1940's era GM Futureliner 1/4 Mile

*DGthe3* · 08-10-2011, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Autoblog

General Motors built the Futurliner to promote a traveling show called the "GM Parade of Progress" in the 1940s and '50s. The slippery-lined bus, which was penned by the legendary Harley Earl, is one of 12 that traveled the U.S. to show Americans the future of motoring and technology.

GM Futurliner #10, which was fully restored in 2007, recently made a trip out to the Pontiac Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio. The 30-ton, 33-foot-long bus was on display at the event, but that didn't mean that the massive antique wasn't allowed to also take a whack at the quarter mile. The 70-year-old sign of progress didn't exactly light up the tarmac, but it can hold its head up high for even finishing the run. The final time? 48 seconds at 28 mph.

Follow the jump to watch the Futurliner in (slow) motion. And no, your YouTube connection isn't running poorly... the Futurliner is powered a four-cylinder diesel engine (30 tons!) and only has a top speed of 40 miles per hour.

www.autoblog.com

toesuf94 · 08-10-2011, 05:39 PM

Wow! That sucker was WAY under powered. They certainly are beautiful though. Glad to see #10 up and running and in great shape.

upflying · 08-10-2011, 05:51 PM

IIRC, one of those sold for $4million at Barret-Jackson a couple of years ago. Here it is...
http://www.autoblog.com/2006/01/22/g...ks-hammers-to/

*CamaroSpike23* · 08-10-2011, 05:57 PM

Id drive it

Zabo · 08-10-2011, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toesuf94

Wow! That sucker was WAY under powered. They certainly are beautiful though. Glad to see #10 up and running and in great shape.

And 9 million gears with high and low ranges.

Always loved them (and how they inspired the city busses in Fallout 3).. and the dually front wheels.

Turn? Who needs to turn when your futureliner can futureline it's way through it?

derklug · 08-10-2011, 11:58 PM

My wifes uncle was one of the drivers, no AC, itty-bitty windows. After a tour through the mid-west in summer, he went back to driving truck.

08-10-2011, 05:39 PM	#2
toesuf94 Drives: THR #11 E-force supercharged Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Cedar Rapids, IA Posts: 4,746	Wow! That sucker was WAY under powered. They certainly are beautiful though. Glad to see #10 up and running and in great shape. __________________ Cars and women are both going to give you problems...but you can pay somebody else to fix your car!

08-10-2011, 11:58 PM	#6
derklug Drives: 12 Boss 302 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Grand Rapids, Mi Posts: 1,369	My wifes uncle was one of the drivers, no AC, itty-bitty windows. After a tour through the mid-west in summer, he went back to driving truck. __________________ The biggest mistakes in life come when you know exactly what you are doing.

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08-10-2011, 05:51 PM	#3
upflying Drives: '86 Monte Carlo SS Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 3,119	IIRC, one of those sold for $4million at Barret-Jackson a couple of years ago. Here it is... http://www.autoblog.com/2006/01/22/g...ks-hammers-to/