The Swing Shift Shuffle is a radio program of swing, big band, jazz, boogie woogie and other popular music from the 1930's and 40's that airs every Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (US Central Time) on WEVL 89.9 FM in Memphis, Tennessee, with a live webcast at wevl.org. In addition to the radio show, this blog is dedicated to all aspects of the Swing Era, including art, automobiles, cartoons, comics, history, movies, music, news, science, technology, and anything else that happened during that time. It also includes announcements about events in the Memphis/Mid-South area related to the Swing Era, such as classic movies, concerts, dances, lectures, etc. If you see something that fits the description, send it to me at tim@wevl.org. If you would like more information about the radio show, just go to the Radio Show FAQ page.

Monday, August 5, 2013

Futureliners On Film

In 1940, GM began its "Parade of Progress," a cross country tour exhibiting new cars and technology.  The stages for and main attractions of this roadshow were twelve specially designed GM buses christened the "Futurliners."  Their sides would open up to reveal the latest gadgets.  World War II halted the parade, but it recommenced in the 1950's.  Of the twelve Futurliners, around nine are known to exist in various conditions.  One sold for $4,000,000 at auction in 2006.  The Hemmings blog posted this GM promotional film featuring the Futurliners in their 1941 configuration.

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