A Collector of all things Tucker: 42 of 52 in 2011

David Cammack poses with his first Tucker that he purchased in 1972. Their where only 51 Tuckers ever built, currently 47 still exists – David owns 3

David’s favorite Tucker is this red beauty – Serial number 1001, which is the very first Pre-Production automobile that Preston Tucker made. This Tucker came off the line on March 17, 1948. These cars were ahead of their time. Each came with fully independent suspension, safety glass, and a neat Cyclopes light. Plus an aircraft inspired all aluminum rear engine. The tucker could hit cruising speeds of over 100 mph with a recorded top speed of 131 mph!

The rear wheel well, was designed to help keep the engine and disk breaks cool, as well as provide a nice hiding place for the gas cap.Each time a new Tucker came off the line simple improvements were made, meaning no two are alike. Changes to the engine chaises length, gas tank location, transmission and various other safety improvements where constantly experimented with. The center “Cyclopes” light only came on when the steering wheel turned greater than 10 degrees and would sync with the direction of the wheels, to help the driver see around turns.

For weight distribution, the engine was placed in the trunk area and lower in the chassis giving the car a lower center of gravity.

The suicide doors, made for easy accessibility to the rear seats.A clutter less driving area and lack of any glove box was another Tucker safety inspiration. During a crash, the passenger was to place himself into the designed “crash area” buy ducking low into the floorboard area.

This weeks “photo of the week” is more like a photo essay. However after discovering a Tucker museum in my town, I found myself wanting to do more than just the one photo. I meet David Cammack, after a chance meeting with Deena, his long time friend and helper, at the post office. Next thing you know, I’m standing in a warehouse in old town Alexandria, with camera in hand.

Mr. Cammack has a drive, a passion, and a wealth of information. Stepping into this warehouse is like stepping into a time capsule. The collection not only includes 3 Tucker’s but also a 1947 Cadillac Fleet-wood Chassis. – Just for comparison reasons. The collection includes several engines that show the progression of the Tucker power plant, a room full of blue prints, engineering drawings, legal papers, photos, rare 16mm films, and the original chassis buggy which Preston Tucker used to test concepts for suspension and drive train.

Mr. Cammack never married and will donate the entire car collection to the Antique automobile club of America in Hershey PA. He does not call his museum a museum, but a working warehouse of all things Tucker. He charges no admittance fee. Call David Cammack at 703-836-4520 to set up your appointment.

Meeting David Cammack and Dana was a treat, incredibly nice people. In the end, they are the true find here; the Tuckers are just added bonus.

Use this LINK to see all the photos

~ by gcovington on 10/17/2011.