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Chrysler’s Forgotten Snow Bikes: Trio of Sno-Runners Up for Grabs

Vintage 1980s Snow Bikes For Sale on BringATrailer.com...

A trio of 1980 Chrysler Sno-Runner is currently up for auction on BringATrailer.com, offering enthusaists a chance to own a piece of unique part of Chrysler history. These single-passenger snow bikes, manufacturing during Chrysler’s financial struggles in the early 1980s, represent a unique chapter in the company’s innovative past.

Trio of 1980 Chrysler Sno-Runners. (BringATrailer).

Each Sno-Runner is powered by a 134cc two-stroke single engine, driving a cleated rear track through an automatic centrifugal clutch. The machines feature a distinctive Orange finish with White decals, complemented by Black vinyl seats. Weighing just 71 pounds, these compact snow bikes were designed for easy transportation and storage, with the ability to be disassembled using five quick-release pins.

The Sno-Runners come equipped with trail lighting, a twist-grip throttle, a 1.3-gallon fuel tank integrated into the aluminum frame, and a hand-actuated hand brake. Steering is managed through a fiberglass-reinforced front ski, while a second ski beneath the rider provides additional stability. 

134cc Power Bee engine. (BringATrailer).

In preparation for the sale, the current owner has undertaken several maintenance tasks. These include repainting the Black-finished components, rebuilding the careburetors, and replacing the drive tracks. The 134cc ‘Power Bee’ engines, produced by Chrysler Marine, feature electronic ignition, a high-compression cylinder head gasket, and a Nelson exhaust system.

Despite its innovative design, the Sno-Runner faced challenges. Its limited power output of about 7 horsepower and a top speed of 25 mph restricted its performance, especially in deep snow. Production ended in 1982, after approximately 28,000 units were manufactured. 

Trio of 1980 Chrysler Sno-Runners. (BringATrailer).

Today, these quirky snow bikes have gained a cult following among enthusiasts and collectors. With the auction ending on Sunday, February 2 at 1:17 p.m. EDT, this trio of Sno-Runners offers a rare opportunity to own a unique piece of Chrysler’s experimental past.

Trio of 1980 Chrysler Sno-Runners Image Gallery:

Robert S. Miller

Robert S. Miller is a diehard Mopar enthusiast who lives and breathes all that is Mopar. The Michigander is not only the Editor for MoparInsiders.com, 5thGenRams.com, and HDRams.com but an automotive photographer. He is an avid fan of offshore powerboat racing, which he travels the country to take part in.

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Chrysler’s Forgotten Snow Bikes: Trio of Sno-Runners Up for Grabs​

Vintage 1980s Snow Bikes For Sale on BringATrailer.com...​

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A trio of 1980 Chrysler Sno-Runner is currently up for auction on BringATrailer.com, offering enthusaists a chance to own a piece of unique part of Chrysler history. These single-passenger snow bikes, manufacturing during Chrysler’s financial struggles in the early 1980s, represent a unique chapter in the company’s innovative past.

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Wow could they actually be thinking of a Dakota replacement, well i am not going to hold my breath.

And no we don't need another Honda Ridgeline they already have a mini van that can do that.

It has to be a smaller version of the 1500 with similar styling and competitive payload and towing to the competition with great fuel economy.

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Wow could they actually be thinking of a Dakota replacement, well i am not going to hold my breath.

And no we don't need another Honda Ridgeline they already have a mini van that can do that.

It has to be a smaller version of the 1500 with similar styling and competitive payload and towing to the competition with great fuel economy.

Totally disagree the last thing they need is to Cannibalize 1500 and Jeep sales, so the only way the BOF from JEEP works is if it can sell for similar margin? Good luck with that.

AND what a bizarre idea that a Pickup buyer is same as a Minivan buyer. WIth STLA Large being RWD Architecture RAM would be in a unique position to offer a Lifestyle truck with the engine running the proper direction and more mid-sized. So more of a Pickup version of the WL then a JT. Otherwise come in with a Maverick competitor from the STLA Mid.

So yeah what your asking for don't hold your breath. The ROI doesn't work if the investment in a vehicle that takes away Jeep and 1500 at lower Margin, that is a reverse ROI. They would have to be able to show incremental sales that offset to losses. And just because I want one is not ROI. Consumers have be willing to see the value enough to pay more margin. The cost of producing a slightly smaller 1500 would actually be HIGHER when the development is amortized over the volume, since there is very little material savings. They are not running a charity to Mopar fans, there has to be a payback.

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