(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – They were the finest, plushest L cars 100 years ago when they were rolled out. On Saturday, the CTA is bringing them back for a cameo appearance in the Loop.
The 4000-series was built in 1923 and served the city for 50 years. Shortly after they debuted, Chicago was rocked by the Leopold-Loeb murder trial.
In the 1930s, the Adler Planetarium opened, followed by the Shedd Aquarium.
People took the L to work -- and to see the sights.
"There's also a series of famous photos taken of a very young Shirley Temple about 1936 showing her on a train," says Bruce Moffat, a retired CTA employee who is an expert on transportation history.
Another view of the 4000-series L cars, which are brought out periodically.CTA
He said he plans to be out Saturday when the CTA brings out two of the 1923-vintage L cars. Anyone can ride around the Loop -- for the 2023 fare -- from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"What's cool is, you get to experience a slice of urban transportation from 100 years ago," Moffat said.
The 4000-series cars were retired in 1973.
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