About
The six Vanderbilt Cup Races held on Long Island from 1904 to 1910 were the greatest sporting events of their day, and the first international automobile road races held in the United States. The races had a far-reaching impact on the development of American automobiles and parkways. This site provides comprehensive information on the races, the Long Island Motor Parkway and current Long Island automotive events, car shows and news.
All Content © 2026 VanderbiltCupRaces.com
Co-Founder and Writer: Howard Kroplick
Co-Founder: Dana Kroplick
Website by Eric Miller Design
Site maintained by Hop Studios
Recent Comments
Congrats Howard. The sleek tailgate looks great with those exhaust pipes, the front end as well. Definitely ahead of their time in ‘48
From VanderbiltCupRaces.com Exclusive: The Tucker 1044 at the RM Sotheby's Auction in Scottsdale
I think I got this. 1974, “The Man with the Golden Gun,” starring Roger Moore (James Bond), filmed in Thailand. “The Astro Spiral Jump” performed in the movie was achieved on first attempt using a modified AMC Hornet X, its steering wheel relocated in the center for stunt driver Loren “Bumps” Willard. This was the only time an AMC was used in a Bond movie. The jump was conceived and performed two years earlier at the Houston Astrodome by US race driver Jay Milligan using an AMC Javelin. Another first was that computers were used to compute and simulate a movie stunt using crude vector graphics in 3D. The car had to reach the first ramp at nearly 40 MPH to begin rolling fast at about 230 degrees/second. The recorded jump had to be slowed down for the theatres. Criticism probably stemmed from Secret Agent Bond actually driving an AMC, or the comic slide whistle used when the car was airborne.
Years later the “Joey Chitwood Thrill Show” used AMC Javelins for more jumps. In 2011 Chevrolet used a Chevy Sonic renaming the jump, “Kickflip”
https://youtu.be/esSRxB_xYCg?t=62
http://jalopnik.com/the-james-bond-corkscrew-jump-was-the-first-computer-mo-1711459704
From Mystery Foto #3 Solved: The Greatest Car Stunt in Film History in the "Man With the Golden Gun"
Congratulations Howard!!! This is absolutely amazing. I’ve always been fascinated with the “Tucker” story and his battle with the “Big Three”. Another historically significant automobile comes to Long Island. To paraphrase the famous line from “JAWS”, “You’re gonna need a bigger garage”.
____________________________________________
Howard Kroplick:
Steve, funny!!!!
From VanderbiltCupRaces.com Exclusive: The Tucker 1044 at the RM Sotheby's Auction in Scottsdale
Wow, what a surprise ending. Congratulations on acquiring the Tucker. Tucker has always been one of my favorite classic automobiles with all the innovative safety and other features. This was an excellent article on the car and its history. I look forward to seeing it at any of the Long Island car shows. My family always loves your cars.
From VanderbiltCupRaces.com Exclusive: The Tucker 1044 at the RM Sotheby's Auction in Scottsdale
Mystery photo
1 live and let die
2 roger Moore Christopher lee 1974
3 Thailand
4 American Motors AMC HORNET X
5 Bumps Willard
6 computer aided effect
7 see 6
8 ?
9 ?
10 no
From Mystery Foto #3 Solved: The Greatest Car Stunt in Film History in the "Man With the Golden Gun"
Howard, It is wonderful that you could acquire a Tucker, I know you mentioned you wished you could own one for some time. There were Tucker dealers in Baldwin and Bay Shore when the cars were new. There are more Tucker radios around then the number of cars built - as the manufacturer of the radios insisted that Tucker take a certain quantity. The Franklin air cooled helicopter motors were made in Liverpool, NY by former Franklin car engineers Carl Doman and Ed Marks (Domark engines) . I knew Ed Marks and had interviewed him several times about the Franklin cars and company, but we never discussed Tucker. Yesterday at the diner in western NJ just down the road from your favorite restoration shop a few of us got together and one was a long time CCCA guy , our friend Norman, who told the tale of that Bay Shore Tucker dealer having the side of his building painted with the Tucker name. Parts were still in the back of the building long after the Tucker faded (radios, desk sets /promo cars cast in metal) etc. that Norman tried to buy but was not successful in doing. I am still looking for the photo I have that was taken in Baldwin of a friend at that time age 18 sitting in the front seat of the Tucker at that dealer with the salesman standing next to the car.,
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Howard Kroplick:
Walt, thanks for the Tucker/Long Island link.
From VanderbiltCupRaces.com Exclusive: The Tucker 1044 at the RM Sotheby's Auction in Scottsdale
1974,man with the golden gun,roger Moore,stunt filmed in Thailand,AMC Hornet,First corkscrew stunt on screen and use of computer aid technology, the first time this stunt was successful was in houston astrodome 1972,the stunt name is corkscrew
From Mystery Foto #3 Solved: The Greatest Car Stunt in Film History in the "Man With the Golden Gun"
Man with Golden Gun 1974, Roger Moore, Christopher Lee
Thailand
74 AMC Hornet
Bumps Willard
One take, first 360 jump, computer calculations used.
Bad sound effects- slide whistle
72, Houston Astrodome
Corkscrew or Astro Spiral
No
From Mystery Foto #3 Solved: The Greatest Car Stunt in Film History in the "Man With the Golden Gun"
Howie. . . . . .You’ve done it again!! (I was enjoying the article immensely. When I got to the surprise ending, that made the story all the more enjoyable). As a family member (OK, OK, only by marriage), I’m invoking my right (and obligation, as a legitimate auto restoration and collection fan, with my own modest collection of old Ramblers) to see this car firsthand. (We’ll probably be out to New York from California some time this Spring to see the new grandson, but your Tucker is now a “must see”). Best wishes to you and Roz on your new “baby”. . . . . .Cuzzin Steve
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Howard Kroplick
Steve, look forward to seeing you in the Spring!
From VanderbiltCupRaces.com Exclusive: The Tucker 1044 at the RM Sotheby's Auction in Scottsdale
From Jerry & Rita:
Howard, Mazel Tov and Bouna Fortuna The best part is that you share your collection and passion with us all Many years of “Tucker” fun. Can’t wait to see it
From VanderbiltCupRaces.com Exclusive: The Tucker 1044 at the RM Sotheby's Auction in Scottsdale
From Ed L.
Congrats. It is fortunate that it landed in your hands where it will be well cared for. Ed.
From VanderbiltCupRaces.com Exclusive: The Tucker 1044 at the RM Sotheby's Auction in Scottsdale
Congratulations on that amazing piece of history! What might have been if that little guy was not drummed out of business. You have the tangible result of one man’s dream which was an amazing journey. Enjoy it, it looks fabulous!
From VanderbiltCupRaces.com Exclusive: The Tucker 1044 at the RM Sotheby's Auction in Scottsdale
Knew it in an instant. My first James Bond movie theater experience with my father at 6 years old, and still one of my favorite Bond stunts.
-In which film did this car stunt appear? Provide the film’s release year and its major stars.
James Bond! 1974; The Man With The Golden Gun Starring Roger Moore, Christopher Lee
-Where was this stunt filmed?
Thailand
-Identify the manufacturer of the car and its model.
1974 AMC Hornet X
-What was the name of the stunt driver?
Loren ‘Bumps’ Willert (correct spelling)
-Why is this car stunt credited with making cinematic history?
It’s the first stunt of any kind to be computer modeled.
-What was the major criticism of the car stunt as seen in the film?
I’ll assume you’re going for the poorly chosen slide whistle sound effect overdub.
-When and where was this car stunt first performed prior to appearing in the film?
Houston Astodome in 1972 by Jay Milligan in an AMC Javelin
-What was the official name of the stunt?
‘The Astro Spiral Jump’
Has this car stunt ever been successfully replicated?
In 2012 by Hollywood stuntman Brent Fletcher.
From Mystery Foto #3 Solved: The Greatest Car Stunt in Film History in the "Man With the Golden Gun"
Knew it in an instant. My first James Bond movie theater experience with my father at 6 years old, and still one of my favorite Bond stunts.
-In which film did this car stunt appear? Provide the film’s release year and its major stars.
James Bond! 1974; The Man With The Golden Gun Starring Roger Moore, Christopher Lee
-Where was this stunt filmed?
Thailand
-Identify the manufacturer of the car and its model.
1974 AMC Hornet X
-What was the name of the stunt driver?
Loren ‘Bumps’ Willert (proper spelling)
-Why is this car stunt credited with making cinematic history?
It’s the first stunt of any kind to be computer modeled.
-What was the major criticism of the car stunt as seen in the film?
I’ll assume you’re going for the poorly chosen slide whistle sound effect overdub.
-When and where was this car stunt first performed prior to appearing in the film?
Houston Astodome in 1972 by Jay Milligan in an AMC Javelin
-What was the official name of the stunt?
‘The Astro Spiral Jump’
Has this car stunt ever been successfully replicated?
In 2012 by Hollywood stuntman Brent Fletcher.
From Mystery Foto #3 Solved: The Greatest Car Stunt in Film History in the "Man With the Golden Gun"
Howard, Congratulations to you on this great acquisition to your collection of unusual, historic classic automobiles. I’m so pleased that it’s new home will be in your Roslyn, Long Island waterfront garage. I’m really looking forward to seeing it whenever you decide to show it. I applaud you for making your collection available to the public at car shows, both big and small. This Tucker has been hidden from the public for too long and I’m confident that you will rectify that. Even Tuckers need to feel the warm sunshine or gentle rain on their bodies from time to time. BTW, Although not original paint, I like the root beer brown color!
From VanderbiltCupRaces.com Exclusive: The Tucker 1044 at the RM Sotheby's Auction in Scottsdale
Howard, Congrats on another amazing acquisition! Always know the ‘right ones’ to collect!
From VanderbiltCupRaces.com Exclusive: The Tucker 1044 at the RM Sotheby's Auction in Scottsdale
All is well here. I know it’s going to take time to get it the way you want it,after that,I’m saying,down the road.I sure would to see it.I’ve seen Tucker’s,but I don’t think anything like this one and it’s yours,which makes it more special to me. I wish you the best with it and enjoy another piece of history.
From VanderbiltCupRaces.com Exclusive: The Tucker 1044 at the RM Sotheby's Auction in Scottsdale
Congrats on your newest addition . I look forward to your adventure with it and your sharing it with us ( Like all your others) You keep history alive and interesting .
Happy Motoring ,Chris Heisig
From VanderbiltCupRaces.com Exclusive: The Tucker 1044 at the RM Sotheby's Auction in Scottsdale
From Ken:
Congrats. Somehow, after our conversation at the awards banquet, I suspected that a Tucker was in your sights.
From VanderbiltCupRaces.com Exclusive: The Tucker 1044 at the RM Sotheby's Auction in Scottsdale
From Sharon Mandel:
Can’t wait to see your Tucker!!
From VanderbiltCupRaces.com Exclusive: The Tucker 1044 at the RM Sotheby's Auction in Scottsdale
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