Collectors of old snowmobiles used to just let their machines sit in their backyards without anybody noticing their possession. This year, these old timers are going back to home base at West Ossipee where it all started. The group of collectors is definitely growing. Plans to hold annual meetings and shows are already underway.

During the 1920s, in this town, 20,000 conversion kits that transformed the Ford Model T vehicles into the first snowmobiles were produced. Back then, plowed roads were hardly available and regular wheels where sidelined during winter and were nonoperational until the warmer seasons return.

The first snowmobile as compared to its modern descendant was definitely bigger and slower, but relied on the same operation. It had a moving belt for traction, and skis for maneuvering the front end of the machine. It had 4 cylinder 20 horse power engines and ran at 15 miles per hour. It had wooden runners that were 5 feet long and caterpillar like tracks that were 8 inches wide.

Even if the early snowmobile had it’s setbacks, it was greatly relied on and does get the job done. At times when other modes of transportation were dealt inoperable by snowy weather conditions, tourists were driven around the area by Virgil D. White, the owner of the company that was responsible in the production of the conversion kits. Mail was delivered on time, and even doctors were able to do house calls because of the rig.

The first conversion kits sold at $400 while a complete set commanded a price of $750. By 1923, there were only 75 kits sold. However, when people saw these machines in action, sales picked up to 2,500 a year. The demand later dropped when the snow plows became very popular.

The snowmobile was the biggest thing to ever hit West Ossipee. At the time, these conversion kits were exported around the world.

The old factory still sits on the original site. It’s not clear though how much of the old building is still there as it was ravaged by a big fire in 1929 and was heavily damaged as a result.

Old model T collectors are bringing these rigs this year back to West Ossipee in celebration of the machine’s grand heritage. The old Ts are among the most versatile machines ever built. The addition of attachments made the T an all season vehicle. A particular set even turned it into a sand mobile as well making it perhaps the first all terrain vehicle ever built.

Would you like to be an owner of a vintage snowmobile? Perhaps you’re just looking for a used snowmobile? Whatever you need be sure to check out our store offering a massive range of new and used machines at the lowest possible prices. Why not check out some of the great used Ski-Doo snowmobile? They’re one of our favorites.

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