Go go snow! The incredible stories of the world’s coolest snowmobiles

Living in the 21st century makes it easy to forget that populations in cold climates were once stranded by winter. The invention of engine-powered snowmobiles changed this. While modern versions are familiar, the snowmobile has a history spanning more than a century.

This is a look at some of the most notable snow transports ever built. These machines range from royal sleighs to failed Antarctic behemoths.

Early innovations

(1910) Coanda Snow Sleigh

Designed by Henri Coanda, this sleigh belonged to Grand Duke Cyril of Russia. It featured a piston engine driving a ducted fan or suction turbine. Coanda had previously exhibited this same power plant in 1910 on his first aircraft, the Coanda-1910.

(1937) Bombardier B7, B12 and C18 Snowmobile

Joseph-Armand Bombardier founded the Canadian aerospace and transportation company that still bears his name. He created his first snowmobile in 1937. The B7 was followed by the 12-seater B12 and the 18-seater C18. These models provided the financial foundation for the company in the following decades.

Expedition failures

(1939) Antarctic Snow Cruiser

The Antarctic Snow Cruiser measured over 15 metres long and nearly 4.5 metres high. Its performance was poor. It suffered technical issues during its initial trip from Chicago to Boston in 1940. Upon reaching Antarctica, the 37-tonne machine lacked the traction required for snow and ice. It was eventually abandoned.

(1955) Tucker Sno-Cat Type 743 Double Drive

The Tucker Sno-Cat participated in the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition from 1955 to 1958. It saw limited use. Rumours suggest the engine performed poorly because a nut fell into it during assembly.

Specialised vehicles

(1958) Cuthbertson Land Rover

James A Cuthbertson introduced this tracked Land Rover in 1958. It performed well on swampy ground but was unstable due to its height. Only 15 units were produced.

For those tired of standard après-ski, a modified 1966 T1 microbus exists. It features a chain-drive and a 1,600-Watt sound system. It is designed for parties on the slopes.

(1970) Rupp Super Sno-Sport

By the late 1960s, quarter-mile races on frozen lakes were popular. Mickey Rupp built a dragster with chain-drive and runners. The 1970 Rupp Super Sno-Sport used a 500HP Ford V8 to reach 150mph on ice.

(1970 – 1973) Sno Coupe

The Innovar Corporation of Minnesota developed the Sno Coupe as a refined snowmobile. It featured side-by-side seating, rollover protection and luggage space. Only 200 units were manufactured.

Modern utility