Pennsylvania Tuckers

[Ed in NC]

I was in high school in the early 70s and was fasinated with older cars. A waitress who worked with me in a local restaurant asked if I would be interested in seeing some cars that her neighbor owned, needless to say, I was. She told me later that the gentleman who owned the cars said to stop by anytime.

His residence was nearby in Steelton, Pa. and his name was Les Shaeffer.
I visited the man and asked if he would mind allowing me to see his "old cars". He indicated he would be happy to show them to me and took me out to his garage. I saw 2 cars that were from the early 30s that I was informed were Franklins, one was a sedan, the other a coupe. The other cars looked like what I thought were Studebakers, as they resembled some that were still on the road at that time. Mr. Shaeffer explained to me that the cars were Tuckers and proceeded to explain their history and allowed me to sit inside behind the steering wheel. I can still remember the gear shifting mechanism assembly attached to the steering column.

Mr. Shaeffer showed me the engine in the rear of the car and he pointed out other features like the center headlight. I also remember him saying that he corresponds with a man named Hamlin, as this person was also a Tucker owner. I found the Tucker to to be an interesting car, but never realized the aura that would surround the car with a movie and such that would follow in latter years. The color of the Tuckers were gold and maroon. He also had 2 or 3 Tucker parts cars behind his house.

I was told that if I ever wanted to go for a ride to stop back and we would take the Tucker for a spin.

I never did go back for that ride and moved away from the area over 20 years ago to a different state but do wonder whatever became of Mr. Shaeffer and his Tuckers.

[Guest]

Ed,
Mr. Sheaffer passed away several years ago. At one time he owned Tucker's Serial Numbers 1008, 1044 and the Tin Goose. Les was always willing to give you a ride in Tucker 1008. He would litterly fly up and down the hills in Steelton, Pa. to show you what the Tucker was capable of doing. I went with him on a couple of rides and was scared stiff. Les was also quite close with Bill Hamlin who lived in Ontario, Ca. Bill owned Tucker's 1002 and 1014. Bill used 1014 to show off the Tucker and several times got into trouble with the law for speeding down the LA freeway at very high speeds. Bill restored several other Tucker's over the years. Sorry to say, both gentlemen are now deceased. Francis Ford Coppola now ownes Tucker 1014. I helped Les do some of the restoration work on 1044. Due to failing health he sold the Tin Goose (no serial number ) to John Lemmo. John restored it is and today it is owned by and displayed at the Swigart Museum in Huntingdon, PA

[Guest]

Ed, I replied to your post above however this Bulletin Board still will not recognize my username (Plancor 792). I think it is time to quit replying to inquiries on this bulletin boadr so from now on if anyone wants me to respond to a question they should send a request to Tuckermch@aol.com

Richard Jones