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Stumbled across this very cool photo on the web. I only count eight of the 12 Futurliners in the photo, but there are six other large vehicles at the end of the line that I can't make out. Enjoy.
I got to tour one of the restored ones (number 10) at Carlisle a few years ago. And to keep this Olds-related, here's a Futurliner with the F88 showcar.
Outstanding Joe. This has to be in rural America somewhere. The car behind the 5th Futureliner looks like an Oldsmobile. This would be a sight to behold if you were some kid living out in the country or city for that matter.
By my count I get 7 in the foreground, but I think you can barely make out some more way in the backround.
I KNEW someone would do this.
Number eight is some distance behind at the bottom of the hill. The six vehicles behind that are tractor trailers painted to match, with the stainless side panels also, as seen here. There was a very large tent that got set up as part of the exhibition, apparently stored in the trucks along with seating and other equipment.
Outstanding Joe. This has to be in rural America somewhere. The car behind the 5th Futureliner looks like an Oldsmobile. This would be a sight to behold if you were some kid living out in the country or city for that matter.
Yeah, 1954 Olds if I'm not mistaken. Keep in mind that this was before most of the Interstates were built. The GMC 302 inline six and Hydramatic in those Futurliners probably made for a leisurely trip in any case. Top speed was apparently 50 MPH.
The restored Futureliner was at Steve Plunkets car show about five years ago. Has front drive, and padded inner fenders for the mechanic to lie on whilst he does maintenance on the engine. One hell of a machine!!
A Pontiac friend was shown the photo and did some research based on that Pontiac sign:
This is a photo of the rehabbed Futurliners done in 1953 as it is presently restored. I agree that it says Melvin Hart. A quick check of the internet I found a Melvin Hart, Inc. listed in Falmouth, KY. (per Kurt: http://findagrave.com/cgi-bin/ fg.cgi/http%22//%3C/fg.cgi? page=gr&GRid=141290864) Falmouth, KY is on US-27 between Cincinnati and Lexington. I believe this would have been one of the main routes south out of Michigan before I-75 was built. The first stop of the Parade of Progress with the rehabbed Futurliners was at the U of K campus in Lexington, KY on April 15, 1953!If the Futurliners are heading south, then I think the sign being on the left of the photo would indicate that this is probably south of Falmouth on the way north to town. Of course, if it is a two-sided sign it could be either north or south of Falmouth. So, the place the photo was taken we guess to be south of Falmouth and not that far from town. The photo is probably looking north. While there has been development, I have to believe that the general contours of the land have not changed that much. So, if you are out for a "Sunday drive", can you see if you can identify the spot. With the photo alone, we have enough for a little blurb for the newsletter with the pic on the back cover.
So far, only three have been fully restored, #3 in the Bitchin' Rides video, #10, and #11. 11 was the one sold at BJ. #5 was parted out, with parts going to 8 and 10. The body of #5 was mounted on a truck chassis and turned into a flatbed car carrier. #6 and #7 are owned by Peter Pan Bus Lines. #8 is undergoing restoration in Sweden. #9 was converted to a motorhome. Numbers 1, 2, 4, and 12 have not been found.
I got to tour one of the restored ones (number 10) at Carlisle a few years ago. And to keep this Olds-related, here's a Futurliner with the F88 showcar.
That's quite a hat.
I wonder what the value of the items in the picture ? ( excluding the hat)
