Autoblog

GM Futurliner runs quarter mile like a Boss

Chris Shunk — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, GM

General Motors built the Futurliner to promote a traveling show called the "GM Parade of Progress" in the 1940s and '50s. The slippery-lined bus, which was penned by the legendary Harley Earl, is one of 12 that traveled the U.S. to show Americans the future of motoring and technology.

GM Futurliner #10, which was fully restored in 2007, recently made a trip out to the Pontiac Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio. The 30-ton, 33-foot-long bus was on display at the event, but that didn't mean that the massive antique wasn't allowed to also take a whack at the quarter mile. The 70-year-old sign of progress didn't exactly light up the tarmac, but it can hold its head up high for even finishing the run. The final time? 48 seconds at 28 mph.

Follow the jump to watch the Futurliner in (slow) motion. And no, your YouTube connection isn't running poorly... the Futurliner is powered a four-cylinder diesel engine (30 tons!) and only has a top speed of 40 miles per hour.

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GM Futurliner runs quarter mile like a Boss originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Harley Earl's own '63 Corvette Stingray convertible on the auction block

Noah Joseph — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Performance, Auctions, Chevrolet, Specialty

Harley Earl's 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible - Click above for a high-res gallery

Legendary sportscar marques deserve their own dedicated auctions, and lately they've been getting what they deserve. RM Auction has been running a Ferrari-only event at the Maranello factory for a few years now, while Bonhams has been doing the same with Aston Martin at Newport Pagnell for even longer. But while the Corvette may technically be a model and not a brand, it has its own rabid following and its own history. Which could help explain why Mecum is holding a dedicated Corvette auction later this month in St. Charles, Illinois. The Mecum Bloomington Gold Corvette Auction will feature an array of Vettes from Chevy history, and this is undoubtedly the highlight: Harley Earl's personal Stingray convertible.

As the grand-daddy of American car design, Earl earned his place in history. And to help commemorate his achievements, General Motors presented him with this unique 'Vette in 1963, shortly after the car made its debut at the Chicago Auto Show. The car featured a unique metallic blue paintjob with white highlights and a blue leather interior, 300-horsepower fuel-injected 327, unique side exhaust and an array of special instruments in the glovebox.

Earl drove the car for two years - he even drove it at Daytona as the 500's Grand Marshall in 1965 - and then sold it to a war vet who drove it to California and back with local newspaper coverage. The car was then lost for decades before a group of amateur racers bought it at auction with the intent to drag race it before identifying it as something special. It then changed hands among Corvette collectors before receiving a full restoration. The car's status and storied history, more of which you can read about in the press release after the jump, are sure to fetch a pretty penny when this Vette crosses the auction block on June 26.

Gallery: Harley Earl's 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible

[Source: Mecum]

Continue reading Harley Earl's own '63 Corvette Stingray convertible on the auction block

Harley Earl's own '63 Corvette Stingray convertible on the auction block originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2007 Barrett-Jackson: The Dream Cars

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 20:29:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions

click on image above to view the high-resolution gallery of Barrett-Jackson dream cars

A few more concepts from the Barrett-Jackson catalog should prove to be interesting lots. Nobody really expects these to draw the same kind of money as the F-88 or Bonneville from years past, but you never know. Heck, they probably won't even approach the value of the Dodge Firearrows we previewed earlier. But these are pretty interesting vehicles in their own right, starting with a concept for one of America's most iconic limos, carrying through to a GM mixed moniker model, to an early electric dream car. A rundown of each is available after the jump and as usual, a high-res gallery of my own and Drew Phillips' pics are available by clicking the above image.

Gallery: 2007 Barrett-Jackson: The Dream Cars

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2007 Barrett-Jackson: The Dream Cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Jan 2007 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Online auction for Harley Earl photo collection

Joel Arellano — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions, Buick

Harley Earl (1893-1969), considered by many as the Father of American Automotive Design, left an indelible mark on our nation's roads. And now, a collection of sixty-six photos that were on display at the Automotive Hall of Fame last year from May through July-is now available for purchase on eBay. The photos include family pictures and design patents for such memorable concepts as the Buick Y-Job (pictured) and LeSabre.

The auction can be found here and ends on March 23rd. A more thorough description of the pieces can be found through a link on the eBay page or here.

[Source: The Auto Channel]

Online auction for Harley Earl photo collection originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Mar 2006 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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