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I spotted an (insert obscure car name here) classic car today! (Archived)

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  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    The Tucker convertible received 9 offers from 7 different people, all of which were declined.

    I'm new with ebay. I guess there's no way of finding out what they were is there?

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Here's another "only one in the world".

    http://www.suarezweb.com/tuckerclub/taca1052.htm

    Further comments on the web:

    http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/24/tucker-convertible-to-finally-see-the-light-o- - - - - f-day/

    I've done a lot...a LOT.... of research on Tucker (wrote an article for Autoweek called "Chasing Tucker's Ghost" (wish I could find that---misplaced it) and his factory and I don't think the car is anything but a cut car or a reproduction. Ball's in his court.

    And the final karate chop from the Tucker Club itself:

    "

    Postby Tuckerfan1053 on Sat Dec 03, 2005 4:51 pm

    The answer to this really needs to be made a sticky on this board, since the question comes up so often. The answer is: The car's a mule cobbled together by the man who owns it. Everyone who worked for the Tucker Corporation states categorically that they did not begin work on a convertable before the company was closed down. There were some drawings made up for a convertable model, but as you can see from the link below, it would have been for a slightly different body style (that for the 50s year models) than the 48 body, which was the only body style produced."


    (link busted unfortunately)

    AND THIS:

    If my fading memory serves me correctly, I seem to remember reading about a homemade Tucker convertible in "Old Cars Weekly" newspaper which coincidentally is published in Wisconsin. (I think the article with photo's and sketches was probably published during the very late 1980's to the mid 1990's.)

    The car was assembled using a left-over Tucker frame and various spare parts gathered from many different sources over many years, and all done many years after the marques' untimely demise.

    Such a car today would probably be most accurately described as a "compilation" car or an "assembled" car because calling it a "mule" or "prototype" implies that it was a legitimately built Tucker which most probably it wasn't. Perhaps we can call it a would-of, could-of, should-of car.

    LAST OF ALL -- Alex Tremulis, Tucker designer, denies the existence of such a car.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,725
    of course! what else could the russians and the irish both have wanted? :)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    I wonder what the opinion of DBAG higher ups is about the usage of their cars in films ...I suspect they are not all upset about the sinister connotations. I am thinking of fintails I have seen in the movies, and every one seems to have been driven by a bad guy.

    In 'Romeo Must Die', the lead character, a good guy, drives a C43 AMG. I can't ever recall seeing a W210 E55 in a film, last time I checked IMCDB I don't recall seeing anything familiar.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Oh they are *very* upset, believe me. Mercedes does not like, or appreciate, the "bad boy" image one little bit. They don't want that kind of publicity and won't support any movies without seeing the scripts, I've read.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    I think the image of the 1930s is going to be one MB will never be able to escape, especially as Hollywood continues to ram films about that era down our throats.

    The funny thing is a production company can buy a fleet of sinister looking old S-class for a song, a small fraction of the costs of making a film, so MB not supporting them might not matter.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    There are some companies that are extremely conservative in protecting their image, and some of them seem ironic. Mercedes, Peterbilt trucks and Harley Davidson will act like Rottweilers if you mess with their image. Also Disney, but that's a different arena.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    It's funny though, MB has been cast in a sinister way for decades in 90% of its uses in film - yet it doesn't seem to impact sales or make a negative brand image. If anything, it might even do the latter. Not everyone wants to be the "good guy" anyway :shades: ...and the bad guys often have pretty cool gear.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Well films are getting more violent and I don't think it's really a good image to have your product running over little children, etc. This is not ideal "product placement".
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    I don't think MB are being cast into roles quite that bad. The sedans just tend to be driven by villains. The bad guys need cars too.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Here's one example of how you don't want your car to be presented to the world:

    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15430623/
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Well, maybe if they pulled it out and it still started....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    That only happens to old Toyota trucks.

    Kind of a sick waste, but those seem to be common in the name of "art".
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Or the Volkswagen in Sleeper. - "Wow, they really built these things, didn't they?"
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    When I read that line I think of Jon Lovitz driving the (fake) Hitler "Mercedes" in the dopey yet funny "Rat Race" when he was admiring the craftsmanship and the woodwork...just before he burnt his finger...

    Maybe some more product placement MB might not care for.
  • bob550kbob550k Member Posts: 148
    I saw a Tucker full of people driving in Irvine California on Saturday. It was gold and had 6 people in it!

    That's something you don't see everyday.
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    image

    It is a little hard to live down this image.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    Exactly. On that note, Don't click here if childish humor offends you

    Regarding seeing a Tucker, there's something I have never seen on the road. A local museum has one, and a friend of mine saw it out on the road once...he had to call me to tell me all about it.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    It's interesting that no photograph exists of Hitler actually driving a car. Apparently he didn't know how to drive.

    What's amazing about that photo is that today not even the most beloved leader could ride around like that in an open car.
  • texasestexases Member Posts: 11,107
    Thanks, Fin, now folks are wondering why I'm laughing at work - that is hilarious!
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,023
    I just hope nobody was prairie-dogging before watching that clip! :shades:
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    I am surprised he survived in an open car even then. Same for FDR and the lot.

    Did any of the others drive? Of course FDR couldn't...I doubt Winnie was ever sober enough to turn a steering wheel...can't recall Joe ever doing so either. It's kind of odd to think about, old leadership didn't drive.

    I did read a good article in a British mag awhile back about a 540K originally owned by Göring...his girth kind of exploded as the years went on, so it had to have a custom body with a larger passenger compartment. Shouldn't that be a sign to cut back a little on the bratwurst? :shades: The car was later "liberated" and sold at a surplus auction in the 50s for something like $2K, with a 770K bringing similar money. I can't even imagine.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    An underrated bit from a similar movie...A variety of cars were seen in it too

    That fake MB is odd, the grille is so poorly done, but the rest of the car isn't too bad. The steering wheel actually looks relatively correct. Maybe they were afraid that MB would try to launch some bogus expensive legal action.
  • andys120andys120 Member Posts: 23,670
    FDR did enjoy driving despite his handicap, he had a small fleet of cars, mostly Ford convertibles, equipped with had controls for clutch, brake and accelerator and enjoyed driving visitors around Hyde Park or Warm Springs.

    Having a less serious handicap, I imagine he liked it because it put him on a level with anyone else. He was photographed many times behind the wheel.

    I don't know if Stalin could drive but he was a bit of a car nut and like Brezhnev after him had a private fleet of imported cars as well as his Soviet-made "official" Limos which were usually patterned after the Packards and Caddies he enjoyed.

    One Soviet car bran, ZiS, was named after Stalin. ZiS being the Russian initials for Stalin Car Factory.

    2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Honors for the president most into cars would have to be LBJ. He liked driving his Lincoln Conti around his Texas ranch REAL FAST and drive the Secret Service crazy.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    Oh yeah I forgot about those, I think I recall seeing FDR have something like a 36 Ford cabrio which he had for some time.

    IIRC Lenin actually had a Rolls. Something appropriate given what his movement wrought...he was a true fighter for the proletariat :lemon:
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    Is there a more "presidential" car than a 60s Continental? In any form, it just has that aura to it. The Kennedy association really stuck.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    When I see a U.S. President driving a Corvette I'll know the country is back on track.
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    Apparently McCain's wife likes drifting. She dirfts a/her Corvette.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    not exactly what I had in mind, but good for the tire industry.... :P
  • andys120andys120 Member Posts: 23,670
    I used to see LBJ's daughter, Luci Baines, driving her dark green Stingray convertible around Georgetown DC.

    2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93

  • xrunner2xrunner2 Member Posts: 3,062
    I would speculate that there are a lot of "real" bad guys who drive MB - such as guys doing hedge funds, derivatives, drugs, gambling, and other rackets.
  • xrunner2xrunner2 Member Posts: 3,062
    LBJ was a real upright guy. At least he threw empty beer cans out of his moving Lincoln convertible on his own ranch property.
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    Here in town many gangsters drive Range Rovers, Porsche Cayannes, X5s, and yes Benzes.

    But luxury SUVs tend to be the vehicle of choice.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    No doubt....the professions that used to be exclusive Caddy (and later Lincoln Town Car) customers :P

    I think that one Enron higher up was claimed by "suicide" in his S-class back when the house of cards was pulled down.

    I know the 7-series is a Russian mafia staple now, replacing the old W140 S-class.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    Nothing says tough thug like a trophy wife-mobile eh

    Like all the rappers who loved Escalades...I'd see a lot of those driven by old conservative men, too.
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    I agree about the 7 series. Not sure why though.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,427
    The notorious new money Russian sense of style and taste...as the 7 isn't exactly a lovely car. Maybe some think it is more menacing than an S-class too.
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    ...black 1955 or 1956 Imperial sedan rotting away in somebody's driveway near Woodhaven Road in NE Philly. Sad.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Nobody's restoring 50s 4-door sedans anymore. Costs too much, car not worth it. Best thing to do with them is strip them for parts for coupes and ragtops. A worthy end.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Calling andre.... calling andre....

    Man, I would love a 56 Imperial! loved them when I was about 6 and haven't totally shaken it.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    So you mean the 57 Belvedere from the Tulsa time capsule won't be restored? :P

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,023
    Actually, I think that '57 Plymouth is being restored. It was a 2-door hardtop that they buried, so it has some value, even if it wasn't a Fury. I wonder if the notoriety it has would do anything for its value, as well? I've been hearing about that car since I was in 11th grade!
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Well THAT one has a story behind it, so it might be!! We call that extra bit "provenance" and it's important.

    If you or I shoot it with a shotgun, it means nothing.

    If Elvis shoots it and it's captured in a photo, the car's worth a lot.

    Same car, difference story.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,869
    What if the shooter is Elvis Costello?

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  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,023
    If Elvis shoots it and it's captured in a photo, the car's worth a lot.

    Isn't that what made Robert Goulet famous? I swear, the only reason I even know who he is, is because Elvis shot the tv while he was on it! Well that, and he was in an episode of "Mr. Belvidere" in the 1980's. :shades:
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Shoot, I'd pay 10% over for that.

    I saw a Gremlin at auction that belonged to ....(gasp!) Amy Grant.

    That sunk like a rock on the block.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Oh, yeah. I'd take a car with an Elvis Costello tie....

    Amy Grant had a Gremlin? I don't quite know how to process that... I guess life has taken a turn for the better for her.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • mylove2mylove2 Member Posts: 1
    You are cruising around town and your car is running fine. You jump on a highway and speed up to the flow of traffic. Suddenly, the steering wheel gets a vibration and starts to shake a bit. Why is this?

    Your car is an amazing vehicle. Talk to an enthusiast, mechanic or sales person and they can spend hours telling you about all the intricate technology and gadgets incorporated into the vehicle. This is true for even the cheapest cars available these days. All of the technological advances, however, can’t hide one key thing - the most important area of the car is where the tires meet the road.

    link title
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    This link is busted---if this is an advertisement, don't do that here, please. Against the rules.

    Thank you

    Mr Shiftright
    Host
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