This Allis Chalmers was built by Roy Stewart in 1965, one of three prototypes. Two were identical with the LLoyd OHV 4 stroke, 4 speed with reverse. The third one was built with a small cc 2 cycle engine and "didn't have enough power to pull itself." Allis was thinking about the work/utility sled market, not a sport machine. All of the mechanical components came off the assembly line, from various farm equipments, and the sleds were built during "down time". After testing, it was decided that the sleds were not practical and they were put in a disposal/scrap area. The gentleman I acquired it from and another employee from the Copper Country "rescued" both of the 4 cycle sleds from the scrap. The third sled was definitely scrapped out. The sleds were hauled to the U.P., one to Copper Country and the other one to his father's farm in Iron River, Mich. The Copper Country sled was used for a short time, then junked, with the engine/trans given to the Iron River sled owner. I was buying hay from the farm around 10 years ago, and the owner told me about the sled while my crew was loading hay. At the time, I was not into vintage sleds but I never forgot about it. I returned 2 years ago to find the owner suffering from Alzheimers, but still lucid on some days. He and his lovely wife agreed with me that it should be placed in a museum, so I was able to purchase the Allis on that condition! I also have the engine out of the scrapped sled from Copper Country. I did contact Allis Chalmers for possible history on the sled, but was told that "We are a forward-thinking company and do not dwell on the past.", so I was unable to get official documentation.
Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum
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