EV Conversion Candidate? Tucker Model 48 Replica Movie Prop on BAT
The auction site bringatrailer.com has a unique item up for bid at the moment. It is a full-size 1948 Tucker replica from the 1988 film “Tucker: The Man and His Dream” starring Jeff Bridges in the eponymous role. The movie was directed by noted Tucker owner Francis Ford Coppola, and featured 4 of these prop cars, in addition to 21 real 1948 Tucker cars. Rumor has it that the fiberglass prop cars were made using molds pulled from Coppola’s Tucker.
This particular prop was given to the Tucker family, who donated it to the Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum in Ypsilianti, Michigan, Preston Tucker’s hometown. I actually saw this prop several years ago, when it was on display there. I am a huge fan of the movie, and just finished watching it for the umpteenth time a few days ago. I love the idea of a Tucker body over a Tesla Model S chassis, after all, they both have “frunks”. Check it out for yourself, and if you should happen to bid on it and win, can I come check it out?
Photos from Bring-A-Trailer, movie prop on foreground, real tucker in background.
Auction Description:
This Tucker Model 48 is a fiberglass-bodied prop car built for the 1988 Francis Ford Coppola film Tucker: A Man and His Dream starring Jeff Bridges. The production featured 21 real Tuckers plus four prop cars based on molds taken from Mr. Coppola’s personal Tucker Model 48. The car is based on a 1974 Ford LTD chassis and retains the brakes, steering components, and suspension from the donor car, but lacks a driveline. Following the end of production, the replica was acquired by Preston Tucker’s nephew Frank Tucker and was donated to the Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum in Michigan in 1997. The current owner acquired several years ago, and it was displayed at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California during the Tucker Reunion in 2018. This Tucker replica is now offered on behalf of its current owner in California on a bill of sale with photos from the production of the film and a poster from the film’s re-release.
Molds for the fiberglass bodywork were reportedly taken from Francis Ford Coppola’s personal Tucker Model 48, chassis number 1014. The seller reports that all four prop cars appeared in different colors at various points in the movie, and one of the four was made with simulated damage. This example is the only one in private hands and wears its final color of Waltz Blue, which was the color of Preston Tucker’s wife’s wedding dress.
Steel wheels are fitted with chrome hubcaps bearing Tucker logo center caps and are mounted with Firestone whitewall tires. Suspension and brake components from the Ford LTD donor car are retained, and the seller notes that a hydraulic emergency brake has been added.
The cabin is accessible via the driver’s door, the sole opening door, and features a mid 1970s Ford LTD split front bench and two-spoke steering wheel. All of the exterior windows are heavily tinted, and expanding foam filler is visible. Photos of the car alongside one of Preston Tucker’s personal cars are provided in the gallery.
The car retains front and rear suspension, a live rear axle, and a fuel tank from the donor car. No engine or transmission are fitted. Additional photos of the underside of the car are provided in the image gallery.
In 2018 this prop car and 12 originals were reunited at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California, where the film was re-released. Photos from the event are provided in the gallery, as are photos from the production of the film. The seller reports that 10% of the final sale price will be donated to the Ypsilanti Museum.
All Photos Taken from Bring-A-Trailer Listing
