1980 Chrysler Sno-Runner Surfaces in Original Factory Crate

By Brett Foote - January 24, 2025

We rarely see any sort of Chrysler Sno-Runner these days, but this example is still in the factory crate thanks to an angry spouse.

Though Chrysler has long been known for producing automobiles, some may recall that the company also built and sold something called the Sno-Runner for a few years – what was essentially a motorized snow bike of sorts. When it debuted in 1970, the Chrysler Sno-Runner was aimed at a burgeoning off-road adventure market and held plenty of promise as an affordable, $699 machine originally derived for military use, at least, according to urban legend. The Chrysler Sno-Runner ultimately failed to catch on due to its mere 25 mph top speed and struggles in deep snow, meaning that very few were produced before it was discontinued in 1982. However, this example managed to survive all these years without even being used once.

This 1980 Chrysler Sno-Runner recently surfaced on Bring a Trailer still in its factory crate, in fact, which is pretty incredible. There is a good reason for that, however – the original owner purchased it and hid it in long-term storage to avoid an argument with their spouse – a dilemma that most of us are quite familiar with. It remained in storage until 2022, which is when the seller acquired the Chrysler Sno-Runner, and now, it has since moved on to its new owner for a mere hammer price of $3,400.

The Chrysler Sno-Runner is a pretty nifty machine on its own regard, a single-seat snow bike that utilizes an aluminum tubular frame that doubles as a fuel tank, along with a ski up front to aid in steering, a mid-mounted ski, and a rear track, coupled with a two-stroke 134cc engine that churned out a whopping 7 horsepower. The Sno-Runner weighs just 71 pounds, however, and it can be disassembled in rapid fashion thanks to quick-release pins, making it easy to fit in all kinds of vehicles for transport.

A single-speed machine with a centrifugal clutch, the Sno-Runner had minimal controls as well – just a throttle and brake – meaning that anyone could hop on and ride, even if they aren’t exactly skilled in the art of driving a car or riding something like a motorcycle. These days, we rarely come across a Chrysler Sno-Runner in any kind of condition, making this brand new, still in the crate example something truly special.

Photos: Bring a Trailer