Just got back and partially unloaded from a huge, fantastic event. I doubt Princeton has ever had a better year. Swappers as far as the eye could see!
We setup the VintageSleds.com Hospitality Center, and brought in as many of the sites visitors as we could for a chat, some pop and water and some snacks. I met literally dozens and dozens of new website visitors, and connected with dozens more I have not heard from in awhile – it was great to hear what everyone has been doing and is up to.
There was some AMAZING finds at Princeton. First up is a 1977 Factory John Deere race sled that just showed up on a trailer! The new owner (wishing to remain anonymous at this point) was literally shaking with excitement when he told me about it. His cell phone minutes and his battery were burnt out in a short period of time when word got out. None other than two original Enduro Team Deere factory race team members confirmed the sled. Here’s Steve Tabor, one of the original ETD members talking about this fascinating sled.
Here’s some more great Princeton finds:
This I believe to be one of Gordon Rudolph’s early prototype IFS machines. It has some mysteries, but it does sure look to be one of the real deals. Gordon may have made as many as 8 of these machines. Gordon worked with Polaris on the development of the very successful RXL’s.
Any idea what this is? Adam Leubner would like to know as well! This is a prototype of some sort – we assume Arctic Cat. It has a very unique motor mounting, steering system and clutch guard. Any information would be appreciated! Check out this thread if you can help!
Long time readers of VintageSleds.com will remember this sled! I made a trip to Sweden in 2001 and put up pictures of this machine from there. I had worked out a deal to buy it at that time, but we never worked out the details of getting it shipped back. I kept working with the owner, days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months and months turned into years. Frankly, I forgot about it. Until Sunday when a friend informed me there was a 1980 Arctic Cat snopro for sale in the swap from Sweden… Thinking "No way, it can’t be!" I charged over to take a look. The owner remembered me right away and I reminded him of our deal. "But now the price has gone up!" he kept saying. After awhile I again gave up – more for that fact that I really have no place to put the machine than the fact that we had a deal. Oh well, I’m not out anything and this is a very good condition Cat that I am sure will find a good home!
Here is the owner – his name is "Bengon" and if the machine is not already sold, it will be at Hay Days!
This cute little green guy nearly followed me home. I got pretty caught up in "Deere Fever" what with all the race sleds around and Waconia featuring John Deere this year.