Howard Kroplick's Rare Car Collection Shines at Pebble Beach

The Long Island collector's carefully curated lineup of automotive gems includes a Tucker 48, Chrysler Imperial, and more.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:25pm

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An extreme close-up of the pebbled leather interior of a vintage Chrysler Imperial, showcasing the rich textures and warm tones that convey the craftsmanship and luxury of classic American automobiles.The meticulously restored interior of Howard Kroplick's 1937 Chrysler Imperial C-15 LeBaron Town Car, a rare and opulent vehicle with a storied past.Centerport Today

Howard Kroplick, a dedicated historian and car collector from Roslyn, Long Island, has amassed an impressive collection of just nine rare and pedigreed automobiles. His lineup includes a Tucker 48, a pre-production 1963 Mustang, the personal Chrysler Imperial of Walter P. Chrysler's wife, a historic Alco 'Black Beast' race car, and other unique vintage vehicles that have earned accolades at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

Why it matters

Kroplick's collection showcases his passion for preserving automotive history and highlights the enduring appeal of rare, well-preserved classic cars. His dedication to authentically restoring these vehicles and sharing their stories demonstrates how a small but meticulously curated collection can have a significant impact, especially in a region like Long Island with a rich racing heritage.

The details

Kroplick's Tucker 48, serial number 1044, is one of only 51 ever built and was completed by a group of Tucker employees after the factory closed in 1948. He acquired the car at auction in 2017 for $1.2 million after it had been in storage for 34 years. The car was then expertly restored by a team that included noted restorer Rob Ida and Preston Tucker's great-grandsons. Other highlights include Kroplick's 1937 Chrysler Imperial C-15 LeBaron Town Car, a special-ordered birthday gift for Walter P. Chrysler's wife, and his 1963 Mustang III, one of only 15 pre-production 'Shorty' Mustangs built.

  • In 2017, Kroplick acquired the Tucker 48 serial number 1044 at an RM Sotheby's auction in Arizona.
  • In 2012, Kroplick purchased the 1937 Chrysler Imperial C-15 LeBaron Town Car at auction after it had been in the collection of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum.
  • Kroplick acquired the 1963 Mustang III, known as 'Shorty', in the early 2000s.

The players

Howard Kroplick

A dedicated historian and car collector from Roslyn, Long Island, who has amassed a remarkable collection of rare and pedigreed automobiles.

Preston Tucker

The founder of the Tucker Corporation, which produced the innovative Tucker 48 automobile.

Walter P. Chrysler

The founder of the Chrysler Corporation, whose personal Chrysler Imperial C-15 LeBaron Town Car is part of Kroplick's collection.

Rob Ida

A noted classic car restorer who worked on the restoration of Kroplick's Tucker 48.

Michael and Sean Tucker

The great-grandsons of Preston Tucker, who were involved in the restoration of Kroplick's Tucker 48.

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What they’re saying

“I'd always wanted one, and in 2017, I heard that 1044 was coming up for sale at an RM Sotheby's sale in Arizona.”

— Howard Kroplick

“And over in a corner, I see this car. They said, 'Oh you don't want to look at that, it's a Chrysler.' It was indeed a Chrysler, but not a run-of-the-mill production car.”

— Howard Kroplick

What’s next

Kroplick continues to search for and restore rare and historically significant automobiles, with his most recent acquisition being a 1930 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Convertible Berline that was prepared for the 2026 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

The takeaway

Howard Kroplick's passion for preserving automotive history and his dedication to authentically restoring rare and pedigreed vehicles have resulted in a small but remarkable collection that has earned accolades at prestigious events like the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. His approach of quality over quantity demonstrates how a focused, well-curated collection can have a significant impact and inspire others to appreciate the enduring legacy of the automobile.