Lexus claiming inventing light that turns

[cntbill]

Just seen a comercial on TV that Lexus is claiming that they invented a "headlight" or at least a light that turns with the stearing wheel..... Guess they never heard of a "Tucker".<br>
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Such a shame... <p></p><i></i>

[Paul]

Oh, they've heard of Tucker having that headlight alright. Remember, Lexus is owned by Toyota, who has private ownership of a Tucker car. GM also ripped off Tucker with thier outrageous Precept car (three headlights and rear engined)which will probably never be brought out. It looks like a Tucker that is built for the 21st century. Other auto companies also ripped off Tucker in other ways. Streamlining, fuel injection, a padded dash, pop-out windshields, they all were so-called trademarks of GM and Kaiser-Willys. Studebaker profited in the past from Tucker's downfall, as they had may Tucker styling cues(except they were slower than turtles). Chrysler even had an idea to build thier own version of the Tucker with front wheel drive. Keep watching ths automotive industry in the next few years. You will see more large, streamlined autos with retro ques, all inspired by either Tuckers or some other car. New efficient engines, CVTs (which were Tucker's original idea with the 589 car), will give way to more well-balanced machines with either mid-engine or rear engine setups. This will mean a roomier compartment for passengers, and better crash protection. Cars are already starting to get bigger, just look at the Chrysler 300c, or Infiniti's monster muscle cars which are supposedly more efficient than ours, which I highly doubt. Many manufacturers took what they needed from Tucker and never gave anything back. The Japanese had little tin cans for cars when they were first sold in the U.S., now all of a sudden they're producing high-end luxury cars that no one can afford except high ranking businessmen. How is that better? The Tucker was advanced and luxury enough and it was totally blackballed from the auto world for nothing. But that's what happens when you have an idea that everyone likes and no one else has.<br>
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Paul <p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p206.ezboard.com/btucker.showUserPublicProfile?gid=paul@tucker>Paul</A> at: 1/4/05 12:51 am<br></i>

[tucker48fan]

Tucker didn't even originate the idea. They were available as aftermarket items for Packards about the same time Tucker was a Packard salesman. <p></p><i></i>

[TuckerCar]

Yes, funny how Toyota owns a Tucker. I made that connection too.<br>
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Actually the Tatra had it in the 30's (production) and it was a dealer option in the 20's through several luxury marques.<br>
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In any event, I received an email from the NHSA (National Highway Safety Administration) several months ago. THEY credit Tucker with the idea and where in the process of writing some report outlining the origins and benefits of the concept.<br>
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I don't fault Lexus for taking credit - it's all marketing and there's no benefit in crediting some 60 year-old failed car company with it. If anything, Mercedes should be miffed since they brought it back before Lexus on the Maybach. <p></p><i></i>

[Tin Goose]

Noted that Toyota ownes a Tucker. What is the Serial Number. Might also add that Tucker had the first "Wide Track" not Pontiac: <p></p><i></i>

[TuckerCar]

1004 <p></p><i></i>

[Paul]

Hello Tucker48fan,<br>
You said that Packard had this headlight option available? Which models were these available for as aftermarket items? I also heard about Packard having such a feature available, but I never found out what time period they came from. <p></p><i></i>

[tucker48fan]

No clue. The one car I saw equipped with it was from the 1920s. You might check with the fine folks over at the Packard Club, I'm sure one of them would know. <!--EZCODE AUTOLINK START--><a href="http://www.packardclub.org/">www.packardclub.org/</a><!--EZCODE AUTOLINK END--> <p></p><i></i>

[TSB from England]

Hi, guys & greetings from merrie England. I have been a Tucker fan since seeing the film. Re headlights, yes Tatra had them. I have a feeling Zlins too, in USSR, as was. Also, the idea was picked up & re-marketed successfully in France by Citroen, on the Dyan models, during the late '50's/early 60's. They also claimed it was 'new' & their idea. I clearly recal seeing the tv adverts showing the main beam 'turning with the steering'. <p></p><i></i>

[unregestered]

<br>
Perhaps "knock off" is a form of flattery, and tucker is not the only one to be graced by this sort of pirating. The 2004 GMC (I think tahoe) is a good example, having plucked the sliding roof idea from the 63 thru 66 Studebake Wagonaire. (I have a 66 "Solid Roof" Wagonaire, but everything is there to make a slider out of it. I burn under the collar every time I see one of these knockoffs, especially when the manufacturer claims it to be their "Invention." lynmac@plainsmt.net <p></p><i></i>

[Paul]

Actually the vehicle you are speaking of is the GMC Envoy XUV. I do agree whole-heartily that they copied Studebaker on that one. Maserati's Quattroporte also copies Buick on the fact that it has portholes on its front fenders. Aston Martin, Ferrari, and a few other sports car manufacturers are using a Torque Converter in front and transmission in back setup, which was used on earlie sixties Pontiac Tempests(And there were probably ones with that setup before that). But that's how the auto industry goes. Someone has to copy or emulate someone to make a decent dollar. The point is however, to make a car with some new features that people would seem to be attracted to, and to use some clever marketing that can relate to the customer. This makes being without a certain car seem indespensible. Tucker offered what few americans could have at that time after the war unless they were buying a Studebaker or Hudson: "something new". The phrase"the first completely new car in fifty years" is what made many people scramble for a chance to own one. Using unique features and clever marketing still works to this very day and that is a trend that will never go out of style when it comes to selling cars.<br>
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Paul <p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p206.ezboard.com/btucker.showUserPublicProfile?gid=paul@tucker>Paul</A> at: 2/12/05 2:06 am<br></i>