Electric Cars

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.

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.