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Coppola's Famed Tucker 48 Set for Pebble Beach Auction

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The automotive world is abuzz with the impending auction of a truly exceptional vehicle: a 1948 Tucker 48 that not only holds a place in motoring history but also boasts a significant connection to cinematic legend Francis Ford Coppola. This isn't just any classic car; it's a piece of art and film history, ready to find its next esteemed owner.

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.

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Lamborghini Unveils Fenomeno: A New Benchmark in Hypercar Performance

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Lamborghini has once again pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering with the introduction of the Fenomeno, a limited-production hypercar that stands as the brand's most potent and rapid creation to date. This vehicle takes the already impressive capabilities of its predecessor, the Revuelto, and elevates them to an extraordinary level, showcasing a harmonious blend of raw power, refined aerodynamics, and pioneering technology. It is a testament to Lamborghini's relentless pursuit of automotive perfection, crafted for a discerning clientele who demand nothing short of the ultimate in performance and exclusivity.

The Fenomeno is not merely an incremental upgrade; it is a comprehensive re-imagining of what a hypercar can be, integrating an enhanced hybrid powertrain with a meticulously redesigned chassis and advanced sensory systems. Every aspect of its design and engineering serves a singular purpose: to deliver an unparalleled driving experience. From its striking aesthetics to its blistering acceleration and superior handling dynamics, the Fenomeno is engineered to dominate both the track and the road, setting new benchmarks for the industry and solidifying Lamborghini's position at the forefront of high-performance automotive innovation.

Unrivalled Power and Engineering Excellence

The Lamborghini Fenomeno marks a significant leap in automotive performance, distinguished by its intensified V12 hybrid powertrain derived from the Revuelto. This marvel of engineering elevates the V12 engine's output and incorporates a more robust electric motor system, collectively achieving a formidable 1065bhp. This combined power propels the Fenomeno to an astonishing top speed exceeding 217 mph, with blistering acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.4 seconds and 0 to 124 mph in a mere 6.7 seconds. Such figures not only surpass the Revuelto but also cement the Fenomeno's status as a hypercar icon, offering an adrenaline-fueled experience that few vehicles can match.

Beyond its raw power, the Fenomeno incorporates advanced technological innovations to enhance its dynamic capabilities. Its aerodynamic profile has been meticulously sculpted, featuring enlarged frontal air intakes and intricate bodywork that optimize airflow for increased downforce and enhanced engine cooling—a 30 percent improvement over the Revuelto. The vehicle also boasts a state-of-the-art Brembo CCM-R Plus braking system, initially developed for endurance racing, providing exceptional stopping power with remarkable fade resistance. Furthermore, the inclusion of manually adjustable shock absorbers allows for adaptable ride heights, catering to both urban cruising and high-speed track performance. The groundbreaking 6D sensor, strategically placed near the car's center of gravity, constantly monitors forces across six axes, feeding real-time data to the vehicle's dynamic control systems, thereby improving precision and reducing stopping distances by up to 10 percent. Bespoke Bridgestone Potenza Sport tires, wrapped around distinctive turbine-style wheels, ensure optimal grip and responsiveness, contributing to the Fenomeno's extraordinary handling and agility.

Exclusivity Redefined: Design, Interior, and Limited Availability

The Lamborghini Fenomeno stands as a testament to unparalleled exclusivity, not only through its extraordinary performance but also through its bespoke design and strictly limited production. This hypercar seamlessly integrates aggressive aesthetics with functional aerodynamics, creating a visual masterpiece that signals its dominant capabilities. Drawing inspiration from the Revuelto's interior architecture, the Fenomeno elevates luxury and sportiness with extensive use of carbon fiber throughout the cabin and newly designed bucket seats. The Ad Personam personalization service further enhances its exclusivity, allowing owners to customize every detail from exterior finishes to interior materials, ensuring each of the 29 units is a unique expression of its owner's taste.

Crafted for Lamborghini's most discerning and loyal clientele, the Fenomeno embodies a 'few-off' philosophy, a tradition upheld by iconic predecessors like the Reventon and Sian. This approach ensures that the Fenomeno is more than just a car; it's a collector's item, a symbol of ultimate luxury and cutting-edge engineering. Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Lamborghini, proudly states that the Fenomeno represents "the most extraordinary super sports car of our time," combining historical V12 power with revolutionary design and technology. The extreme scarcity of the Fenomeno—with only 29 examples available worldwide—underscores its elite status and guarantees its place as a coveted masterpiece in the realm of high-performance automobiles, a vehicle destined to become a legend in its own right.

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Ringbrothers Revitalizes Classic Aston Martin DBS with 'Octavia' Restomod

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The automotive world is abuzz with the latest creation from Ringbrothers, the celebrated custom car builders. Known for their prowess in transforming vintage American muscle cars into modern marvels, they have now turned their artistic eye to a British classic: the 1971 Aston Martin DBS. This exceptional project, dubbed 'Octavia,' made its grand debut at Monterey Car Week, capturing the attention of enthusiasts and critics alike. It represents a bold departure from their traditional portfolio, yet it exemplifies their unparalleled craftsmanship and innovative spirit. The 'Octavia' is a testament to what can be achieved when classic elegance meets contemporary performance, pushing the boundaries of vehicle restoration and customization.

This bespoke Aston Martin DBS 'Octavia' is not merely a refreshed vintage car; it's a completely re-envisioned machine that seamlessly blends iconic design with cutting-edge engineering. Ringbrothers, in collaboration with designer Gary Ragle, meticulously sculpted custom carbon-fiber bodywork, expanding its dimensions for a more aggressive stance. Underneath its striking exterior lies a formidable powertrain—a supercharged 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 engine, delivering an astonishing 805 horsepower, a monumental leap from the original's output. The project consumed thousands of hours in design and development, culminating in a vehicle that stands as a unique fusion of American muscle car ferocity and quintessential British sophistication, truly a moving mechanical work of art that redefines the concept of a restomod.

The Rebirth of a British Icon: 'Octavia' Design and Engineering

Ringbrothers, celebrated for their masterful restomod projects, has unveiled their latest creation, the 'Octavia,' a remarkable transformation of a 1971 Aston Martin DBS. This project marks a significant departure from their usual focus on American muscle cars, demonstrating their versatility and exceptional skill in reimagining classic automobiles. The 'Octavia' stands as a pinnacle of custom car building, blending the timeless elegance of Aston Martin with modern performance and design elements. Its debut at Monterey Car Week garnered considerable attention, highlighting the painstaking craftsmanship and innovative engineering that went into its creation, setting a new benchmark for high-performance restomods.

The transformation of the 1971 Aston Martin DBS into the 'Octavia' is a testament to meticulous design and advanced engineering. Collaborating with designer Gary Ragle, Ringbrothers crafted bespoke carbon-fiber bodywork, which involved an astounding 3,900 hours of CAD design and an additional 8,200 hours of hands-on development. This extensive work resulted in a vehicle with an extended wheelbase by three inches and a widened track by eight inches, with the rear expanding by an additional ten inches. The car is coated in a distinctive Double-0 Silver paint with Nuclear Olive Green accents, enhancing its unique aesthetic. Performance-wise, the 'Octavia' is built on a Roadster Shop Fast Track Stage III chassis, featuring fully independent rear suspension and RS SV by Fox Racing coilovers. It rides on HRE wheels, shod with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, and is equipped with powerful 14-inch Brembo brakes, ensuring exceptional handling and stopping power for its immense output.

Unleashing Unprecedented Power and Luxury in the 'Octavia'

Beyond its striking exterior, the 'Octavia' harbors a beastly heart: a Wegner Motorsports-built 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 engine, supercharged with a custom 2.65-liter Harrop unit. This formidable powertrain unleashes a staggering 805 horsepower, a dramatic increase from the original DBS's 320 horsepower, propelling this classic into an entirely new performance category. Power is seamlessly transferred to the wheels via a six-speed manual transaxle, offering an engaging driving experience that perfectly complements its raw power. The interior of the 'Octavia' is equally impressive, meticulously crafted to offer a luxurious and refined cabin environment. It features a harmonious blend of rich caramel-colored leather, sleek carbon fiber trim, and intricately designed 3D-printed stainless steel accents. Throughout the cabin, subtle 'Octavia' badges serve as a constant reminder of the car's bespoke nature and unique identity, reflecting the extraordinary attention to detail in every aspect of this build.

The meticulous attention to detail extends beyond the mechanical and exterior elements into the lavish interior of the 'Octavia.' The cabin is a sanctuary of luxury, featuring premium caramel-colored leather that exudes sophistication, complemented by expertly integrated carbon fiber trim. Adding to the bespoke feel are unique 3D-printed stainless steel accents, which showcase the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques. The design team ensured that every element, down to the subtle 'Octavia' badges found throughout the interior, contributed to a cohesive and exclusive aesthetic. This car represents a significant achievement for Ringbrothers, not just in its performance capabilities but also in its ability to combine the brutal force of an American-inspired engine with the refined elegance traditionally associated with English motoring. As Ringbrothers co-owner Mike Ring aptly described, this project pushed them beyond their comfort zone, resulting in a creation that truly embodies the spirit of hot-rodding on the grandest stage. While no price has been disclosed, the sheer investment in time and bespoke components suggests that this unparalleled vehicle comes with a substantial value, reflecting its status as a one-of-a-kind automotive masterpiece.

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