Gov. Rockefeller's Tucker

[CDB]

I understand that the Ex Governor Winthrop Rockefeller of Arkansas owned a Tucker to deliver him back and forth between his farm on Petit Jean Mountain and Little Rock, Arkansas. What number Tucker was it and when did he acquire it? Charles D. Barnette of Texarkana, Arkansas

[Tucker Fan 48]

It was Tucker #1029 and it was sold to him personally by Preston Tucker in 1955. This was a year before Preston passed away. Rockefeller acquired the Tucker to use for his frequent winding 60-mile drive from his farm in Petit Jean Mountain, Arkansas, to Little Rock. But with his move to the farm, the Tucker was put aside. Then in 1956, the car was sold for $1,000.00 to Albert J. Grayson, 11157 S. Main St., Los Angeles, CA.

Records show #1029 was completed on August 28, 1948 and was sent to the Tucker Corporation’s engineering team. An engineering report indicates that #1029 was used in testing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from September 21 through October 4, 1948, during which time it clocked 1,346 miles around the banked oval.

This car became one of two cars purchased by Preston Tucker. This one would have been his personal car.
The other car he bought was #1031, a waltz blue car, which he bought for his wife Vera.

#1029 is currently in a private collection in Los Angeles not far from the current home of Vera's car, #1031.

1029.jpg (42.2 KiB) Viewed 1289 times

[CDB]

Thanks Mike. This means the car would have been in Arkansas no more than a year (1955 to 1956). According to the Brookline 2005 auto sales auction results it sold that year for $461,500, including commission as reported by Car Collector's Online Market Journal. They also reported that the car was silver with grey interior and restored in 1987. I wonder if it was used in the "Tucker" movie production? Charles

[CDB]

The late Governor Winthrop Rockefeller of Arkansas is highly revered in Arkansas by antique car lovers, since he founded The Museum of Automobiles on Petit Jean Mountain in Arkansas in 1964. In 1975 the building and grounds were donated to the State of Arkansas, Department of Parks. Every year we enjoy a car show, swap meet, car corral, and the museum in the summer. Knowing about his Tucker is very special! Charles D. Barnette

[plancor 792]

CDB, yes Tucker Serial Number 1029 was in the movie. Russ Brownell & I both drove it.
Richard

[CDB]

Thank you Richard for the movie information. This Tucker has quite a history! Petit Jean State Park where it once lived is one of the most beautiful mountain top parks in the world! Among the cars displayed at the car museum there currently are the "ice blue" 1967 Ford Mustang owned by former President Clinton and a 1963 "light blue" Lincoln Continental convertible once owned by former President Kennedy. Charles D. Barnette

[Tuckeroo]

Didn't Preston Tucker also own #1030?

[Tucker Fan 48]

Didn't Preston Tucker also own #1030?

NO !

no preston.jpg (90.01 KiB) Viewed 1132 times

[Tuckeroo]

Well, the Peterson Museum needs more straightening-out than me, but thanks for the info!

[CDB]

The correct spelling of Rockefeller has now been implemented in this thread. I apologize for the earlier incorrect spelling. Winthrop Rockefeller lived from 1912 (the year Titanic went down) to 1973. He was the 37th Governor of Arkansas, and the first Republican governor of that state since Reconstruction. Since MOTAA (Mid American Old Time Automobile Association) conducts the Petit Jean Swap Meet each year, I have asked a past President of MOTAA to see if we can find a picture of Tucker #1029 when it lived at Petit Jean. I would like to find one with Rockefeller in it as well. Keep your fingers crossed. Charles

[mdsbob]

Among the cars displayed at the car museum there currently are the "ice blue" 1967 Ford Mustang owned by former President Clinton. Charles D. Barnette

The '67 Mustang is no longer on display in the Museum. It was recently returned to the Clinton Family.

Bob

[TuckerCar]

As I recall that was Clinton's brother's Mustang. I was at the Mustang 30th Anniversary Celebration in Charlotte in 1994 and remember they suddenly locked everything down. Then Clinton drove the Mustang down the track. Kind of a neat surprise but somewhat inconvenient with all the security.

[mdsbob]

As I recall that was Clinton's brother's Mustang.

That is indeed correct. It is my understanding that Roger has a son becoming of age to drive.

Bob