Which Futurliner is Which?

The Futurliners…

Where have they all gone?

To answer that question, we have to take a brief look back at how it all started.

History

Inspired by a previous effort to build a giant transportation vehicle called the Streamliner in 1936 for Parade and Progress display of innovative mobile ethnology, GM would later serve up 12 Futurliner models in 1941.

These Futurliners were more than 10 yards in length and four yards high, employing an original Detroit Diesel 4-cylinder engine with manual transmission. They came in at 33,000 pounds of pure driving innovation. The driver entered through a bubble topped cockpit.

GM production was geared toward the war effort after Pearl Harbor and the Futurliner dropped to the wayside. Futurliners were on the back burner until 1953 when GM decided to freshen the look and technical specifications. Each of the dozen test models were given special displays including dioramas. The 12 Futurliners hit the road through 1956 for display and edification.

Remaining Futurliners are in various states of display, repair, or who knows what as they continue to fascinate people. Fans love learning about them and, for a select few, marvel at getting the opportunity to see one in person.

Today

So where are all these Futurliner’s today?

Currently, the 12 Futurliners identified by number include:

1. Unknown location for Futurliner #1. Last displayed at the Frigidaire “Miracles of Heat ad Cold” exhibition.

2. GM kept this model that was displayed at its “Our American Crossroads” exhibition. It remains at an unknown location although GM still has the exhibit at its heritage center.

3. Sold to an undisclosed owner in 2011 by American Movie Trucks owned by Brad Boyajian, the vehicle was part of the “Power for the Air Age” exhibition along with a displayable Allison J-35 jet engine.

4. Current location unknown, this Futurliner was part of the “Diesel Power Parade” and later the “Power for the Nation’s Lifelines” exhibition.

5. Part of the “World of Science” display, also displayed as part of the “Versatile Metal Power” exhibition centering on diesel power, its current location is not known.

6. Currently at an unknown location, this model was exhibited at the “Energy & Man” and “High Compression Power & Energy” exhibitions.

7. Shown at the “Out of the City Muddle” exhibition, the vehicle is located in Southeast New Hampshire.

8. Part of the “Around the Farm House Clock” display, the vehicle is owned by a Swedish man and being restored.

9. This Futurliner was at the GM reception center ad has been restored by a Sherman Oaks man as a motorhome.

10. Part of the “Opportunity for Youth” exhibition, the model was restored and travels to car shows around Michigan.

11. Belonging to the “March of Tools” exhibition, and once owned by Oral Roberts, it is a shell owned by Peter Pan Bus Lines in Springfield, Mass.

12. At an unknown location, it was part of the “Precision and Durability” exhibition.