I found this old 1970's vintage Ski-Doo Elan (I believe it's Elan, but it's a bit hard to tell for sure) stacked on the back of flat deck trailer along with several other older Yamaha and Arctic Cat sleds.
This little sled looks like its been patched up, somewhat neglected and kicked around more than little bit over the years. The front cowling is pieced together with gobs of fiberglass compound, the vent covers are missing and the seat is ripped to shreds — I take it that this old Ski-Doo has traveled more than a few miles down the trail. A true wounded warrior.
The Ski-Doo Elan was a very popular and affordable snowmobile that was built by Ski-Doo from 1971 to 1996. They were offered with a rather large variety of options including 1 or 2 cylinder engines, different designs on the hood, and other choices. In 1971 the Elans originally came with Rotax engines—250cc (247cc) single cylinder rated at 12 HP—which had the options of having an electric start as well as a recoil starter. In 1973 they introduced 2 new engines—a 250cc (247cc) twin cylinder rated at 16 hp that had a standard muffler and a single HR carb, and the SS model that was a 250 (247cc) twin cylinder rated at 22 hp with dual HR carbs, tuned exhaust, disc brake, and new standard chrome bumper.
An Elan tribute page states, "Ski-Doo started manufacturing the Elan in 1971 and did so until 1996. Thanks to its simplicity and smart design it was basically the same machine that rolled off the line in 1996 compared to 1971. The Elan lasted 25 years and saw models like the Everest and Formula come and go. Élan is the French word for enthusiasm, vigor and impetuosity. A perfect name for a sprightly little machine!"
Enthusiasm, vigor and impetuousity — sounds like the qualities that would endear a snowmobile to any avid rider, even an old wounded warrior like this one!
