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Does anyone have Preston Tucker’s 1936 convertible, or know where it might be/or what happened to it? I understand he owned the car after World War II, suggesting that Pierce has a very good chance of still being here. I do not know the engine configuration nor which convertible body style it was.
All the best from here
Brooks
Brooks,
A car purporting to be Preston Tucker’s car (1936 1602 Convertible Coupe) is in the PAS records and the Weis files as belonging to a Monty Holmes in Washington. He apparently passed away last year, so we have no record as to the current owner. Possibly a family member?
Dave
Dave –
Thanks very much for the update. I found the reference in a 1946 newspaper story, which would have been as he was organizing the Tucker car business. The lack of other car information only allowed suspecting his Pierce had a 12-cylinder engine. I’m glad to hear it is in Bernie’s files: does he say when Tucker bought it, perhaps going back even further? I did not see the Tucker movie; as his Pierce played a part in the car’s real story, wonder if it is present there, too.
Brooks
Brooks,
There is no ownership time listed in Bernie’s files.
Dave
Dave –
Thanks for checking. I later queried Google to find the CCCA Pacific Region’s Bumper Guardian magazine do a story on it in Autumn 2013. Still, its earliest days are not clear. The Buffalo dealer changed towards the end; so wonder if that is when Tucker bought it.
Brooks
I purchased a single pilot ray light from Preston Tucker’s grandson not too long ago.
I will look for his contact info.
Bill
Let’s just say that provenance and rumors are two separate things. Also, fiction is not fact. The car that is the subject of the thread was restored poorly in my opinion and in a fairly modified condition from the photos I have seen. I have no interest in it one way or the other. I do recommend anyone purchasing it to get verified iron clad documentation if they think the Tucker story adds value to the car. I’m of the opinion that it is meaningless even if 100 percent fact. Also, I would inspect it to see if it was a 12 when new, or did it start off as an 8? It is so modified it’s a fair question. And no, I will not disclose publicly the tell tale signs of a converted car.
Caveat Emptor applies to EVERY open Pierce of ANY year or series. Especially a V-12. Assume EVERY car is a fake or altered car till proven otherwise. I can think of at least five non authentic V-12 cars out there of which are closed to open conversions or a 8 to 12 swap. And they have awards both in the club and on the circuit.
Hi All,
My name is Ben Holmes and I am Monty’s grandson.
I’m currently getting the car ready to sell and I’m going to look through the records we have to see if there’s a way to verify Tucker’s ownership but I believe another owner claims that their car is the Tucker car.
I don’t know for sure but will look into it, if anyone has any ideas on where/how to look that info up it would be greatly appreciated.
Ben,
The PAS record shows the original owner as Tucker, but that information could have come from anyone and is not documented. The Weis files have: (formerly owned by Preston Tucker??) , so again no positive documentation. It is possible you could go to the appropriate state DMV to see if original registration is available, however it is increasingly difficult to get this information with all the privacy laws. There are also some older DMV records available online.
That car is still on your grandfather’s record. Are you the current owner? If so I will move it to you.
Dave
I am glad to see interest in this car remains; Preston Tucker would have liked that. It would help to know when and where he bought that Pierce – at the time it was new, but later in 1936, the factory showroom was closing and retail sales were joined the A-C-D showroom up (or down) Main Street. But it does not sound certain that Tucker was the first owner. So having some of his addresses should also help. Some time ago, the member who did the bicycle/motorcycle study Bernie published in the Arrow, worked in the New York State archive in Albany and mentioned access to some of those records, so perfect evidence could still be there.
Could more be hiding in the Automotive Hall of Fame?
Brooks