Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Americans warming to idea of Chinese, Indian autos?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/americans-warming-to-idea-of-chinese-indian-autos/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/americans-warming-to-idea-of-chinese-indian-autos/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/americans-warming-to-idea-of-chinese-indian-autos/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Geely GE - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've known for a while now that Mexicans are getting some Chinese cars with their ten gallon jars of pickles, but what about Americans? Would we go for vehicles from another country from across the Pacific? There's a wonderful moment at the end of Tucker: A Man and his Dreams where Jeff Bridge's Preston Tucker character pleads with the jury at his corruption trial that if American industry doesn't change change course, we'll soon be buying our cameras from the Japanese.

According to a new study, 15% of American new car shoppers are ready to buy cars from China, while 11% are ready to buy their wheels from India. Ready for the kicker? Just 16% said they would consider a car from Korea. Ouch. Said George Peterson, head of the study, "As Hyundai and Kia have been on the American scene for decades now, it's surprising that consideration for Chinese and Indian brands, sight unseen, would be about as strong as it is for the Korean brands." Surprising, sure. And if you live near Seoul, depressing. Full press release after the jump.


Gallery: Geely GE


[Source: Auto Pacific]

Continue reading Americans warming to idea of Chinese, Indian autos?

Americans warming to idea of Chinese, Indian autos? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Auto PacificAutoPacificChinaGeelyGeely GEGeelyGeIndiaKoreaPreston TuckerPrestonTuckerTuckerThu, 30 Jul 2009 08:58:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Archival footage reveals Preston Tucker's novel military Combat Car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/video-archival-footage-reveals-preston-tuckers-novel-military/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/video-archival-footage-reveals-preston-tuckers-novel-military/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/video-archival-footage-reveals-preston-tuckers-novel-military/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Tucker Combat Car - Click above to watch video after the jump

Preston Tucker was nothing if not an innovator. While best known for the failed automaker that bore his name and the 51 iconoclastic Tucker Torpedo sedans his venture managed to push out before shutting its doors for good in 1948, that company was not the entrepreneur's first foray into the transportation sector. Way back in the mid 1930s, Tucker and famed engine builder Harry Miller began designing race cars for the Indianapolis 500 before Miller's death in 1943.

Upon returning back home to Michigan, Preston Tucker commenced designing an armored Combat Car for the U.S. military. Though the design was ultimately rejected, the vehicle featured a number of innovations and eventually led to the successful manufacturing contract to produce Tucker Turrets for the U.S. Navy.

Hit the jump for some awesome archival footage of Tucker's Combat Car in action along with such innovations as same-size swappable bulletproof windows, separately adjustable headlights (not unlike those slated for the Torpedo), a bulletproof and multi-chambered radiator, individually-braked wheels and the ability to traverse rough terrain with a top speed of 115 mph.

[Source: YouTube | Photo: US Army via Warwheels.net]

Continue reading VIDEO: Archival footage reveals Preston Tucker's novel military Combat Car

VIDEO: Archival footage reveals Preston Tucker's novel military Combat Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armymilitarymilitary techmilitary vehicleMilitaryTechMilitaryVehiclepreston tuckerPrestonTuckertuckertucker armored cartucker combat cartucker military cartucker torpedotucker turretTuckerArmoredCarTuckerCombatCarTuckerMilitaryCarTuckerTorpedoTuckerTurretU.S. armyU.s.ArmyWed, 17 Jun 2009 19:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Well, I'll be Francis Ford Coppola! A 1948 Tucker is headed for auction]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/15/1948-tucker-going-up-for-auction-next-month/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/15/1948-tucker-going-up-for-auction-next-month/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/15/1948-tucker-going-up-for-auction-next-month/#commentsFiled under:



Many entrepreneurs have tried to break into the auto industry over the past century. Since the very early days, almost none have succeeded - or even lasted very long. Most such names have been forgotten and consigned to the dustbins of history. On the other hand, one of the most memorable failures of all time was Preston Tucker and his radically unconventional Torpedo. Only 51 of the forward-thinking sedans were built in 1948 before the company finally went belly up permanently.

One of those rare completed cars (no, not this one) will be put up for auction next month in Oakland, along with a a second engine and assorted other parts. Given the current economy, it will be interesting to see how high the bidding gets on this special piece of automotive history. The auction will be held on June 7 at Clars Auction House, but no, a DVD copy of Coppola's Tucker: The Man and his Dream will not be included in the purchase..

[Source: TuckerForSale.com, Photo by norjam8 | CC2.0]

Well, I'll be Francis Ford Coppola! A 1948 Tucker is headed for auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 May 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionFrancis Ford CoppolaFrancisFordCoppolaJeff BridgesJeffBridgestuckertucker 48tucker torpedoTucker48TuckerTorpedoFri, 15 May 2009 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Tucker Convertible "Prototype" hits eBay]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/06/tucker-convertible-prototype-hits-ebay/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/06/tucker-convertible-prototype-hits-ebay/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/06/tucker-convertible-prototype-hits-ebay/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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.

Gallery: Benchmark Classics Tucker Convertible


[Source: eBay Motors; TuckerConvertible.com]

Tucker Convertible "Prototype" hits eBay originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>convertible tuckerConvertibleTuckerpreston tuckerPrestonTuckertuckertucker convertibleTuckerConvertibleFri, 06 Feb 2009 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Tucker Convertible to finally see the light of day]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/24/tucker-convertible-to-finally-see-the-light-of-day/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/24/tucker-convertible-to-finally-see-the-light-of-day/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/24/tucker-convertible-to-finally-see-the-light-of-day/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tucker, undoubtedly one of the most famous of the many failed automotive companies the world has seen, was way ahead of its time in automotive technology. Featuring a rear-mounted engine that first designed for helicopter use, a full perimeter frame, a padded dash for safety and - lest we forget its most iconic design element - the cyclops front headlamp, the Tucker Torpedo stood apart from the crowd. As you probably already know, though, Preston Tucker's dream came crashing down after just 50 sedans and one prototype were produced in Chicago. Apparently, there is much conjecture as to whether one of those machines was a convertible.

What's not debatable is the fact that a lone topless 1948 Tucker exists today, though it is not really known whether it was a full factory effort or a one-off special made by another firm. Regardless of its murky past, Benchmark Classics, a collector car dealership and restoration shop in Madison, Wisconsin, has gotten its hands on the droptop and announced plans to completely restore the machine by May of this year. They plan to publicly show the Tucker 'vert at both Pebble Beach and Amelia Island, with a possible SEMA appearance added later in the year. All of this will eventually lead to what's sure to be a high-profile sale. Thanks for the tip, Matt!

[Source: Old Cars Weekly]

Tucker Convertible to finally see the light of day originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jan 2009 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>benchmark classicsBenchmarkClassicspreston tuckerPrestonTuckertuckertucker convertibletucker torpedoTuckerConvertibleTuckerTorpedoSat, 24 Jan 2009 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog visits the San Diego Auto Museum, Part I - The Cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/30/autoblog-visits-the-san-diego-auto-museum-part-i-the-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/30/autoblog-visits-the-san-diego-auto-museum-part-i-the-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/30/autoblog-visits-the-san-diego-auto-museum-part-i-the-cars/#commentsFiled under:


Click the 1948 Tucker above for more from the San Diego Auto Museum

While on a recent trip to San Diego to ride some dirtbikes, we decided to check out some the sights that the city had to offer. Of course, being the car-obsessed nerds individuals that we are, it didn't take too long for us to end up at the San Diego Automobile Museum. Tomorrow, we'll bring you the best of what we saw on two wheels, but today is devoted to the cars. From some of the earliest four-wheelers (and three-wheelers) right on through to some Italian exotics from the '60s, '70s and '90s, there was plenty there to keep our interest. Our favorite has to be the rear-engined Tucker from 1948 -- very cool. We've assembled a gallery of pics below and have captioned them where appropriate. Enjoy!

Gallery: San Diego Auto Museum Cars

Autoblog visits the San Diego Auto Museum, Part I - The Cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Aug 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classic car picturesclassic carsClassicCarPicturesClassicCarssan diegosan diego auto museumSanDiegoSanDiegoAutoMuseumtuckertucker carTuckerCarSat, 30 Aug 2008 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: 1948 Tucker #46]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/20/ebay-find-of-the-day-1948-tucker-46/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/20/ebay-find-of-the-day-1948-tucker-46/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/20/ebay-find-of-the-day-1948-tucker-46/#commentsFiled under: ,


click above image for a gallery of gorgeous Tucker pics

This almost never happens. One of the 51 Tuckers ever made is about to close its bidding on eBay. At $200,000, we did't think any Tucker would go so cheaply, but this one is a bit different. As the description points out, this particular Torpedo is number 46 out of the 51 ever made. It has a genuine Tucker steel body from the factory, but since 1964 it has been using running gear from a 1964 Mercury Monterey Parklane. This Tucker now has a 390 engine, automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, and even air conditioning. While certainly less valuable than a completely original car, it's probably easier to maintain and more enjoyable to drive. Looks like it will be hella cheaper too, so maybe some industrious soul will find a way to reunite the car with a more appropriate drivetrain in the future.

Thanks for the tip, Mike!

[Source: eBay]

Gallery: 1948 Tucker Torpedo on eBay

eBay Find of the Day: 1948 Tucker #46 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Aug 2007 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1948 tucker1948TuckertuckerTucker TorpedoTuckerTorpedoMon, 20 Aug 2007 18:57:00 EST<![CDATA[GM Makes-A-Wish come true for teen with leukemia]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/28/gm-makes-a-wish-come-true-for-teen-with-leukemia/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/28/gm-makes-a-wish-come-true-for-teen-with-leukemia/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/28/gm-makes-a-wish-come-true-for-teen-with-leukemia/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



General Motors recently gave Aaron Robinson, a junior at the Charter High School for Architecture and Design in Philadelphia, an unforgettable gift. The creative 17-year-old has a love for designing automobiles, so in conjunction with the Make-A-Wish foundation GM designers transformed his sketches of a Pontiac Trans Am design into a virtual 5-foot-by-10-foot computer projection model. Robinson's life has been marked by a battle with leukemia, and he is fortunately now in remission.

The design, of which The Detroit News appears to have no pictures (the one above we believe is another sketch of a future Corvette C16 done by Robinson and reinterpreted by GM designers), shows a model that takes design cues from the 1953 Chevy Corvette, as well as a one-headlight grille inspired by the 1945 Tucker. Amaury Diaz, creative designer for the Rear-Wheel Drive High Performance Studio at GM, said about the experience of interpreting the young man's design, "That is as much fun as I'll have this week."

It was refreshing that we didn't find news of GM's giving nature in its own list of press releases, as something like this shouldn't be treated as a marketing opportunity. Although we do hope GM will release some more pics so we can view Robinson's works from some additional angles.

[Source: The Detroit News]

GM Makes-A-Wish come true for teen with leukemia originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jun 2006 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aaron RobinsonAaronRobinsoncar designCarDesigncorvettedesignleukemiaMake-A-Wishpontiac trans amPontiacTransAmtrans amTransAmtuckerWed, 28 Jun 2006 17:06:00 EST