Peak automotive art deco: The GM Futurliner. The GM Futurliner is a remarkable piece of automotive history, embodying the optimism and innovative spirit of the mid-20th century. Designed by Harley Earl for General Motors’ “Parade of Progress,” these vehicles toured North America in the 1940s and 1950s, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and futuristic concepts to the public.  ? ?    Each of the 12 Futurliners measured 33 feet in length, 8 feet in width, and over 11 feet in height, weighing more than 12 tons. Their distinctive Art Deco design featured a centrally located driver’s seat accessible via a spiral staircase, giving the driver a commanding view through a panoramic windshield. The vehicles were equipped with large clamshell doors that opened to reveal exhibits on advancements like jet propulsion, television, and microwave technology.  ? ?    The “Parade of Progress” began in 1936, paused during World War II, and resumed in 1953 before concluding in 1956. The rise of television as a medium for disseminating information contributed to the parade’s end, as audiences could now experience technological innovations from their homes.  ?    Today, only a few Futurliners survive, with some undergoing extensive restorations. Their unique design and historical significance make them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, serving as enduring symbols of a bygone era’s vision of the future. ? ?