1950 General Motors Futurliner Parade Of Progress Tour Bus
If you are a classic automotive enthusiast, you might have heard about the iconic 1950 General Motors Futurliner Parade Of Progress Tour Bus. This bus was manufactured by General Motors Corporation in the 1950s to showcase the latest advancements in science and technology to the American public. It was designed in a futuristic style with a streamlined body, aerodynamic curves, and rounded corners. The bus was one of 12 vehicles built to travel across the United States as part of the Parade of Progress exhibition.
The History of the Futurliner Parade of Progress Tour Bus
The Futurliner Parade of Progress Tour Bus was created in response to a national campaign to showcase the latest technological advancements to the American public. General Motors Corporation saw this as an opportunity to showcase their products and decided to create special vehicles to travel across the United States and promote the brand.
The Futurliner Parade of Progress Tour Bus was designed by Harley Earl, who was the head of the General Motors design department at that time. The bus was styled in a futuristic way with a curved body, bright red and white paint job, and a glass-enclosed cockpit. The bus also featured a diesel engine, air conditioning, and other features that made it advanced for its time.
The Parade of Progress Tour began in 1936, with a fleet of black and silver buses, showcasing the latest scientific and technological advancements. In the early 1950s, General Motors replaced this original fleet with the iconic Futurliner buses, which stood out with their bright red and white exterior.
Features of the Futurliner Parade of Progress Tour Bus
The Futurliner Parade of Progress Tour Bus was a massive vehicle, measuring more than 30 feet long and 11 feet tall. The bus had a sleek and aerodynamic design, featuring a large panoramic windshield and several side windows. The bus was designed to showcase the latest technological advancements, including diesel engines, air conditioning, and other features that made it advanced for its time.
The interior of the Futurliner Parade of Progress Tour Bus was also quite impressive. The bus had a glass-enclosed cockpit, which allowed the driver to have a good view of the road. It also had seating for six passengers, which included a built-in desk, telephone, and other features that made this bus the ultimate mobile office.
The Decline of the Futurliner Parade of Progress Tour Bus
After the tour ended in 1956, many of the Futurliner Parade of Progress Tour Buses were scrapped or sold to private collectors. Only nine of the 12 original buses are known to still exist today.
In 2006, one of the remaining Futurliner buses was sold at auction for $4.1 million. The bus was restored to its original glory and is now on display at the National Automotive and Truck Museum of the United States in Auburn, Indiana.
The Legacy of the Futurliner Parade of Progress Tour Bus
The Futurliner Parade of Progress Tour Bus is one of the most iconic vehicles of its time. It is an important part of American history and a symbol of innovation and progress. The bus continues to inspire car enthusiasts and collectors around the world, and its legacy lives on through the few remaining buses that still exist today.
Conclusion
The 1950 General Motors Futurliner Parade Of Progress Tour Bus is an iconic vehicle that played a significant role in American automotive history. Its futuristic design, advanced features, and legacy as part of the Parade of Progress Tour make it a valuable piece of American culture. While many of the original buses have been lost over time, the remaining vehicles continue to inspire and awe people around the world.