As we just got a dusting of snow this morning, I’m reminded that winter isn’t quite over yet for those of us who live in the upper-Midwest and north of here. Seeing these two Chrysler Sno Runners for sale here on eBay, I’m also reminded that these things are coming out of the woodwork this winter! These Sno Runners are located in North Street, Michigan, and there is an unmet opening bid of $2,775 and no reserve after that.
The seller has this pair of Sno Runners listed as being 1970 models but they were made between 1979 and 1981 and there were around 28,000 of them sold. It seems like we’ve seen that many in the last few months, doesn’t it? Every single one must still be out there. I just happen to have snagged a very nice Sno Runner at the end of January and have yet to ride it since we haven’t really had any real snow since then, just teaser dustings and an inch of snow at a time.
You can see that one of the track covers is white and it appears to have a factory sticker, whereas the other track cover is black and has no sticker. I’m not sure what’s going on there, I have never seen a white track cover, have you? Maybe it’s just painted white. They say that one has a new track and a new carburetor. Parts are still available, believe it or not, on SnoRunner.com so that’s good news. There is a rumor out there that Chrysler originally developed the Sno Runner for the military to use but it wasn’t chosen for that purpose and then they detuned them a bit and offered them for sale to the general public.
Chrysler had purchased West Bend in the 1960s so Chrysler Marine already had a great little engine in its portfolio, the 134 cc Power Bee 820. It was perfect for the Sno Runner. The seller had a mechanic go through the fuel systems and they say that both Sno Runners are in very good condition. Let’s hear your Sno Runner stories out there!
I bought a new Volare in the late 70s and Chrysler kept bugging me to buy one of these too, but I never took the bait. A friend did, regretted it. No at all useful, only good in a few inches of snow, under powered, more of a kids toy then a good adult machine. For a cheap price, might be fun around the yard or around the block, but no more then a curiosity really. Just my humble opinion.
Then then then
Someone pointed out previously that the carburetor sits right behind the front ski, so it is prone to take in a nice big gulp of slush and snow, which would probably torch that little engine. Doesn’t sound like they were particularly useful!
I put a carb cover on mine so it sucks air from the back. Problem solved.
I’d forgotten these things existed and now I’ve seen more of them for sale in the past six months than I’ve seen Fords older than two decades move under their own power in the past two years.
Back in the day paratroopers may have used these in the winter and might have actually served a more serious purpose.
Either way they are too kool.
Not enough power. Neat concept, still used today with modern snowbikes, but this motor, while stout, was better suited for industrial applications, ground pounders and such. I think this would have given the military an edge in winter, except, most wars today are in the desert. I bet most were sold as novelty items, I grew up near Hartford, Wis. where these were made, and I don’t ever recall seeing one being used.
Plenty of power! With a rejetted carb and thinner head gasket, these West Bend 820 motors make about 20hp.
Bad design, ride awhile, park it and starter rope is frozen solid. We had a pull thru garage for our pits to solve this issue. Also with age, the plastic / rubber based paddles on the chain drive track deteriorate. Motor runs great but you’re not going anywhere! Great hanging garage or man cave ornament! 🍻😆
I swapped out the plastic paddles for bits of angle iron. Problem gone!
My Uncle’s last words before the coma. Hold my beer, I’ll show you how to ride this baby.
Those Engines were used in construction equipment mostly in Rammers. They were bullet proof but hard starting.
Seriously, this is worth reporting on? are you guys running out of material. This doesn’t belong on his page. Cmon Guys
@Mikey8 – Nope, we have featured a few of these over the years and have no plans of stopping. Variety is what makes this site different than all the other car sites out there. Be more open-minded and you might actually enjoy the oddball stuff.
Agree with Mikey8. Who cares about stuff like this? I want to see CARS.
@Steve – With 17+ posts a day, there are plenty of other car stories to read.
Mikey8 and Steve: Yeah, why bother learning anything at all about anything else other than cars. Some of us are capable of being interested and knowledgeable about more than one genre of motorized transportation. Which also makes us more interesting companions…
I don’t mind an occasional off-topic item, however I do have a problem when houses are listed. Another gripe is that we get a version of the same Barn Finds every day for a week or more. It might have 1 or 2 new entries, but most of it is recycled material.
Might be time to cancel subscription and move on.
@Chasman358 – What are you talking about??? We have never listed houses and we never run more than 2-3 updates max out of 17 daily posts. I wouldn’t call that recycling material. Might want to look closer before commenting like that. Thanks.