SALE OF RON PRATTE’S 1950 FUTURLINER AT 2015 BARRETT-JACKSON
1950 GM Futurliner
- Barrett-Jackson to auction Ron Pratte’s Futurliner for charity
- Proceeds to benefit Armed Forces Foundation
- Incredible piece of automotive history and American culture to go to new owner
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - July 11, 2014 – A 1950 General Motors Futurliner, one of the stars of the Ron Pratte collection, will be sold in January 2015 at Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car AuctionsTM, with 100% of the proceeds benefitting the Armed Forces Foundation. One of 12 built and nine known to still exist, Pratte purchased the Futurliner at Barrett-Jackson.
“Barrett-Jackson was honored to help Ron Pratte add the Futurliner to his collection in 2006,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We appreciate his trust in Barrett-Jackson as he offers this incredible piece of Americana to its next owner. History was made as records fell the first time the Futurliner crossed our block, and we expect interest in it to reach a fevered pitch again.”
A veteran who served with the US Army’s 1st Air Cavalry Division in Vietnam during 1968, Pratte will donate all proceeds from the Futurliner to the Armed Forces Foundation. The organization is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to supporting and advocating for active-duty military personnel, National Guardsmen, Reservists, military families and veterans. The AFF covers travel, hotel rooms, home mortgages, car payments and daily expenses for families so they can stay at a loved one’s side during treatment and recovery from wounds suffered in war.
“Military veterans, especially wounded warriors, deserve our appreciation and our support,” said Pratte. “Their continued sacrifices give Americans the freedom to build happy, productive lives. With the help of the great team at Barrett-Jackson, I look forward to raising funds that will make AFF’s mission a success.”
The two organizations have partnered for the last eight years, AFF has received over four million dollars through Barrett-Jackson auto auctions since 2008.
“Barrett-Jackson’s charity moments on the auction block with the AFF have become some of the most memorable,” said Steve Davis, President of Barrett-Jackson. “Ron Pratte’s generosity and patriotism is inspirational and I look forward to an outpouring of support for our fellow Americans in uniform.”
One of 12 built by GM, the Futurliner is a self-contained display and transport vehicle created by the GM design staff under Harley Earl’s direction. It was the centerpiece of the “Parade of Progress” touring exhibit that complemented the GM “Motoramas” from 1940 through 1956.
One of only three survivors restored in their original “Parade of Progress” configuration, this Futurliner underwent a comprehensive re-restoration after Ron Pratte purchased it as a fully restored example in 2006, making it clearly the finest example in existence. It is fully functional and toured Canada in corporate promotions before it became a part of the Ron Pratte collection. It is a symbol of the American auto industry at the height of its power and influence.
Pratte, a Chandler, Arizona, developer and philanthropist, built the majority of his collection at Barrett-Jackson auctions. His collection, featuring cars, trucks, motorcycles and other rarities including the Futurliner, will be on the docket at Barrett-Jackson’s 44th Annual Scottsdale Auction taking place January 10-18, 2015 with television coverage on Velocity and Discovery.
For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit or call (480) 421-6694.
About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™, was founded in Scottsdale in 1971. Its internationally renowned auctions are hosted in Scottsdale, Arizona; Palm Beach, Florida; Reno Tahoe, Nevada and Las Vegas, Nevada. The events feature hundreds of the world’s most sought-after, unique and valuable vehicles where they cross the block in front of a global audience. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, and complete event information visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @Barrett_Jackson.
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