"Speedy" Bill Smith welcomed a special visitor to Speedway Motors and the Smith Collection Museum of American Speed recently. Steve Tremulis, nephew of the late Alex Tremulis, who was the chief stylist of the Tucker automobile, stopped by Speedway Motors campus on his way back to California. Steve Tremulis talked Tucker history with "Speedy" Bill and Clay Smith and inspected Tucker number 24, which is part of the Museum of American Speed's permanent collection.
Though known for his ground-breaking design work on the innovative Tucker, Alex Tremulis' credits are much more extensive. In the 1930s he worked as chief stylist for Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg, and also did design work at American Bantam. After Tucker's demise, Tremulis worked in styling for Kaiser-Frazer, and spent 11 years as chief of advance styling for Ford Motor Company.
Steve Tremulis fondly remembers his uncle's influence and shares his automotive enthusiasm. During his visit, he showed the Museum of American Speed staff the Gyronaut X-1, a streamlined motorcycle powered by dual Triumph engines that Alex Tremulis designed in the 1960s, which set a land speed record of 245.667 mph in 1966. Steve Tremulis recently purchased the partially restored motorcycle and plans to complete the restoration as a tribute to his innovative uncle.
The Smith Collection Museum of American Speed was founded in 1992 by "Speedy" Bill and Joyce Smith. It is located adjacent to Speedway Motors, America's Oldest Speed Shop(r), and is home to the world's largest collection of antique and exotic racing engines and speed equipment. For more information, visit MuseumofAmericanSpeed.com.