Just 51 remarkable automobiles were produced by Preston Tucker’s late-1940s manufacturing enterprise, which came to an early end due to nefarious subterfuge or basic financial issues, depending on the version of the story.
One of those Tucker 48 rear-engine sedans has been consigned to Gooding and Company’s Scottsdale auction, which takes place January 17 and 18 at Scottsdale Fashion Square during Arizona Auction Week.
All of the surviving Tuckers are rare and valuable, but this one is especially desirable as a highly original car driven fewer than 6,200 miles, well-documented and coming out of the prestigious Cofer collection.
“The Tucker presented here, chassis 1034, was one of the few more-desirable examples that was actually assembled by the Tucker factory and not completed after production halted,” Gooding says in a news release. “Of the 51 examples built, 1034 is one of only 12 finished in the attractive Waltz Blue Metallic. Tucker code #200 “Waltz” Blue is the only one of the six paint colors offered by the factory to be given a name, which is believed by automobile historians to be the color of Mrs. Tucker’s favorite dress.
“It is among the finest surviving Tuckers, retains its original interior upholstery, and has never required a comprehensive restoration.”
The estimated value is $1.75 million to $2.25 million.
The Tucker 48 was one of the most-significant post-war American cars, with advanced styling, engineering and safety features that were far ahead of the major manufacturers.
“Preston Tucker’s foray into the automotive industry represents the most courageous attempt to disrupt the status quo of the Big Three, and this Tucker 48 is one of the finest examples that remain in existence,” David Gooding, president and founder of the auction company, said in the news release. “The company’s contemporary construction and advanced features are widely acknowledged as an important part of automobile history.”
For more information about the Tucker and Gooding’s Scottdale sale, visit the auction website.
That is a very precious Tucker! Looks like in pristine condition as well. Hope to see a gem like that in person.
Me too!
My buddy and l spent three months in the summer of 2015 doing a US tour that was basically a lap of most of the lower 48 states.
As a boys’ trip, it was a tour of car museums, classic car shows and classic car dealers. During this trip we saw twelvr of the 51 Tuckers made – "Yawn! ‘ there’s another Tucker."
At the Swigart Antique Auto Museum in Pennsylvania they had two. A ‘production’ car and the prototype – The Tin Goose which the attendant allowed us to sit in for a photo – "l’m leaving next week. What can they do to me?"
I’d been a member of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Cluh in UK ten years earlier when the were looking after THE Silver Ghost. Sit in that? You’ve got to be kidding. I wasn’t allowed closer than a metre. Without a membership card l would’nr have even got in the building.
I love America.
If I could ever locate that darned envelope, it contains the list of the Tucker cars I have seen! (10+) There is one five hours East of St.Louis, and two about five to six hours Northwest. I want to see those three, then my Tucker hunt will end.
Bring it on