The most expensive tow truck in the world
Back in 1940, GM built a dozen massive and unique buses on its assembly line called Futurliner as part of the “Parade of Progress”, which, according to the organizers, was supposed to demonstrate to the world numerous technical and design achievements, made in recent years by American engineers. Although the “parade” itself was stopped already in 1941 due to the outbreak of World War II, GM resumed its “travelling exhibition” in 1953 and maintained it until 1956, after which 11 Futurliner buses were sold and forgotten.
Nine of them still exist today, and the example with serial number 5 recently had to undergo a heavy, unique and unexpected functionality upgrade that successfully transformed it from a bus to a huge one evacuator. Hemmings Auto Blog reports that this monster can be purchased today for just $1.25 million. Yes, this monster tow truck is capable of towing all your cash savings!
During the modernization, the Futurliner received additional equipment, an air suspension that can withstand up to 9 tons of cargo, a huge 757-liter fuel tank and a powerful 12,500-watt Onan generator.
The cabin of the world's most expensive tow truck seats four people and has air conditioning. Thanks to the new Cummins 6BT diesel engine, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, the Futurliner managed to haul a large 4-ton bus with relative ease. To service the machine and access to a larger engine than on the original design, a tilting cab mechanism is installed. This is undoubtedly the most stylish and expensive tow truck in the world today.
