Greg O’s Garage: A preview of PBS’ MotorWeek feature on Tucker 1044
On Monday, Rob Ida of Ida Automotive hosted a filming of a PBS' MotorWeek TV's feature on Tucker 1044 at his New Jersey shop.
The finished four-minute segment is expected to be shown this Fall on PBS channels and their YouTube channel.
Greg O.
Stephanie Hart of MotorWeek TV Interviews
MotorWeek TV arrived at Ida Automotive on a beautiful Monday morning to film a future episode featuring Tucker 1044 hosted by the producer and wonderful host Stephanie Hart. With professionalism and an infectious love of cars, she and her videographer Dave made the eight hours of long filming go by in what only seemed like a fun, few minutes.
Howard Kroplick, Rob Ida, and Preston Tucker's twin great-grandchildren, Mike and Sean Tucker, all thoroughly described the restoration process of Howard's Andante Green 1044, as well as Tucker 1029 currently undergoing restoration at Rob Ida's metal fabrication mecca in New Jersey.
Very special thanks to Stephanie, MotorWeek TV, Dave Baum and Rob Ida for making it an incredible day! No doubt Stephanie will put together a wonderful piece and we all anxiously await the broadcast later this year!
Photos by Howard Kroplick, Rob Ida & Greg O.
Before the actual interviews, Stephanie was treated with something not many get to experience, a long drive with chauffeur Sean Tucker at the wheel of Tucker 1044.
Mike Tucker in the interview hot seat.
Sean Tucker describes the restoration process.
Howard sharing fun stories of his acquisition of Tucker 1044.
Howard Kroplick and Rob Ida with Tucker 1044.
Stephanie with Sean Tucker describing how the impossible-to-get parts are reproduced for Tucker restorations and part replacements.
With the Tucker brothers' attention to detail and access to original factory plans, their reproduced parts are second to none and are often of better quality than original parts.
Even us innocent bystanders were pulled into the fun when I was brought in to play production assistant for the day seen here taking light readings for the shoot.
"I'm ready for my closeup Mr. DeMille!" ...well, as soon as I get my SAG card!
Other Amazing Projects Currently at Ida Automotive
A 1963 split-window 'Vette undergoing extensive body modifications.
No need to worry, this Corvette was not some concourse restored 'Vette. Rather, a basket case otherwise left for dead, but Rob and his team are working amazing customization magic to bring the classic back to life better than ever.
While still only a shell, this 'E' Type Jag has gone through massive reworking by metal-master Rob and team to perform the impossible and make the car Enzo Ferrari called 'the most beautiful car ever designed' even more slippery and attractive.
Tucker #1029 in the early stages of restoration.
A rare, 1972 Mercedes 600 limousine once owned by a Romanian dictator getting a full custom treatment.
Howard's 1909 ALCO Black Beast getting some much-needed TLC to keep her running strong for the upcoming season.
The impressive lines and design of Team Ida's '57 Cadillac project.
Is Howard considering a new addition at the Waterfront collection? No, just one of Rob Ida's earlier street rod creations.
Comments
That is wonderful to see the Tucker and the Tucker family getting some much deserved recognition.
Stephanie and her team need to do a feature on Bette Noir also !