Assisted only by his wife Jill, a fellow fabricator and a shop helper, in 18 years Dave Tucci has nurtured and grown Tucci Hot Rods into an internationally respected builder of custom vehicles.
Deferring the paint and upholstery work to other professionals, Tucci Hot Rods is otherwise a complete one-stop fab shop, known for their creative innovative and customized designs.
Not limiting their creation to just cars, customized motorcycles and trucks are also a part of Tucci’s heritage, with well “into the hundreds” of projects passing through their Marcy, NY (45 miles east of Syracuse) shop doors.
“This really started as a hobby for me,” admitted Dave Tucci. “My father was into cars, and I guess that rubbed off on me. I always loved mechanical work, and building stuff, building things that you couldn’t buy. I went to work for some local people, loved doing the work, and it took off from there.”
Tucci Hot Rods will have a 1970 Mustang (above) and a 1941 Cadillac (below) on display at Toronto’s Motorama show
Tucci’s first project was a candy-green 1939 GMC pickup that toured the United States for eight years and was ultimately featured on seven magazine covers.
“Getting your work exposed in a magazine is nice recognition for your efforts, and definitely gets your name out there,” said Tucci.
Raising awareness of the Tucci brand even further were appearances of his projects and his participation on such television productions as TNN Trucks, Street Rodders, and Monster Garage with Jesse James, and as a longtime participant at the Las Vegas SEMA show.
Although probably best known for his fabrication prowess, what sets Tucci’s projects apart is their original and innovative, state-of-the-art designs.
“I draw my inspirations from everywhere. When you live, eat and breathe this business, it’s easy to spot something that you can transform and incorporate into a hot rod. Not all of these ideas work, but when they do, it’s something special.”
Tucci’s admitted favourite, and most demanding, project was the nine-year build of the ‘Ridler’ car. Forced to keep the car under wraps for the entire duration, Tucci “did not overlook anything” and estimates that his efforts resulted in a $1,000,000 car.
Tucci Hot Rods will not have the Ridler at the 2015 Motorama Custom Car show, but they will be showcasing their supercharged 1941 Cadillac as well as the supercharged 1970 Mustang.
The inaugural Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo takes place March 13, 14 & 15 at Toronto’s International Centre, across from Pearson International Airport. For tickets, schedules and additional information, visit www.MotoramaShow.com.
