1947 Tucker ’48 Prototype, AKA the "Tin Goose"
Photos courtesy of the HVA
If legislation introduced by Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) is approved by Congress, the Historic Vehicle Association's excellent Historic Vehicle Register will become the National Historic Vehicle Register. This would entail the establishment of a federal register of historic vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even commercial vehicles by the Dept. of Interior.
Sen. Peters, who is himself an avid motorcycle enthusiast, stated that the huge impact of the automobile on American society and history necessitates the preservation of important vehicles and their stories. He is working with both the Historic Vehicle Association and the American Motorcyclist Association to accomplish this. Hagerty insurance and vehicle valuation-tracking company, which was involved in launching the HVA, is also responsible for making this legislation possible.
HVA president Mark Gessler expressed gratitude for Sen. Peters' efforts on the behalf of America's automotive heritage.
“Cars, motorcycles and trucks chronicle our past and help us understand who we are, where we have been and where we may be headed, and the Historic Vehicle Association is focused on ensuring this history is carefully preserved for future generations," he said.
The HVA has documented 14 vehicles thus far for inclusion on the register. None of the 14 are motorcycles, but the legislation put forth by Peters may change that. The register has been created in a team effort with the Department of Interior’s Historic American Engineering Record.
According to an HVA news release, to be included on the register a vehicle must "be connected to a significant person or event in American history, or have a unique design or rarity. Each vehicle’s record will include a narrative describing the vehicle and its historical significance, a photographic record, and line drawings or engineering drawings of the historic vehicle.”
Currently on the register are:
- 1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe prototype (CSX2287)
- 1964 Meyers Manx “Old Red”
- 1938 Maserati 8C.T.F. “Boyle Special” Indy 500 racer
- 1918 Cadillac Type 57 (World War I survivor)
- 1947 Tucker 48 “Tin Goose” prototype
- GM Futurliner No. 10
- 1954 Mercedes-Benz Type 300 SL (198 040 4500003)
- 1940 Ford Pilot Model GP-No. 1 “Pygmy” (military Jeep prototype)
- 1909 White Steam Car (formerly owned by President Taft)
- 1962 Willys Jeep CJ-6 (formerly owned by President Reagan)
- 1911 Marmon Wasp (winner of the first Indianapolis 500)
- 1908 Thomas Flyer (winner of the New York-Paris race)
- 1938 Buick Y-Job (first concept car)
- 1967 Chevrolet Camaro (first Camaro off the assembly line)
President Taft's 1909 White steam car