The GM Futureliner was originally designed by GM legend Harley Earl for the Parade of Progress, a traveling road show throughout the U.S. that exhibited new cars and future technology. A total of 12 were built originally, 9 of which were still in existence as of a few years ago, and the speed demon you see here is bus #10. It was restored to it’s original condition in 2007 and is powered by a 4-cylinder diesel backed by a manual transmission.

In the video you’ll see its scorching performance in the quarter mile with a 41-second timeslip at a speed of 28MPH. We didn’t know the timers would even run that long, so lesson learned.

Interestingly enough, the Parade of Progress was halted during World War II and did return in the 1950’s, but only for a few years. The buses were reconfigured in the 50’s with a 6-cylinder engine backed by a 4-speed hydramatic transmission with a 2-speed gearbox, as well as other great displays featuring the stereophonic sound, microwave ovens, television and many other modern innovations of the time.

The last year for the parade was 1956 after which the buses all disappeared. The only bus we’re aware of that is in it’s original configuration is the one you see here. Futureliner geeks can get more info at futurliner.com as well.