Few American classics can match the romantic, even mysterious image of the Tucker. Brilliantly conceived, superbly engineered, it was brought to a halt by indecent accusations of stock manipulation, blamed on founder Preston Tucker but never proven. Only 52 cars were produced, some completed after the factory was forced to close. Had it survived, one wonders how the handsome sedan with its 6-cylinder rear-mounted, air-cooled engine would have developed as the years went by.
Well, friends, here's proof that additional models were already under consideration, for it is the only Tucker Convertible in existence. The original design and fabrication of this experimental convertible began in Tucker's Chicago manufacturing facility just before it was shuttered for good, with the finished conversion completed decades later by Benchmark Classics. Incredibly it has only two original test miles and has never been titled. Authenticated by classic car expert Al Prueitt, the Tucker will be auctioned by Russo and Steele at its 10th Annual "Sports & Muscle in Scottsdale" on June 20-24, 2010.
If I could give you an 11, for this one I would. If some American buyer doesn’t pay a bundle for it, there ain’t no justic!
PS: I wonder why the inside door handle is missing on such a prize.
January 1, 2010 @ 4:11 pm