Tucker Convertible Resurfaces, Heads to Barrett-Jackson in January

The controversial Tucker convertible, photographed at Benchmark Classics in Middleton, Wis., in 2010.

The controversial Tucker convertible, on which I have reported for both a local newspaper and jalopnik.com, seemed to disappear for a time after the shop which completed its restoration, Benchmark Classics of Middleton, Wis., went bankrupt.  It will be in the spotlight again when it crosses Barrett-Jackson’s auction block in January, Hemmings Daily reported today.

No one had ever heard of a Tucker convertible until car collector and restorer Al Reinart of Burlington, Wis., sold the rolling chassis and boxes of parts to Justin Cole of Benchmark Classics of Madison, Wis., who proceeded to finish the restoration of the never-completed car.  Cole tried to sell the car both at a Russo and Steele auction and on ebay with no luck.  Meanwhile, the Tucker Automobile Club of America continues to deny the authenticity of the car in no uncertain terms.