If you’re looking for something that almost nobody else has, this could be it. This is a 1970 Terra-Jet 400 E and it’s an amphibious 4×4 ATV, believe it or not. It’s listed on eBay with a current bid price of just over $1,000 and almost three days left on the auction. This one is in Middletown, Connecticut, halfway between Hartford and New Haven.
The owner isn’t 100% sure that this is a 1970 model, and frankly neither am I; information is few and far between on these things. These do come up for sale periodically and they sell for thousands of dollars, so it’s not surprising that at only $1,000 the reserve isn’t met on this auction. They do say that the “body has been painted” and there is a “new windshield.”
Apparently, these are amphibious, as in, they’re supposed to float. The owner says that they haven’t tried that part of it yet and they recommend that it be tested in a puddle first, I’m guessing that the “puddle” would have to be a couple of feet deep in order to test it out. They also say that the “front u joint was replaced on passenger side front but might need a bearing I can hear a noise when I turn.” Maybe it’s spent too much time in the water. Here’s one dipping its toes into the water on YouTube; pretty cool!
This one “starts right up and runs great. Forward and reverse works fine.” They also say that all four tires should probably be replaced. Here’s a chap restoring a 1973 Terra Jet on YouTube.
This is a Kohler 399 cc, two-cycle, two-cylinder with 27 hp, that’s a lot of power! But, you’re driving all four wheels so it’ll take a little more power to do that. The seller also has this one listed on Craigslist for $4,000 so I’m guessing that their reserve is around that price. From what I’ve seen, they sell for between $2,000-$3,500 or so in nice shape so there may be a little bargaining room on this one. I don’t know how hard it’ll be to find parts for things other than the engine so that could be something to take into consideration. This could be a fun project, it sounds like it’s mostly ready to hit the trail, just a few things left to do on it. Have you heard of the Terra Jet? Would you take this project on or do you prefer to stick with newer ATVs?
I wish the seller had tried a little harder with the windshield–if they had laid it back more it would have improved the looks a lot. Cool find!
The windshield is identical to the windshield that it came with. If you lay the windshield down and you hit something it will chop your head off. I own this Terra Jet and it is in great condition. We completely rebuilt the engine crank and all. New Nos Carb, built the fuel tank out of metal and it is shaped exactly like the original plastic tank, inside was painted with bed liner paint, and new belt. All it needs is rims sand blasted and painted, front wheel bearing, and tires. The strobe lights are top of the line and all the lights work.
I have a 74 400 e and the Walbro carb keeps flooding the engine; what carb did you put in this one?
Where is it now?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpRVPKQbXcE
Let’s continue on with the options! Tracks!
https://youtu.be/FaDx1cBIo1w
Take a look
I live in CT and have a terra jet already but I didn’t see any way to contact the seller and I’m interested in this
Hello Scott B you can email me at joesautoelectricii@gmail.com then I’ll give you my number.
Thank you
Jon
I have one and think the new jet made in Italy & sold and also in CA