Update on the AACA’s ’48 Tucker 75th Anniversary Celebration

Hershey, PA - The legacy of maverick car visionary Preston Tucker and his “car of tomorrow” lives on. Over the past months, the museum has been preparing for the Tucker '48 75th Anniversary Celebration, Friday, June 16th to Sunday, June 18th, at the AACA Museum, Inc. in Hershey, PA. As the celebration events get closer, they want to make sure you have the most up-to-date information.

The event marks the 75th anniversary of the famous Tucker Model ’48, one of the most iconic automobiles of the 20th century. The celebration is sponsored by JC Taylor Insurance, Nostalgic Motoring, Ltd., and John V. Pampu,  the museum presents a weekend-long celebration welcoming Tucker family members, Tucker owners, and relatives of those who played significant roles in developing the Tucker ‘48. It also brings together Tucker enthusiasts, motoring experts, and historians as we celebrate all things, Tucker.

The 75th anniversary exhibit anchors the celebration and showcases significant Tucker vehicles. Each is on display courtesy of private owners and museums. Confirmed vehicles include: The “Tin Goose” along with Tuckers #1001, #1015, #1022, #1026, #1028, #1044, and #1050, and the Tucker movie prop car and the original test chassis. In addition, the exhibit presents the new David S. Cammack Archival Research Center, upgrades to the Cammack Tucker Gallery, along with unique and rarely displayed Tucker artifacts and memorabilia.

The Tucker Celebration Pass provides guests with a passport to all weekend on-site events. The pass includes the “Toast to Tucker” gala, weekend-long museum and exhibit admission, all Tucker Talk presentations, Tucker parade, photo opportunities, and reserved parking. One-day exhibit tickets and special “behind the scenes” opportunities are also available.

The weekend’s signature event is the “Toast to Tucker” gala During the evening, guests will enjoy live 1940s music from Generations Big Band along with an exquisite, seated dinner; launch of the Tucker Hall of Honor and the inaugural class induction; live and silent auctions featuring exclusive Tucker memorabilia and authentic items; and an introduction to the new David S. Cammack Archival Research Center. The evening’s attire is business casual. The celebration pass is available here.

Our guest list already includes key individuals in Tucker history. One of our special guests for the gala is Ken Gross. Ken is a 32-year Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Chief Class Judge, serving on the selection committee. He was instrumental in accepting the Tucker 48 Class at Pebble Beach in 2018. Formerly the Director of the Petersen Automotive Museum, his 14 critically acclaimed auto exhibitions have appeared at major fine art museums nationwide. The author of twenty-five books, Ken has received numerous automotive awards and accolades.

Celebration pass and Exhibit ticket holders are treated to a slate of exclusive “Tucker Talks.” Each approximately one-hour presentation is led by noted Tucker experts. A Q&A follows each presentation. Daily exhibit admission or “behind the scenes” information and tickets are available here.

Many people know that Preston Tucker’s dream ended in a criminal courtroom in Chicago. Even though the jury vindicated him, his company was dismantled by the bankruptcy court. After those two legal struggles, Tucker attempted to clear his name in his life’s third major legal battle. Attorney Steve Lehto, author of Preston Tucker and his Battle to Build the Car of Tomorrow, will take us through the legal process that Preston Tucker faced.

Within the volumes of Tucker lore, each Tucker 48 has its own tale spanning the 75 years since production. Sean Tucker, Mike Tucker, and Mark Lieberman present the unique attributes and detailed history of each Tucker car in attendance. Follow these cars from the factory to the celebration. Details you never knew.

The possibility of the Tucker 48 car was over by the time the last prototype models were “assembled.” Upon the commencement of bankruptcy proceedings, the lives of many Tucker dealers quickly evolved from disappointment to despair. What happened after the last prototype cars were “assembled” is this session’s focus. Larry Clark talks about what happened, false hopes, and the people involved — including Preston Tucker. 

At the conclusion of the day’s events, plans are underway to present a Tucker ’48 parade on the museum grounds. Vehicle owners and museums who plan to participate in the parade will be announced soon.

As a bonus, guests can attend a special “Tucker: The Man and His Dream” movie screening at the historic Allen Theatre (36 E. Main Street, Annville, PA) to their celebration events. The screening includes live introductory commentary and a closing Q&A by Tucker historian Larry Clark and Preston Tucker’s granddaughter Cynthia Tucker Fordon. Cynthia acted as a production assistant and liaison to the Tucker family during the film’s production.I'm a new paragraph block.

About the Movie: The 1988 film, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, recounts the story of real-life inventor Preston Tucker and his attempt to produce and market the 1948 Tucker sedan, which was met with opposition from the “Big Three” automobile makers and accusations of stock fraud from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for which Tucker was acquitted in 1950. 

Movie Tickets are available here: Suggested donation: $20. The theatre is just ten miles from the AACA Museum, Inc.

About America's Transportation Experience — AACA Museum, Inc. - The AACA Museum Inc. is America's Transportation Experience. A Smithsonian Affiliate, the museum displays beautifully restored vehicles in life-like settings representing the 1890s–1980s. Recently recognized by US Today's 10Best, Road & Track and AutoClassics as one of the top automobile museums in America, the museum takes visitors on a cross-country journey from New York to San Francisco. In addition to cars, trucks, motorcycles, and buses, the Museum features unique exhibits that change several times yearly and focus on various auto marques, eras, and vehicle types. The AACA Museum, Inc. is home to the world-renowned Cammack Tucker Collection. The Cammack Collection encompasses the World’s largest and most prestigious permanent collection of Tucker automobiles and related artifacts.The AACA Museum, Inc. has been and remains an independent 501(c) (3) non-profit organization not affiliated with The Antique Automobile Club of America. It is located on Route 39, one mile west of Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, Pennsylvania. www.aacamuseum.org

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