Buses rarely get this much attention without carrying a rock band. But in the case of General Motors’ Futurliner, these behemoths were already off the road before the Rolling Stones even picked up a guitar.
Back in the 40s American auto companies had money to burn, and none were larger than GM. So when it came time to update their traveling road show, GM built 12 ultra modern transport buses called “Futurliners.” These custom machines were specifically built for GM’s Parade of Progress and were sent across the country promoting new technology that went well beyond transportation......
We were able to get an up-close look at Futurliner #10, as it will spend this weekend featured at the
Iola Old Car Show in Iola, WI. It recently completed a full restoration by a volunteer crew, and it is considered to be the most accurate example of the nine known remaining buses. It belongs to National Automotive and Truck Museum of the United States. The museum occasionally lets the Futurliner out on tour to share memories and educate the public. During the Iola Car Show, they took the car out of temporary storage and offered us a ride.....
The Futurliner looks like it was lifted from a comic book. Its extra tall 11’7” stance and super-slick lines are suitable transportation for a super hero. The bright gold, chrome, and red canvassing the exterior shows the Futurliner is proud to be extravagant. It is a reminder of a time when the automotive companies were kings, and they were benevolent to their subjects.
.......Inside, the cab is a sea of green cloth and naugahyde. Fashionable in its day, it now just fits with the original retro look. The interior’s style is secondary however because the large glass greenhouse covers most of the inside. GM included air conditioning when the Futurliners were redesigned in the 50s -- a welcomed addition to the sun exposed passenger area.....
......The seating puts the driver in the middle of the cab, with two passengers sitting directly behind on either side. It is almost like a slightly roomier version of a McLaren F1, and this is the only way the Futurliner will ever be compared to a sports car.....
.....Still, Howard Sullivan, a volunteer with this Futurliner’s tour was proud to announce: “#10 holds the record for the fastest Futurliner lap at Charlotte Motor Speedway.” He then confessed it also held the record for the slowest lap, as #10 is the only one to ever take to the track.....
