GM Futurliner #10
NATMUS is the proud owner of one of the twelve Futurliners built by GM for the Parade of Progress tours in the 1940s and 1950s.
Our Futurliner is #10 and was donated to NATMUS in early 1990s and began restoration in 1998. Today the Futurliner is showcased in our museum and travels across the Midwest throughout the year for shows and special occasions.
If you would like to have the Futurliner at your event, call to speak with our Director about costs and transportation by calling (260) 925-9100.
History of the Futurliner #10
Of the 12 Futurliners made, our Futurliner was #10. Each one had different displays, most had two. While some information may be lost to history, we’ve been able to determine what #10 displayed during the ‘53-56 Parade of Progress. It displayed a 3 Dimensional Sound demonstration on the left, and depending on the year the right side held either Opportunities for Youth or All American Soap Box Derby.
Opportunities for Youth was General Motors contribution to try and stimulate and spark interest in the youth of the day to involve themselves in ingenuity and creativity. Beginning in 1930 the Fisher Body Craftsman Guild sponsored a model stagecoach and automobile building competition. The exhibit told the story of the Guild — its purposes, meanings and nation-wide growth. The exhibit displayed sample models of the handiwork and skill of some of the prize winning Craftsman Guild members.
Today, only 9 Futurliners remain, the other 3 have been lost to history. We are delighted to have such a unique piece of history showcased in our museum.
Restoration of the Futurliner #10
Donated to NATMUS in the early 90’s by Joe Bortz of Bortz Auto Collection, the Futurliner #10 was in disrepair. As anyone who has restored a vehicle can attest, it was much worse than it looked – and it looked bad. A group of volunteers in the West Michigan area began restoring the vehicle in late 1998.
Led by Don Mayton, we owe a great deal of thanks to him and all the volunteers and contributors that helped with this project!
With volunteer labor and countless donations of materials and money, Futurliner #10 was completed 7 years later. For a more in depth recounting of the process, things found, and learned, you can visit Futurliner.org