This Day

August 12, 1988 – “Tucker, The Man & His Dream” premieres

On this day in 1988 “Tucker, The Man & His Dream,” hit US theaters. The film, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, starred Jeff Bridges as Preston Tucker, the businessman and auto designer behind the iconic Tucker Corporation. The movie followed his efforts to bring an all new safe and affordable car, the Tucker 48, to the US marketplace amid fierce backlash from Detroit’s Big 3. The Tucker movie goes on to show with the downfall of Tucker amid controversial accusations from the SEC. The film’s accuracy, as with any Hollywood product, is up for debate; yet it remains a popular feature with many automotive history lovers and drama fanatics alike. Learn more about Preston and the Tucker 48 here

. Watch the trailer below.


Brian Corey

Recent Posts

January 6, 1925 – John DeLorean’s birtheday

Promo shot of DeLorean with his DMC12 in 1977. By Jerry Williamson American automotive engineer…

2 weeks ago

January 5, 1798 – Steam vehicle pioneer James Semple is born

An illustration of Semple's steam car as it appeared in Scientific American While better known…

2 weeks ago

January 4, 1967 – Donald Campbell dies during water speed record attempt

Lake Coniston, Cumberland, UK. Jan 4, 1967. Donald Campbell dies as his jet-powered boat somersaults…

2 weeks ago

January 3, 1914 – Automotive entrepreneur Earl “Madman” Muntz is born

Earl Muntz In the illustrious realm of automotive design, few figures stand out as boldly…

3 weeks ago

January 2, 1975 – Top Gear America host Dax Shepard is born

Dax Shepard with his Lincoln Continental (Instagram) Dax Shepard, born on January 2, 1975, isn't…

3 weeks ago

January 1, 1942 – Ending civilian auto production for WWII

Blackout 1942 Chevrolet (note the painted grille) An order from the US Office of Production…

3 weeks ago