I love old Cars, Trucks and Buses too:) I drive a 1976 Chevy Blazer and it's sure seen its days of 4 Wheeling Fun!;) That's me and my 76 Blazer on the top right of my Blog and here's a Post on my Blazer, http://donsdeals.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-76-chevy-blazer_5665.html. I have a 1983 Dodge (Good Times) Ram Van in the Driveway. It needs a little motor work, but has a great interior and body. I have a dream of converting it to a Hybrid Electric Vehicle. I have the Batteries! But, that's all so far. I had a 1945 Chevy Blair, for about 15 years. It was painted to look like the Beatles Yellow Submarine:) It was like that, when I bought it... Here's a few Pics, http://bishopco.homeip.net/Dweb98/subdonsd.htm. I loved that old car. But, didn't ever get around to putting a V8 in it like I wanted to. It was fun to drive around though. It had a 195CI - 6cylinder and a 2 Speed Power Glide Auto Transmission. My Dream Cars and Trucks are 1932 Chevy Coups and Sedan Deliveries. I thought I had seen, in Person or in Pics, most all of the cool old American Vehicles that are out there. But, today... I discovered one that I had never seen before! The 1940 through 1956 GMC Futurliner Buses. They are the Best Looking Buses I have ever seen!:) I love Motor Homes too. I fell in love with the 1975 GMC Motor Homes, when I saw the new ones at the Local GMC Dealer. Back when they were Brand New, in 1975. I still love the Streamlined Rounded Corner look on a Vehicle. So, here's a few Videos and info on the Space Age 1940 through 1956 GMC Futurliner Buses...

Don

Video - futureliner

Video link...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qxd6u4MBfc0&feature=related

Futurliner Parade of Progress

Video Link...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE7r51WKXQ0&feature=related

GM's Futurliner going for a ride

Video link...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KQKlg4mWc0

GM Futurliner #10 @ Pontiac Nationals, Norwalk Ohio

Video Link...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=RWdurGzAIUg

Download this 5 minute history video on the Futurliner...Click here or on the picture below to download and play a video clip. The file type is wmv.

This video clip runs about 5 minutes and is the same clip shown on on a large screen TV in the Futurliner display area. The clip is narrated by Raffee Johns (actually, it's an actor's voice) who tells a little bit about his experience with the Parade of Progress. You can read more about Mr. Johns by following this link.

If the clip wet your appetite for more, a DVD or VHS video is now available of the Futurliner restoration project. The approximate 45-minute video chronicles the history and restoration of Futurliner #10 by a group of volunteer men in the West Michigan area. Futurliner #10 was one of 12 large dual-front wheeled display vehicles designed specifically for the GM Parade of Progress. The GM Parade of Progress and its crew of about 60 young men carried futuristic and inspirational exhibits to millions of people across North America from 1936 through 1956. This 1953 Futurliner, with 16-foot display doors on either side, was a perfect platform for static exhibits and live demonstrations of emerging technology. Read More... http://www.futurliner.com/video.htm A Project of the National Automotive and Truck Museum of the United States. This Web Site is dedicated to the restoration of a 1953 Futurliner and providing background information on the Parade of Progress, Paraders and vehicles. Home Page... http://www.futurliner.com/index.html

GMC Futurliner

One of twelve beauties built by General Motors, this is an exhibition display and transport vehicle, designed by legendary Harley J. Earl team. "Opening side, lighting, retractable stage, distinctive center 'cupola' cockpit driving position and dual wheel front axle. Used in the 'Parade of Progress' touring exhibit created by 'Boss' Kettering that complemented the GM 'Motoramas' from 1940 through 1956."

Read More and see More Pics...
http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2010/09/vintage-modern-concept-buses.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+TheThrillingWonderStory+%28Dark+Roasted+Blend%29

GM Futurliner - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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GM Futurliner
Restored Futurliner #10 in 2007
Built By:	GMC Truck and Fisher Coach & Body.
Number built:	12
Built:	1940
Overhauled:	1953
Retired:	1956
Height:	3.5 metres (11 feet 7 inches)
Width:	2.4 metres (8 feet)
Length:	10 metres (33 feet)
Wheelbase:	6.3 metres (20 feet 8 inches)
Weight:	13 tons (30,000 pounds) (approx)
Fuel Capacity:	340 litres (90 gallons) (2 45 gallon tanks)
Powertrain(1940–1946):	4-cylinder diesel/manual transmission
Power Train (1953–1956):	GMC 302ci 6-cylinder /4-speed hydramatic plus 2-speed manual gearbox
Top Speed:	65 km/h (40 mph)

The GM Futurliners were a group of stylized buses designed in the 1940s by Harley Earl for General Motors. They were used in GM's Parade of Progress, which traveled the United States exhibiting new cars and technology. The Futurliners were used from 1940 to 1941 and again from 1953 to 1956. A total of 12 were built, and 9 were still known to exist as of 2007.

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[edit] Parade of Progress

Each Futurliner displayed modern advances in science and technology such as jet engines, stereophonic sound, microwave ovens, television and many other modern innovations of the time.

The Parade of Progress was halted by WWII. The vehicles were refurbished by GM and the Parade resumed in 1953, and were discontinued in 1956, a victim of the technologies the Futurliners had featured: television.

In addition to the Futurliners, the Parade of Progress included 32 support vehicles.

[edit] After the Parade

Following the Parade of Progress, the twelve Futurliners were disposed of by General Motors.

Two Futurliners were donated by GM to the Michigan State Police. Rechristened as "Safetyliners", they were used to promote safety on the roads.^[1]

At least one Futurliner was purchased by Oral Roberts and used as a portable stage during evangelical crusades of the 1960s. This vehicle may have been taken to Central or South America.^[2]

[edit] Today

Futurliner #11 sold for a record US$4,000,000 (plus premium) on Jan 21, 2006 at a Barrett-Jackson auction in Arizona. Too large to ship, it was driven to its new home in Chandler.^[3]

Futurliner #10 is believed to be the most accurately restored of the Futurliners.^[4]

As of summer 2008 Futurliner #8 was delivered to its new Swedish owner Nicklas Jonsson who plans to restore it over a 10-year period. It's the first and only Futurliner in Europe.

Of the other six known surviving Futurliners, one is used as a motorhome and two in advertising. One is in Maine and is currently being restored. It is owned by Tom Learned and is powered by a GM V-8 with an Allison automatic transmission. The others are generally beyond restorable condition.^[4]

GM Futurliner # 10