The 1933 Chicago World’s Fair and its technology
display inspired General Motors executive
Charles Kettering to create the Parade of Progress
to communicate advances in science and GM technology
to small U.S. towns. Twelve Futurliners were used by
GM to transport the GM Parade of Progress show from
1941 to 1956.
The Futurliner is a massive bus-like vehicle measuring 33’ long, 8’ wide, 11’-7" tall with a 248" wheelbase. Clam-shell doors opened up on the sides for all to view the featured displays. The Parade of Progress continued until the television rendered it obsolete. GM discontinued the parade and the Futurliners were sold.
Don Mayton, a retired GM plant manager, saw his first Futurliner on a trip to California and wanted to own one. Realizing quickly that this was beyond his means, his research led him to the National Automotive and Truck Museum (NATMUS) in Auburn, Ind. He was thrilled to learn they offered a "Partner Program" that enabled him to take it home to restore, and help raise the estimated $200,000 to complete it.
As a seven year labor of love, he assembled an all-volunteer restoration crew located in Zeeland, Michigan. Joe Bortz, of Bortz Auto Collection, Illinois, donated the Futurliner to NATMUS and Valley Truck oversaw and assisted with the body restoration. Wyrick Company and ChemSpec USA, donated the Target Red and Artic White paint. Special thanks goes out to Ray de Longpre and the support of his company, Wyrick Company, to provide these GM custom colors. De Longpre states, “Wyrick is proud to help preserve history. We enjoyed being a part of this project.” The Futurliner tours this summer to promote the NATMUS museum and the restoration of a legend. Check out their video and the playbook at www.futurliner.com.
