A New Book on the 1938 Phantom Corsair By Dr. Meredith Jaffe
Long-time reader, Tucker enthusiast, and good friend of Vanderbiltcupraces,com, Dr. Meridith Jaffe, has written a wonderful new book about the unique 1938 Phantom Corsair.
From Amazon, where the book can be found for purchase,
"Conceived by Rust Heinz in the mid-1930s, the Phantom Corsair has been regarded as one of the most unique designs in automotive history. Though the futuristic concept car was a sensation with the public and was featured in a movie, its potential for production came to an abrupt halt with Heinz’ untimely death at age 25. Almost lost to time, it journeyed through a series of owners who realized its significance and ability to inspire. In the 1950s, the Phantom Corsair regained its momentum, albeit with styling modifications, under the stewardship of Herb Shriner, the “Hoosier comedian.” Two decades later, it achieved its gravitas by its return to its glorified lines under the watch of William F. Harrah, the founder of Harrah’s Hotel and Casinos and an obsessed car collector in his own right. Saved from being auctioned in the mid-1980s, the Phantom Corsair became one of the core vehicles in the National Automobile Museum in Reno, Nevada. Join this remarkable road trip and celebrate the legacy of the Phantom Corsair"
Greg O.
The cover features a painting of the Phantom Corsair on the grounds of the 1939-1940 World's Fair in Flushing Meadows, NY, racing past a statue titled "Speed" with the Trylon and Perisphere in the background.
The original watercolor painting by artist George Ellis.
"The Phantom Corsair's steel-and-aluminum body measured just 57 in (140 cm) in height and incorporated fully skirted wheels and completely flush fenders while forgoing running boards. The car also lacked door handles, as the doors were instead opened electrically using push-buttons located on the exterior and the instrument panel. The instrument panel also featured a compass and altimeter, while a separate console above the windshield indicated when a door was ajar or if the car's lights or radio were turned on. The Corsair's body was mated to the "most advanced chassis available in the United States" at that time, the Cord 810. The Lycoming 80º V-8 engine-powered Cord chassis also featured front-wheel drive and an electrically operated four-speed pre-selector gearbox, as well as fully independent suspension and adjustable shock absorbers. Though these features from the Cord 810 chassis were all retained on the Phantom Corsair, the chassis was modified in order to accommodate the Corsair's large body"
Since Dave Baum and I usually handle the transportation needs of Tucker #1044, Meredith came to us to learn all about the 1937 Cord/Bendix pre-select transmission found in Cords, Tuckers and some Hudson cars that is also found in the Cord-underpinned chassis of the Phantom Corsair.
Thanks for the shout out Meredith!
Meredith has included many interesting archival and new photos within the book including her lucky visit to see the Corsair in Reno.
The Young in Heart (1938) (Excerpts)
Director: Richard Wallace
Production Company: Selznick International Pictures
The Phantom Corsair portrayed as 'The Flying Wombat'
Comments
Meredith, lot’s of luck with the Book about the Phantom Corsair.
It’s a very interesting piece of automotive history.
Wishing you much success with the Book.
Bouna Fortuna Meredith with the book and looking forward to seeing you Thursday. PS your presentation is superb JeRita