1971 thunderbolt
Amsnow
This '72 Thunderbolt is not only an "old-timer," but it has
the distinction of being one of two built as prototypes back in 1971 by
Thor Manufacturing Company. It was designed and built by Henry Leseman in his machine shop in Ada, Minnesota. It was to be produced in quantity for the 1972 model year but before production could get started, Thor was forced into bankruptcy. Only two sleds were built and the one shown is the only one in running condition today.
This particular Thunderbolt has only 14 miles on the odometer and is
driven only at winter festivals. It features a "uni-glide" suspension,
a 7 1/2-inch thick seat, aluminum tunnel and shock absorbers. It is powered by a 400cc CCW engine.
This particular sled had been shown at a trade show in Montreal, Quebec, by a prospective distributor. When Thor declared bankruptcy, there wasn'tany money to return it to Ada so Leseman gave it to the distributor, Leonard Arkerson, of Dover, New Hampshire. It remained in Arkerson's possession until I located it after a seven-year search.
The other Thunderbolt is located in Velva, North Dakota, in the Anderson Museum. It is set up to accept a 433cc Yamaha engine, but has never been finished.