Shore: From Hot Rods to Cool Birds

Preston Tucker intended to mass-produce a "car of the future" with advanced safety, styling, and engineering features. The “Tucker ‘48” (named for its model year) was designed with its engine in the rear, an area where the front passenger could crouch during a collision, and a center headlight that turned with the steering wheel.

The sedan's most striking feature is its avant-garde styling, developed by Alex Tremulis and J. Gordon Lippincott and Company. Its features-- including pop-up tail lights and irregularly shaped windows--give it a futuristic appearance even today. 51 were produced, but the Tucker never went into actual production because a federal investigation into the company's management practices led to its collapse.

Of the original 51 cars, 47 still exist. You can see one, in person, this weekend at the Atlantic City Classic Car Auction, Flea Market, and Antique Show. This is one huge auto auction and classic car show where you can see (and buy) lots and lots of cars. In addition to the Tucker Exhibit, this year’s show includes auctions--with over 700 vehicles on display, you are sure to find the perfect vehicle; Hot Rod Alley—the finest display of automotive artists in America; and the Swap Meet--Locate hard to find parts, as well as accessories and memorabilia. Over 750 Booths of Parts and Antiques!!! Flea Market & Antiques--The "get even display!" While mates look at cars, ladies & gentlemen can search through some of America's finest antique jewelry, art, furniture - you name it! Over 750 Booths of Parts and Antiques!!!

The Atlantic City Classic Car Auction, Flea Market, and Antique Show is at the Convention Center. 2 Ocean Way, Atlantic City. (800-227-3868). Thur. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Sun. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. $15 adults. $3 children 12 and under.

If cars aren’t your speed, how about some theatre? On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday the Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point presents it’s final weekend of performances of William Shakespeare's "The Tragedy of Macbeth." Bruce Graves directs one of Shakespeare's best-known tragedies, with music by the South Jersey Pipes and Drums. The show begins at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15. The theater is located at 738 Bay Avenue in Somers Point. Call (609) 653-0553.

If you’d like to stay outdoors and enjoy the unseasonably nice weather, try these events: Saturday, February 23, 1pm - 3pm Discover Cape May Historic House Tour This is a self-guided walking tour of more than a dozen of Cape May's Victorian architectural gems, with insight provided by innkeepers at each location. Co-sponsored by MAC & Historic Accommodations of Cape May. Cost: $15 for adults and $7.50 for children ages 3-12. Call the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC) 884-5404 for more information.

Saturday, February 23, 1pm - 3pm Cape May Bird Observatory Birding for Beginners Enjoy a slow-paced field trip visiting one or more natural areas on Cape Island. Meet at the CMBO Northwood Center in Cape May Point and begin with that site's feeding station. Other destinations will be chosen based on the weather and on recent sightings. No previous birding experience necessary. Time will be spent with every bird seen, discussing identification and natural history. Please call the Cape May Bird Observatory 861-0700 for more information.

Sunday, February 24, 10am to 4pm The Nature Center 6th-Annual Kids Can Expo Join the Nature Center of Cape May at the Cape May Convention Center for a fun-filled family day guaranteed to chase away the winter blues! The action-packed day includes hands-on science, crafts, fun with nature, animals, beach walks, looking for sea birds, games, dancers, music, food and MUCH, MUCH MORE! Many local organizations join the Nature Center to offer young people a great day! Call the Nature Center for directions to the Convention Center and event details. Cost: $3.50 children 2-12; $4.50 adults; under 2 free. Please call the Nature Center of Cape May 898-8848 for more information.

For a complete run down of Shore activities in South Jersey this week, check out our events calendar here.

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Author: R Cohen