This is a Ford Model T snowmobile. It features tank-like track attachments for the rear wheels, ski attachments for the front, and although it predates the rugged ‘Bigfoot’ by a few years, this aged brute ought to keep you fairly unstuck this winter.
The story begins in 1913 when Ford dealer and apparent winter enthusiast Virgil D. White decided that the Model T just wasn’t capable enough to tackle the snowy winters of his hometown, Ossipee, New Hampshire. His solution? Make it capable. White removed the car’s standard rear axle and suspension, replaced it with heavy duty truck running gear, fashioned together the skis and metal tracks, and voila – the world’s first “snowmobile.”
By 1922, with patent in hand, White began selling the attachments at Ford dealerships. Three years later, White sold the manufacturing rights to the Farm Specialty Manufacturing Company, which kept production going until 1929. It’s unclear whether this 1924 Model T was an original conversion or a later adaptation using White’s snowmobile kit, though it is seriously cool nonetheless.Underneath the hood lies the ubiquitous Ford side-valve four-cylinder engine, which is driving a two-speed Ruckstell rear end. Out back there’s plenty of room for all of your friends to be cold, oh joy. While it certainly won’t be fast, it’ll definitely get you there.
This blog is all about snowmobiles from the 1960's thru the 1980's. The daily posts will feature stories, ads or press releases for a classic snowmobile during that period from various snowmobile magazines and other publications during that period in snowmobile history. Save this blog and view it on a regular basis. You never know, you may see your favorite classic sled featured here !
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