Photo: Copyright 2008 GM Corp. Used with permission, GM Media Archive
ntroduced at General Motor Corp.’s Motorama exhibit in New York in 1956 at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, the Firebird II’s rocket-shaped design and turbine-powered engine were inspired by recent advances in fighter jets. While the Firebird II never made it past the concept stage, GM showcased it and other “cars of the future” on its touring Motoramas to whet consumers’ interest in its products. Running between 1949 and 1961, the Motoramas drew more than 10 million attendees, and were often choreographed by Richard and Edith Barstow, who had once staged Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circuses.
ntroduced at General Motor Corp.’s Motorama exhibit in New York in 1956 at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, the Firebird II’s rocket-shaped design and turbine-powered engine were inspired by recent advances in fighter jets. While the Firebird II never made it past the concept stage, GM showcased it and other “cars of the future” on its touring Motoramas to whet consumers’ interest in its products. Running between 1949 and 1961, the Motoramas drew more than 10 million attendees, and were often choreographed by Richard and Edith Barstow, who had once staged Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circuses.