bonham spartan 660

The Powered Equipment Division of Bonham Corporation in Provo, Utah,
built numerous recreational vehicles, including snowmobiles, in the early 1960s. The Bonham Spartan 660 was short lived, being manufactured only as the 1963 and 1964 models. Only a few Spartans are known to exist. There are three in Wisconsin, one in Utah and one in Michigan.

The unique, rear engine sled has characteristics of both the Arctic Cat
model 250 and the Abe Mathews Trailmaker. The four rubber tires within the track formed the suspension flex. The two rear tires drove the track. Chassis pivoting could be varied by four fulcrum pins. A long, non-articulated chassis could be selected by inserting all four pins. Optional front wheels replaced the skis for summer use and a canvas canopy could be attached over the massive window frame structure. The width of the bench seat allowed only one person to ride comfortably.

At first glance, the Bonham sled appears long, tall and narrow. The 400-pound sled has an aggressive track contour that is 20 inches wide. The four-position gear box (two forward, neutral and reverse) is coupled to the special Bonham "climb away" transmission clutches. The super small clutch belt just doesn't seem suited to its Lauson 6 horsepower engine. Advertised top speeds of 25 mph seems a tad high judging from the demonstrations at the Green Lake enduro last year.

Since Bonham parts are no where to be found, this type of sled may represent a costly or ingenious restoration project when parts are required.

"Tooling around" on a rare or unknown antique leads all snowmobilers
to realize that many old sleds were made by companies other than those few we know today. The "off brand" old timer carries a little extra
interest behind it.