The Kindig-it 1939 Futurliner is more than just a massive vehicle; it is a true piece of American industrial history. Its restoration by Kindig-it Design returned an Art Deco icon to its former glory. The huge, twelve-ton Futurliner No. 3, famously named “Power for the Air Age,” stands thirty-three feet long. It was originally one of twelve custom vehicles Harley Earl designed for General Motors. These futuristic buses were the stars of the 1939 Parade of Progress, touring the nation with exhibits.
The General Motors Parade of Progress Story
General Motors created the Futurliner to bring the wonders of science to the American public. Each numbered Futurliner showcased a different technological display. Topics ranged from jet engine concepts to stereophonic sound systems. The Futurliner was a rolling, self-contained exhibition hall. It was a massive, visual demonstration of GM’s vision for the future.
Kindig-it Tackles a Twelve-Ton Icon
Restoring a vehicle of this size and complexity is a daunting task. The sheer scale alone required two years of dedicated work by the Kindig-it team. Only about twenty percent of the original skeleton was salvageable when the project began. Therefore, the vast majority of the body structure had to be fabricated and replaced. This meticulous effort ensured the historic vehicle would meet modern standards. The team also focused on strengthening the inherently weak roof structure. This design element was necessary to support the retractable light bar mounted on top of the coach.
Chassis and Safety Upgrades
The original chassis was completely restored and significantly strengthened. The Kindig-it team wisely upgraded the critical braking system. The original brakes relied entirely on air, meaning any failure led to a complete loss of stopping power. Consequently, the new system provides a much safer and more reliable setup for the behemoth. The vehicle uses an unusual front axle arrangement with dual front and rear wheels. This massive dual-wheel setup required eight custom Coker reproduction tires. Each tire faithfully replicates the original whitewall design, complete with the “Parade of Progress” inscription.
The “Power for the Air Age” Engine
The Kindig-it 1939 Futurliner features a robust GMC 302 cubic inch straight-six gas engine. This engine is coupled to a Hydra-matic 4-speed automatic transmission. The straight-six engine delivers 145 wheel horsepower. For a vehicle of over twelve tons, this power output is certainly respectable. More importantly, Futurliner No. 3 includes a fascinating display piece. It houses a non-functional Allison J-35 jet engine cutaway in its display box. This impressive exhibit is what gives the massive coach its “Power for the Air Age” designation.
Paint and Body Perfection
The original Futurliner paint was not applied with the precision expected of a showpiece. Historical records suggest the original red and white finish was applied by a roller brush. The Kindig-it restoration naturally required an entirely perfect finish. After meticulous body work, the massive Futurliner was taken to a semi-truck paint shop. This huge facility allowed the crew to apply the perfect red and white finish. Friends who typically paint airplanes assisted the Kindig-it team in achieving the flawless look.
Interior and Cockpit Details
The airplane-style cockpit is one of the Futurliner’s most memorable features. The driver is perched high, about ten feet off the ground, in a central seating position. This unique position grants the driver a commanding view of the road ahead. The interior was expertly replicated by JS Custom Interiors. The team worked diligently, using only black and white historical photos as their reference. The upholstery is a distinct two-tone lime and hunter green vinyl-coated fabric. The detail successfully captures the futuristic, period-correct look of the 1930s and 1940s.
A Testament to Restoration
The incredible amount of work completed in only twenty-four months is a testament to the team. The Kindig-it 1939 Futurliner represents a painstaking commitment to automotive preservation. This restoration successfully strengthened the structure and enhanced safety. It stands today as a fully operational and historically accurate piece. The massive Futurliner is a rare, rolling monument to American ingenuity and the General Motors Parade of Progress.
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Source: kindigit.com
