Iconic Furthur Bus Arrived in San Francisco
The 1939 International Harvester bus, displayed at the Haight Street Art Center, now requires restoration.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Car Culture
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The historic bus used by Ken Kesey for his 1964 cross-country trip was transported to San Francisco in August 2026. It now serves as the centerpiece of an exhibition while its owners pursue preservation efforts.
Why it matters
The vehicle spent over 50 years parked in Oregon, leaving it in a deteriorated state that necessitates expensive, long-term restoration. The public exhibition in the city serves as a fundraising platform to support these preservation goals.
The bus measures 37 feet in length and sat idle for 50 years after its 1964 cross-country journey. While the 1939 International Harvester model is now on display, the exact financial requirements for its full restoration remain unknown.
The players
Ken Kesey
The author and counterculture figure who used the bus for a 1964 cross-country trip.
Haight Street Art Center
The San Francisco venue currently hosting the exhibition featuring the historic vehicle.
The details
After decades in storage, the bus was maneuvered onto a flatbed truck in August 2026 for its move to the Haight Street Art Center. The vehicle is currently the centerpiece of the Forever Grateful exhibit. The family of Ken Kesey intends to use the visibility from this display to secure funding for the extensive repairs needed to return the bus to a stable condition.
Timeline
1939: The International Harvester bus was manufactured.
June 1964: Ken Kesey traveled across the country to the New York World's Fair.
2001: Ken Kesey died.
August 2026: The bus was loaded onto a flatbed truck and transported for display.
Across the Bay
The arrival of the bus follows the historic trajectory established by the 1964 cross-country trip to the New York World's Fair. This exhibition acts as a bridge, grounding that legacy in a local preservation project.
Residents can view the vehicle as part of the ongoing exhibit at the Haight Street Art Center. The display functions as the primary mechanism for the owners to generate necessary funding for the bus's future restoration.
The takeaway
The Furthur bus is currently undergoing a period of public visibility to support its long-term structural preservation. Residents should watch for upcoming fundraisers or announcements regarding the planned restoration project from the Kesey family.
Further reading
Learn more about local automotive history in our Car Culture section.
Live Poll
Should communities prioritize funding the restoration of historical artifacts for public display?
