A Hollywood Icon Rolls Onto the Auction Block
From Silver Screen Stardom to the Auction Stage
Renowned director Francis Ford Coppola, celebrated for his monumental contributions to cinema with masterpieces like \"The Godfather\" series and \"Apocalypse Now,\" also nurtured a profound fascination with automobiles. This interest culminated in his 1988 biographical film, \"Tucker: The Man and His Dream,\" which chronicled the ambitious vision of Preston Tucker and his groundbreaking 1948 automobile. During the intensive production of this film, Coppola acquired his own Tucker 48, a vehicle that subsequently played a starring role on screen alongside actor Jeff Bridges, cementing its place in film lore.
A Glimpse into a Storied Past: Chassis 1014's Journey
Coppola's specific Tucker, identified as chassis 1014 and resplendent in its original Waltz Blue finish, is scheduled for auction at Gooding Christie's prestigious Pebble Beach event on August 16. This vehicle holds the distinction of being the 14th Tucker 48 to emerge from the Chicago manufacturing plant, carrying with it a rich and well-documented lineage predating its acquisition by Coppola. Its earlier custodians included Charles DeCosta, its initial purchaser in 1949, and later, William 'Bill' Hamlin, a respected Tucker expert and restorer. Hamlin even loaned the car to legendary automotive journalist Tom McCahill in 1971, who revisited his original 1948 test drive, famously pushing the Tucker to impressive speeds.
Coppola's Acquisition and Filmic Integration
Following Hamlin's passing in 1979, the Tucker 48 transitioned into the care of Beverly Ferreira, another specialist in the marque from San Francisco. It was from Ferreira that Francis Ford Coppola purchased the vehicle in the same year. This very car is prominently featured in numerous scenes throughout Coppola's film, including sequences where it appears disassembled. This bold creative decision underscored Coppola's commitment to achieving an unparalleled level of authenticity in his cinematic recreation of the Tucker factory, a testament to his dedication to the project.
The Revolutionary Design of the Tucker 48
Despite its limited production run of only 50 units before the company's abrupt halt on March 3, 1949, Preston Tucker's innovative 48 model was remarkably ahead of its time. Its most striking and iconic feature was the centrally mounted third headlight, designed to swivel in response to steering input exceeding 10 degrees, thereby illuminating corners. Beyond this unique lighting, the Tucker 48 incorporated pioneering safety elements such as a robust, pod-like frame, integrated roll bars, and a shatterproof glass windshield engineered for easy removal following an impact. The interior was characterized by its generous space, a fully padded dashboard, and thoughtfully positioned controls for optimal driver accessibility. Mechanically, it featured an all-independent suspension system and a modified Franklin O-335 flat-six engine, originally adapted from a Bell 47 helicopter. While initial plans included a proprietary Tucker-designed engine and gearbox, along with advanced features like fuel injection, disc brakes, and magnesium wheels, these ultimately did not make it into the production models.
A Legacy Beyond the Auction Block
According to Gooding Christie's, this particular Tucker 48, identified as chassis 1014, has been a prized centerpiece within Francis Ford Coppola's extensive automotive collection. It was occasionally driven and showcased to the public at Inglenook, the Coppola family's celebrated winery in Napa Valley. The auction house anticipates a sale price for the Coppola Tucker 48 in the range of $1,500,000 to $2,000,000. However, the winning bidder will acquire more than just a car; the Coppolas are including a magnum (1.5L) of Inglenook Rubicon wine, alongside an exclusive invitation for the buyer and three guests to enjoy a private tour and wine tasting experience at the Inglenook estate in Rutherford, California, adding a personal and luxurious touch to this historic acquisition.