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| Tucker No. 1035 |
Tucker No. 1035 has had a long, strange and sad history--but one which may ultimately have a happy ending. It started in December 1948 when No. 1035 was shipped to Sao Paulo, Brazil, to the first Tucker dealer in Brazil, Jaime Gantmanis.
Over the years, the car changed hands several times, eventually coming into the possession of Roberto Eduardo Lee in 1962. The car had also been extensively modified, including the interior, chassis and drivetrain. Tragically, Roberto Lee died in 1975, beginning a legal battle among his heirs that lasted more than 35 years. No. 1035 and the rest of Lee's collection sat deteriorating and vandalized while the legal battles dragged on. By early 2011, however, the city of Cacapava, Brazil (which owns the building that housed Lee's Museu Paulista do Antiguidades Mecanicas) took possession of No. 1035 and the rest of Lee's collection and relocated them all to a more secure location. We understand that the city and Brazilian Tucker fans would like to try to restore No. 1035, and we wish them well in that effort.
(Post credit: Jay Follis, Kit Fox and TACA message board; photo credit: TACA website)
The entire history of #1035 is much more extensive. With the help of fellow researchers in Brazil, Gantmanis' sister and even the guy that did the conversion to the Cadillac drivetrain have been found. Recently I uncovered a monogrammed suitcase given to Jaime Gantmanis by Preston Tucker in February 1948.
ReplyDeleteI've found several papers and photos that show all the owners during its time in Brazil. The car has an interesting history.
At present it is owned by the City of Caçapava and will be given a mild restoration at some time in the future. The feeling in Brazil is that the drivetrain conversion is a part of the cars history so it will not be returned to rear engine.
The car is covered at this time and in secure storage until funds can be raised to restore it and the museum building.
Tucker Fan 48
Thanks for sharing more of the story of Tucker No. 1035!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Vanderlei Munhoz and are committed to restoring the Tucker # 1035.
ReplyDeleteAnd have sent several mails to the Taca for help, to get a copy of the plan
original chassis to be redone here in Brazil. If anyone can help we will be happy to
try to leave the 1035 in its origins. Contact vanderleisalaviaw@ig.com.br
Thank you.
My name is Vanderlei Munhoz and are committed to restoring the Tucker # 1035.
ReplyDeleteAnd have sent several mails to the Taca for help, to get a copy of the plan
original chassis to be redone here in Brazil. If anyone can help we will be happy to
try to leave the 1035 in its origins. Contact vanderleisalaviaw@ig.com.br
Thank you.
http://antigosverdeamarelo.blogspot.com/search/label/Tucker%20Torpedo%20%231035
ReplyDelete