Tucker Questions...

[Al227]

Hi Folks...<br>
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Been a big fan of the Tucker since my father told me the story of Tucker 40 years ago. I do have a few questions that I hope you guys may be able to help me with...<br>
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1. Are there any pics of the Tailsman anywhere (ok, drawings). From what I have read, it was to be a Coupe version of the "48", perhaps with a few other sporty options..<br>
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2. I'd like to see some info on the movie cars. How were they made and where are they now? Are they little more than a "prop" or are the exteriors pretty much a finished Tucker Replica. How much detail was put into the interiors? What is under them (conventional driveline??) It seems to me that it would behoove us to track the whereabouts of these cars (I believe there were only 4 made) since they are, albeit to a much smaller degree a part of Tucker history as most of the world learned of the Tucker through (at least to some degree) these cars.<br>
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3. Is any of the original 51 Tuckers Air-Cooled? I have run accross the statement of Air-Cooled Tuckers quite a few times in my reading but had always assumed that all of the Franklin helicopter engines were converted to Water Cooling.<br>
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I have so many other questions but if ya'll could get there few for me, I would be greatful.<br>
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Regards,<br>
Al Staley<br>
Belle Vernon, PA <p></p><i></i>

[Detroit442]

The movie cars are crude at best. 1970's GM fullsize chassis, RWD V8. "Chrome" trim is actually silver metallic paint. No side windows, ill-fitting fiberglass body panels, etc.<br>
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The interiors are even worse. No door panels, carpet, dash or rear seat. Just a steering wheel and column shift. Front seat is a well worn stock bench.<br>
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One is a on display at the ypsilanti auto heritage museum. Waltz blue color, may be the stunt car used in the police chase scene. <p></p><i></i>

[plancor 792]

The replicars were 1973 Fords with V8 engines. They were made by Mike Fennel enterprises in Los Angeles, CA. The Tucker used in the scene where Jeff is chased by the police was Tucker Serial No. 1013. Not one of the replicars. All four of the replicars had overheating problems. To overcome the problem they put dual electric fans in the engine compartment and cut some slots in the front end to allow more air to get into the engine compartment. Only the drivers door opened and it would not open fully.<br>
Richard E. Jones<br>
Tuckermch@aol.com <p></p><i></i>

[Detroit442]

Sorry, the steering wheel looked like the one in my old Caprice, so I assumed it was on a GM frame.<br>
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The story the museum volunteer told me was that the chase scene was filmed with both an original and a stunt car. Close-ups (ie: lighting the cigarette) were filmed with #1013, and stunt situations (ie: frames with noticable oversteer) were filmed using a stunt car. Not sure on the validity of this, just going by what I was told. <p></p><i></i>