jay Leno would be the ideal buyer of this car. If he knew about it, definitely would be one for him to consider buying.

[@MrNikodemus5]

Very likely he knows

[@malibuconv1968]

Probably because Jay Leno knows it's a fake.

[@MarcelaHernandez-im6kt]

Jay Leno called bench mark on it...

[@1928ModelA1931]

In the end, this is a gorgeous car and it needs to get driven. This is the best telling of the story I have come across. Nik tells it from the point of view of someone who sees the car for what it is. Not a pessimist out to discredit the car. Why wouldn't Tucker have explored other models? The convertible would have been a logical next step in the late 40s. If #57 was experimented on by cutting up the rear window it would make sense to use that altered car to try a convert idea instead of trying to fix the cut-up rear window. It also makes sense that Tucker wouldn't do this conversion in-house. Car companies have always used outside shops to do prototypes etc. And like others have said here, if all of those people who were there at the time know what this car is, I'd say they trump today's enthusiasts who were not there. The mess that followed the collapse of Preston dreams must have left a lot of holes. Lastly, I find it hard to believe anyone would have attempted a conversion in the 50s without doing some less than factory like modifications. I'd drive the car! Hell, the story that applies now is almost as good as the original prototype story. The car has status even in controversy.

[@nikkrueger5734]

Thanks for watching!

[@scottnelson1713]

This was a great story. Thanks for sharing it.

[@nikkrueger5734]

Thanks!

[@MrMgh76]

Wow what a story I have never heard that or about this car that is amazing.

[@highoctanememe3617]

even if it was a 4 door with the roof cut off , its still a tucker and its now a convertable. so to say its not a tucker convertable is odd.

[@mbochum83]

Devil's advocate: what if the chassis that had the roof chopped off was the one with the wraparound rear window? Does anyone actually know what happened to the wraparound window chassis?

[@nikkrueger5734]

You wouldn’t be the first to suggest this … 😏

[@tjmoneybags]

As suggested above...maybe this was that car...then didn't like it so kept cutting for this. This makes a ton of sense.

[@MarcelaHernandez-im6kt]

Car 57 was the big back window car ...I held the pictur from the factory in my hands

[@hughbarton5743]

Some of the more notable manufacturers and body design studious routinely built very limited runs of cars utilizing former racers, wrecks, prototypes, show cars, spare chassis, trade-ins,and whatnot, reconfiguring them and selling them again. This seemed particularly common in Europe; I suppose local laws did not prohibit such activities. This is often discovered during restoration projects. My vote: It is a Tucker.

[@Mtlmshr]

If it looks like a fish and smells like a fish, swims like a fish it’s a DAMN FISH!

[@GregoryGardner-vk1kx]

Alex Tremulis headed the Tucker design department and verified that it was a prototype for the next model that was going to have the different rear window. He said that Tucker never ordered a convertible and the car would have been worth a lot more unaltered.

[@radamus210]

HAHA! Well, to be fair, if it wasn't shrouded in controversy and doubt, it wouldn't be a "Real Tucker" would it?

[@pauloconnor7951]

Give them credit !!!

[@debbiebermudez5890]

Mr. B. Here ! 🍩☕️👀😎👍. Yes he gets railroaded, don’t forget the Big 3 !

[@gilbertnowak5770]

Also the ONLY 2-door Tucker EVER BUILT!

[@wh33lhousediecast]

Fascinating story! I love my 48 model

[@nikkrueger5734]

Thanks!

[@Rekuzan]

Originally, the entire front end of the car was supposed to turn but engineers found that to be highly unsafe as it messed with the aerodynamics of the care itself, and thus, the turning cyclops headlight was born!

[@NoBody-xg1wg]

I believe it was the front fenders only.

[@notenoughmemes1847]

@@NoBody-xg1wgYeah the fenders were supposed to move with the wheels but engineers or someone on the design team found it acted like a rudder and pushed the car way more into the turns the driver was making than they thought and could lead to accidents.

[@EdBolian]

There is a lot of conflict and disagreement about this car. I think we'll have more to the story coming soon.

[@automotiveaddiction428]

It's made from all the proper parts it a Tucker.. they don't make repop Tuckers.

[@deantait8326]

I’m all Tuckered out … but it’s not a Carlson 😂

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

Let’s not forget the Tucker turrets he created for the bombers, or the armored vehicle he created that the military said was too fast

[@nikkrueger5734]

That’s an awesome story all of its own

[@GregoryGardner-vk1kx]

They never used his turrets.They did use some of his system to make them rotate but he allowed it without compensation.

[@kevinmcduffie1092]

I saw one near Dayton Ohio!! Nice looking car 🚗!! About 2004

[@drakbar5957]

Love the car. Love the story. I’m a believer!

[@nikkrueger5734]

Love it, thanks for watching!

[@daexion]

If the people who built it in the factory say it's real, then who am I to claim otherwise?

[@christopherkraft1327]

Poor Preston Tucker!!!😮

[@nikkrueger5734]

Right?!

[@robertordewald8678]

Call it what you will. It is one of the most attractive cars out of that period in history period if I had a few bucks like that sitting in my pocket. I would certainly go down to Texas and check it out.

[@wh4070]

So the people who worked on the car in the factory say its real, but the arm chair purists whove never been to any automotive factory swear its fake? I wonder who i should believe...

[@earlstoflet1320]

I built it ...its fake

[@mattskustomkreations]

Are the stories and letters fake? Or are the stories real, but this isn’t the right car?

[@gm92845]

@@earlstoflet1320 Why don't you contact vinwiki and set up an interview on why it's fake.

[@dracoseason3784]

ok fake earl stoflet. go away. theres another idiot claiming to be him but on his wifes phone as well lmao. make a video about how its fake if youre not full of shit@@earlstoflet1320

[@jasonsparshott7208]

@@earlstoflet1320so you are using your phone now ? I’m not sure I believe your story because you say you’re Earl then list the people who built the car as Me(you)…. Earl Stoflet …. Rich …. Ect…. Ect… why would you say me then list your supposed name after me … then other names …. You tell a good story but can you prove it ?

[@themathiashoogland]

Great story teller! Cool story! Wisconsin too!

[@nikkrueger5734]

Thanks for watching!

[@goofyleo3869]

To be 100% Wisconsin he would have had to been holding a Pabst or a Miller in his hand. 😎

[@nikkrueger5734]

@@goofyleo3869love me a PBR, I mean - it won a blue ribbon

[@acarguy3562]

Someone needs to reach out to Rob Ida and get his version of the story on this car. He is very involved in the Tucker community. I thought he was directly related, however I was wrong. It’s Rob’s grandfather who had a Tucker dealer. I’m sure he has a very interesting story or two about Tucker and some of the mysteries surrounding him.

[@Chris_Moncada]

Is Rob a descendant? I thought someone in his family (grandfather?) was a Tucker dealer.

[@acarguy3562]

@@Chris_Moncada you are correct and I was mistaken. Rob’s grandfather was a dealer. Rob does have many ties to the Tucker community and has built one.

[@Chris_Moncada]

@@acarguy3562 All good. I follow him on Instagram and have seen his Tucker builds. Believe he's building a Tucker prototype from original drawings. Also believe there is a Tucker grandson involved.

[@ChaplainSkelton]

The new owner should reach out to the car museum in Hershey, PA. They have all the blueprints and documents leftover from Tucker.

[@Macbetula-yl8wq]

I saw that car in Texas, about 14 years ago. They had a price tag of 5 million dollars on it 😮. And it needed a full restoration.

[@nikkrueger5734]

But look how beautiful it is now!

[@MarcelaHernandez-im6kt]

It was built in 2007 in madison...car was never in texas

[@sharksport01]

Im not a car guy. In the mid 80's I was a teenager and my great uncle took me to see his WW2 army buddy who had just bought a big 1800s house in downtown Indianapolis on Pennsylvania street. The house was complete with all the furniture and everything from the former owners. At the end of our visit he showed us the garage that had a Tucker and a 2 seater Jaguar. I think he said it was a XK120. And I think he said the color was lavender grey or lavender pearl, it had red interior. Years later I saw the man and he said he sold them both. If I knew better I would have been all over the Tucker instead of the sporty, more common Jag.

[@nikkrueger5734]

Wow! That’s amazing to see two cars together like that “in the wild”!

[@Flies2FLL]

As far as I am concerned that is the real deal, just with an asterisk. Great video! [Personally, I think the Tucker family should start selling replicas using tube frames and fiberglass construction with Porsche drivetrains.]

[@nikkrueger5734]

Thanks for watching!

[@bwofficial1776]

There was a very short-lived attempt at making replicas with a Cadillac Northstar engine and transaxle.

[@MarcelaHernandez-im6kt]

No it's not

[@Flies2FLL]

@@MarcelaHernandez-im6kt Bozo.

[@RickTheSpud]

Great story, learnt a lot! 😎👌

[@nikkrueger5734]

Thanks!

[@snaredude56]

I went and dug through old pictures from the convertible thread. There are several pictures of the incomplete bodyshells in the factory. There are 7 shells visible with a spot where a shell should have been followed by one more shell. There were 50 Tuckers built, 36 when the factory was still open, the remaining 14 by Tucker employees that remained after closure. So that is where the figure of 36 came from. These 14 cars didn't have drivetrains installed. If these bare are sitting in order and are numbered in order, the first one would be #51 and the last one would be #58, leaving the missing shell to be #57. There were 58 body shells built from what I have read. Assuming these shells are 51-58, in order, then the missing shell would have to be the one in the other pictures taken at the same time with the modified rear window, and it would be #57. This body was photographed after the factory was shutdown and "Project Vera" was supposedly started before the Feds started their case. Tucker #51C was built after the factory was liquidated and is based on body shell #54 spare parts and fiberglass fenders. No other Tuckers have been built from original un-built body shells other than the convertible. 52C was built on the Tuckermatic test chassis and parts from scrapped cars so it didn't actually use one of the leftover shells. On the tuckerconvertible web site they have some of their documentation posted. There is a letter from Tucker Accountant, Mel Koeppen written to Allan Reinhert from Aug of 2000. It reads, "Dear Allan, Long time no see. I hope your address hasn't changed and this gets to you ok. Did you ever get the Tucker convertible finished? I would like to drive over and se it sometime. Give me a ring and tell me when it will be convenient to get together and bring each other up to date." This is offered as proof, but IMO it offers zero proof. It is a Tucker and it is a convertible, so it is reasonable to call it a Tucker Convertible, but this offers no proof that it is "Project Vera". This is no affidavit stating that he saw it when it was supposedly at the factory. If there is a separate affidavit, they don't show it. There are several pay stubs for Mel, proving that he worked for Tucker Corp. That is good to prove, but Mel's letter proves nothing IMO. There is also an affidavit from the Harley shop owner. He describes the condition of the car and details that he noticed. One thing is that it was very rusted. There was an old picture of a very rusted shell sitting outside, and I believe it was missing it's roof so it was surmised at the time that it may have been #57 with the roof cut off, leaving no way to know if it is the wraparound rear window body seen in the pictures. It also mentions by first name only who had come to the shop and recognized it as #57, "Project Vera". That person named another worker by first name only and said that they had been ordered to cut the roof off #57 at the factory so it could be built into a convertible. No affidavits from these people are offered and no last names are given. The shop owner also states that the reinforcements would have to have been done at the factory because they were equally rusty. This seems like conjecture to me. I have seen cars that had body pieces replaced, and the project stalled and the whole thing rusted. At a certain point heavily rusted metal looks the same unless parts are completely rusted out, and even then environmental factors could cause more deterioration in different parts of the car. He also states that the numbers didn't appear to have been done outside of the factory. I don't know how he could tell that to the level to say that they are factory stamps. Crooks and unscrupulous car restores have been re-stamping cars for decades so it is definitely doable to fake a stamp. Not saying the stamps are fake, just that it is possible to fake them well enough to fool most people. The letter then brings up the owner of LeCara steering wheels "knowing about the Tucker convertible and that it was started at the factory". Here again, this seems flimsy at best. Lots of stories get passed around about all sorts of things. Doesn't make them true. Several times, a life sized factory drawing of the Tucker Convertible is mentioned as having been seen with the car in the past. However this drawing has never been seen to this day. That would be the best proof that Tucker actually, at least went to the effort to consider building a convertible. Still doesn't prove that they ever started however. The fact remains, unless some very credible factory documentation is found, showing that they conceived, designed and paid the outside firm to start building "Project Vera", I don't see how you can ever prove that this car is legit. The "secret off the books" nature of the story, even if true, makes it impossible to prove and the nature of the story also leaves room from someone to have fabricated the story and the car as well. Tucker was selling dealerships as well as radios, seat covers, custom fitted luggage and heaters before the cars were even built, to raise money for the company. That was one of the things that got him into trouble. The 50 cars built were pre-production prototypes. The steering wheels were rejected '41 Lincoln Zephyr steering wheels that Alex Tremulous got from a friend at Lincoln with the stipulation that they had to be pulled and replaced with whatever Tucker's final design was. They had been buying old Cord transaxles, rebuilding them and installing them to get the cars drivable. It seems rather unlikely to me that Preston would have wanted to spend the time, money and energy to start a convertible project when they still hadn't finalized a production car and started production. He has been described as rather impetuous and a micromanager, so it is possible, but if he did and did it off the books, then he doomed the car to being an un-provable enigma.

[@randallhoffer3391]

Hmmm! Let's see now, he had time to take # 1057 out of the assembly line to make it into a rear wrap around window Tucker, but no time to make it into convertible, ehh! I think your line of thinking is a little fauly. Maybe a little prejudicial!

[@snaredude56]

@@randallhoffer3391 If those pictures of the wraparound window car were taken when the factory was still open, you would have a point. However, the picture of the shell with the wraparound rear window is present in the factory after it had been closed for good. You can see it at 3:19 of this video. You can also see a small vehicle through the rear door with a couple of men in military uniforms and a couple in suits. These were people, most likely from the War Assets Administration inspecting the factory before everything was to be auctioned off. Tucker the company was dead at this point so there is no way anyone could have cut the roof off that car to make it into a convertible, because the company was no more. 50 cars plus the Tin Goose had been built at this point. 8 unfinished body shells are shown in the pictures which were all taken at the same time. There were 58 body shells plus the Tin Goose built at this point. Soooo, all body shells are accounted for with period photographs after the factory had closed for good which rules out a convertible project being built from those 58 shells.

[@galynahoffer889]

Oh, Tudor, a true card carryingTucker Club member! There also some discussion in your own Tucker Club Topics, that because the SEC said that Preston Tucker himself never really intended to have a real car company , but he was really out defraud the public, so Preston could sell his stock to the unsuspecting public. That Topics discussion said that Preston changed the wrap around window car into a convertible to show the SEC, that he really was going to have a rear car company by offering a convertible. You don't add new models unless you are serious. By the way, Preston Tucker won the case against him by the SEC.

[@natesmemes1794]

*My Grandfather would love to own a Tucker 48, I have actually seen two different 4 door Tuckers in person at automotive museums. That convertible 48 looks so much better than the 4 doors with it’s refined lines and convertible top I can almost understand why some purists would insist it’s not real* 😅

[@ryanmiller2143]

I loved walking through Capitol Corvette when I was a kid. It could make a good vinwiki episode.

[@nikkrueger5734]

Same! It was such a cool dealership, bummer how it ended. There may or may not be another story from me on that whole shenanigan

[@ryanmiller2143]

@nikkrueger5734 my dad was in a local car club. We went to all the car shows. The capital corvette guys would usually bring some cars to the bigger shows. If the 94.9 WOLX red boombox mobile radio station was there, there would be some Capitol Corvette cars there.

[@ryanmiller2143]

@@nikkrueger5734 I'd watch that.

[@nikkrueger5734]

@@ryanmiller2143wow blast from the past - I remember Fletch and Sarah in the morning and that big red boombox at car shows (and Dave Larsen and the CC guys) and everything!

[@ryanmiller2143]

@nikkrueger5734 my dad was in the Mad City Knights and Sugar River Cruisers. He drove a dark teal metallic 1968 Chevelle SS396 convertible right up until his passing. My oldest brother has it now.

[@keonikaig9247]

Awesome , thank you...👍

[@nikkrueger5734]

Thanks for watching!

[@thefiascogarage3215]

The Tin Goose and another one are in a museum by Rayestown Lake in PA.

[@nikkrueger5734]

I've always wanted to go to that museum!

[@bjoernaltmann]

That’s a nice automobile

[@basvanderhoek9293]

Nice article, but even nicer are some of the reactions. I was a member of a Dutch Citroen club. I am surprised that anybody that ever touched a Tucker is still alive, I am almost dead, being from 1947 most of us do have 1 foot in the grave. I always loved the big Citroens , still drive one, but the length some people go through to find the original glovebox screw from a 57 vs a 58 DS, that goes a bit too far for me. My Citroen friends here in Vancouver have the right idea, we drive our cars, have fun with them and truly enjoy them for what they are. Still get a lot of thumbs up. Love the Tucker, just as bizarre as the DS, I would love to see the Car from this article, fake or not, I don`t care, it looks fantastic. Somebody did a hell of a job. We didn`t think Joan Rivers was "Fake" while a lot of her parts were not original. Thanks and greetings to all car fans.

[@nikkrueger5734]

Joan Rivers comment has me rolling 😂

[@321CatboxWA]

Thank you for sharing , good story well done .

[@nikkrueger5734]

Thanks!

[@321CatboxWA]

@@nikkrueger5734 Welcome

[@stephenhoosick7434]

Great story,,,Thanks

[@nikkrueger5734]

Thanks for watching!

[@kevindimauro9689]

I like the side view of the car. Very futuristic but must have been difficult to produce in those times.

[@jonmcfarmer6954]

If Tucker did not assign it a VIN (as on1051 and 1052), it is as TACA claims not a real Tucker but a Tucker parts car (a car assembled from parts) . I believe that everybody agrees that this car was a development car but not necessarily a convertible. Looks great however. Value? Whatever some rich guy is preparred to pay. 😏

[@tjmoneybags]

Spoiled sport...haha...totally kidding you.