side by side

The Innovar Sno-Coupe was manufactured in Dunnell, Minnesota, in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Two models were built with the only difference being the engine. The XP40R was powered by a 372cc, single-cylinder JLO (pronounced ELOW) engine, while the XP125R featured the 488cc, twin-cylinder Fuji engine being used by Polaris. There was much speculation at the time concerning the role that Polaris played in this creation, but my research convinced me that, other than supplying parts to a customer, Polaris had no part in building the Sno-Coupe.

In its day, the Sno-Coupe was described as having "sports car" styling, and was the first of its kind to provide side-by-side seating and a sliding canopy top. The body was all fiberglass and the tip-down hood provided easy access to the engine compartment. Dual headlamps were covered to last longer and she brighter. (How's that again? Do headlamps really shine brighter if they are covered?) The track was 30.5-inches wide. Advertised top speed was between 35 and 55 mph, depending on the engine. The cab was fitted with a heater for greater comfort.