Another Unique in Texas

bwcobra15 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-11-2002, 12:24 PM

I took my '68 Mustang Fastback body to Mastercraft Body Works this morning for major metal work - new floor pans, inner fender liner/battery mount, quarter panel, etc.., anyway

They still have the original 427 Cobra in the shop, and it looks like its almost ready to paint.

They also have a new, fresh Unique 427 fiberglass body in the shop that they are about to start on. I asked Erik (the owner) who it belonged to and he told me Ronnie Tucker, who lives in the area and had another unique 10-12 years ago. He sold it and now decided to build another one.

Anybody know of Ronnie Tucker? Lets get him into TCC!

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jwoodard · #2 (**permalink**) 12-11-2002, 02:25 PM

Ronnie's been to our last two meetings. He's already a member as far as I know. We sat at the same table with Ronnie and his wife last Saturday at Owen's for breakfast and they went with us to AER. Nice couple. I beleive he said they were planning to go to AUS, with or without the Unique.

Jim

bwcobra15 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-11-2002, 02:29 PM

Well spank me --- guess I should show up to club meetings more often!

I also saw "Ronnie Tucker" logged in to this forum today - - no posts yet. Well, howdy Ronnie, from a nuther member south of the Trinity!

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SilverCobra · #4 (**permalink**) 12-11-2002, 08:02 PM

BOB - (I think I got your name right this time)

- I received an e-mail from Ronnie (actually his sweet wife Jan) a couple of weeks ago to join TCC and added him to the membership roster. I can tell you, the man is a certified car guy. I met Ronnie and Jan about two years ago...stopped by his house to look at his Unique on the way back from the Austin TCC event in Feb. 2001. I was definately leaning towards a Unique, but had never actually seen one - called Ronnie on the cell and he said come on by - "I'm out back in the shop".

As I walked back & into his "shop" I'm sure my mouth dropped about a foot and I must have stood there for awhile like Zombie shaking Ronnie's hand with a dumb look on my face. Ronnie's "shop" is probably 40'x40' - two story insulated metal building. Up on his "four post" lift was his beautiful 10 year old red/white Unique Cobra with 428CJ that looked like it was brand new. He had never missed a Unique "Cobrafest" and been all over the country with his Cobra. He said that Carroll Shelby even took a ride with him many years ago (musta been before he decided to hate replicas).

Ronnie also owns a '62 or '63 split window red mint Corvette.

In order to keep all things equal, he also has a '70 or '71 Hemicuda with original everything that he bought new 30 years ago. I felt like I was in a vintage car museum. He has it all covered - Oval, Bowtie and Mopar.

He lives about 10 minutes east of Mastercraft and his chassis is at the house and I have volunteered to help when the body is ready to move back on the chassis. Should be a pretty nice ride - his engine is a stroked 427 SO w/ dual carbs from Southern Automotive. Sounds like the same set up Parham built for Cory a couple of years ago.

I'm glad Ronnie has decided to join our band of merry men...he will fit in just fine.

James Baldwin · #5 (**permalink**) 12-12-2002, 12:04 AM

There are also two new ERAs in Texas (one Dallas, one Houston)

jayscobras · #6 (**permalink**) 12-12-2002, 05:20 AM

DAVID KIDWELL IN WACO RECEIVED HIS NEW ERA LAST MONTH.

JAY

IF THE LORD HAD MEANT ME TO SEE THE SUNRISE, HE WOULD HAVE MADE IT LATER IN THE DAY.

joe garland · #7 (**permalink**) 12-12-2002, 06:40 AM

Glad to see the Tuckers have a new Unique in the works. Their "old snake" was a top shelf car. Both of these folks are great! Looking forward to seeing them soon.

bwcobra15 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-02-2003, 04:24 PM

Hey I finally got to meet the Tuckers yesterday! They invited me over for a visit, and I got a tour of Jan and Ronnie's beautiful home and very impressive shop. What a dream garage! This is a HUGE metal building, probably 40' x 50' I'm guessing. Stored inside is their RV/Motorhome, a 4-post lift, and the Unique 427 rolling chassic, with 427SO and 4-speed toploader already installed. The engine has dual-quad carbs. The body is still at Mastercraft Autoworks being painted. It should be ready in a few weeks.

Oh, did I mention what was sitting on the 4-post lift? Under a car cover is a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda, immaculate, unrestored with 40,000 miles.... and Ronnie is the ORIGINAL OWNER!

The Tuckers are great folks and they will be joining us in Austin -- a great addition to our group! Welcome!

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