Stan Sieler wrote:
>
> Re:
>
> > At 10:17 PM -0400 10/25/99, [log in to unmask] wrote:
> > >I don't think yo are doing HG any favors by comparing it to the Tucker.
> > >The
> > >Tucker was a scam, "vaporware" in computerese.  Read the history.
> >
> > I have read the history. Perhaps you should, too.
> > Tucker managed to build 50 or so cars before he was squashed by the US
> ...
>
> I agree...Barry's right again.
>
> Check out:
>     http://members.aol.com/TuckerCar/main.html
>     http://www.hfmgv.org/histories/showroom/1948/tucker.html
> and http://www.tuckerclub.org/
>
> Ironically, Nick just showed the value of having vendors post their
> views...sometimes it's the only way people can hear all sides of a story.
>
> BTW, for people who like "software demo horror stories", here's one
> about the premier of the Tucker for the press:
>
>    "The Tucker '48 premiered June 19, 1947 in the Tucker plant before
>     the press, dealers, distributors and brokers. Tucker later discarded
>     many of the Tin Goose features, such as 24-volt electrical system
>     starters to turn over the massive 589-cubic-inch engine. For the
>     premier, workers substituted two 12-volt truck batteries weighing
>     over 150 pounds that caused the Tucker's suspension arms to snap.
>
>     Speeches dragged on as workers behind the curtain tried feverishly
>     to get the Tin Goose up and running. Finally, before the crowd of 5000,
>     the curtains parted and the Tucker automobile rolled down the ramp
>     from the stage and to its viewing area where it remained for the
>     rest of the evening. Stock finally cleared for sale on July 15."
>
> I've seen a couple of demos (and, in one case, going "live" with
> a bank's new computer & new software their first day of business) that
> were equally touch-and-go. :)
>
Makes my point exactly.  The Tucker was not ready for prime time.  Would
buy
a car in which adding an extra 140 pounds would cause its suspension
arms
to snap.  Yup, it's hard to compete with the big three, but it may have
more
to do with economies of scale than anything else.

%89 cubic inch engine?  Tin goose all right.

A lot of conspiracy theories and urban legends around.  How about the
pills
you can put in your gas tank to give you fantastic gas mileage?

Along come the Germans and then the Japanese and they COMPETE.  Lower
labor costs?  Maybe.  Better cars?  The auto magazines seem to think so.

Nick D.