Tucker Convertible "Prototype" hits eBay
Click on the image above for a gallery of the Tucker Convertible
So much for waiting until after it's first shown at the Pebble Beach and Amelia Island concours events. Benchmark Classics, the collector car firm that managed to procure the only known Tucker convertible in existence, has already placed the machine on eBay, despite the fact that the car's restoration has yet to be completed. It's not really known how this particular vehicle came into existence, with some claiming that it might have been a behind-the-scenes factory effort and others resolutely saying that it's nothing more than an interesting custom.
Regardless of its murky past, the future is looking bright for the droptop Tucker, which is scheduled to be completed in May. Judging from the pictures that have been made available, the car managed to survive in relatively decent shape considering its age, and the restoration work appears to be top notch to our untrained eyes. One thing is for certain: This car is not going to go cheap. The bidding starts at million dollars, but those wishing to cut right to the chase can opt to Buy It Now for $5,000,000. Check out the links below for the auction listing and the car's microsite.
[Source: eBay Motors; TuckerConvertible.com]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jj 5:11PM (2/06/2009)
First time I have ever heard of any such vehicle. I find it a little suspect given Preston Tucker's commitment to safety. I find it a little hard to believe that he would have even considered building a convertible without so much as a rollbar.
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Rene Curry 5:45PM (2/06/2009)
Bubbles over shoot and take time to burst.
Fundamentals are not in play.
Prices go parabolic, then collapse.
The housing bubble mania.
Oil prices.
The commodity bubble.
The banks with mergers/acqusitions, the credit swaps/derivatives.
Stocks
Now bidding on cars at full price that are not even completed!
The auto restoration bubble top is in. I am ringing the bell even if it does sell at a premium price.
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Sofa King Fast! 7:24PM (2/06/2009)
Dude, I want some of whatever you are smoking.
Farris 8:42PM (2/06/2009)
I don't know about that, Sofa. Seems like a bad trip to me.
Leoben Conoy 9:12PM (3/05/2009)
Would someone unplug the frakking Hybrid already?!
Steve 5:58PM (2/06/2009)
Crack Pipe.... Wait... wrong Blog right?
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Thunderbuck 6:10PM (2/06/2009)
Wow. This is the automotive equivalent to someone producing the manuscript of a lost Mozart symphony. Spectacular, controversial, and amazing.
I'd love to own a Tucker. Even with the dodgy provenance on this one, I'd be tempted.
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Eric 6:23PM (2/06/2009)
Steve hit it on the head, total crack pipe.
This looks like it was completely made up, stuff like this doesn't just 'appear,' the Tucker Club is one of the most diligent about keeping track of the whereabouts of every Tucker ever built.
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casey 10:29AM (2/07/2009)
i've read about cars my entire life, and i'm old. i've never seen one word about a Tucker 'prototype' convertible. i'm sure it's a total fake. whomever said crack pipe is most likely right.
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Tony 8:22PM (2/06/2009)
As PT Barnum said "There's a sucker born every minute."
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Joe Black 8:27PM (2/06/2009)
It is a custom car, at any level...so be it. The Tucker Club will let it be seen as a real one. Let us see the finished product. I am sure it will re-show up at BJA in a couple of years with 900 miles on it.
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gslippy 9:23PM (2/06/2009)
If that was a real Tucker, it wouldn't be getting manhandled by a couple of smiling dudes outside in the snow.
I'm not buying the story or the car. :)
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RLQ 4:24AM (2/08/2009)
This doesn't seem right.
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dukeisduke 8:56PM (2/07/2009)
I'm suspicious of this as well. I've been reading about Tuckers for 40 years, and I've never heard anything about a convertible. They're going to have produce some proof to make me believe it's real. The narrative on the microsite s poorly written, too, like it was translated from Chinese. And 0-60 in seven seconds? I seriously doubt it.
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Menice 10:29AM (2/09/2009)
no i think thats all spot on.... it was quicker/faster then anything on the road at the time......you see the movie?
plymouth.cars 11:36AM (3/03/2009)
Sorry Tony, Barnum never really said that just like Tucker never really built this! Hard to believe that someone would be such an idiot to think they could pull this off.
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john 11:40AM (4/12/2009)
i saw this car in hackensack nj. in 1948
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