1939 General Motors Futurliner

1939 GM FUTURLINER - ONE OF ONLY 12 MADE, The Futurliner is 33’ long, 8’ wide, 11’-7" tall vehicle with a whopping 248" wheelbase. An unusual feature of the Futurliner is its dual (side by side) front wheels. Each wheel has its own set of brakes, brake drums and bearings. The driver's eyes are 10 feet above road level. He has a single seat which is located at the front center of the compartment. The driver's area is intended to feel like a cockpit similar to the fighter planes of the era. Behind him are twin relief seats for assistances or special guests.The compartment is kept at a comfortable temperature by a Frigidaire air conditioner similar to what was available on some 1953 GM passenger cars. The windshield curves almost completely around the compartment and was of green-tinted E-Z Eye glass. Futurliner windshields were the largest E-Z Eye installations ever made up until that time. Futurliners were equipped with the Guide Lamp Division's Autronic-Eye, which automatically lowered the headlight beams when another vehicle approached, then raises the lights again. Power Steering was developed by the Saginaw Steering Gear Division. The steering wheel is mounted on a streamlined column at the front center of the compartment. Foot pedals for the brake and accelerator are treadle type with corrugated rubber treads, set off by chrome plates. There was no clutch. Transmissions are Dual-Range Hydra-Matic manufactured by the Detroit Transmission Division. Each Futurliner was powered by a 145 horsepower, 302 cubic inch GMC gasoline engine, which is located directly under the driver's compartment. Compression ration is 7.3 to 1. Bore and stroke are each 4 inches. They produced 262 foot pounds of torque at 1,400 revolutions per minute. The engine is reached for servicing by a large door which is located at the left front of the vehicle. There are two gasoline tanks, each holding 45 gallons, located in front of the rear wheels. Safety features include dual front wheels which increase roadability and safety rubber covered bumpers give the steel bumpers added protection and rubber rail runs around the base of the body.