By Kurt Stinson, Contributing Writer
The fever started in the fall of 1971. My father bought a 1972 Nordic 440E from Johns Sports in Owosso. The next fall I, my brother, brother-in-law and my mother all had new sleds. Our first ride was in Paradice Michigan December of 1972, Christmas week. Never missed Christmas week until 2015. I have owned 38 new sleds since 1972, all different manufacturers.
Now I have vintage fever! I got a special build book in 2018. I found a 1973 John Deere 500 at a barn yard in Ovid Michigan. Brought it home and completely disassembled it. Then I bought a 1977 Arctic Cat 5000 El Tigre in Cadillac, Michigan, mainly for parts. Got the build concept from a 1972 Ski Doo 400 Free Air (mid-engine open front for air flow). I used the chassis, track, suspension, skis and fuel tank from the John Deere. The 5000 Motor, wiring and seat were from the cat. I special built the handle bars, wiring box and cat tachometer. The special decaling and lettering were done by Brent Corbin. The chassis along with other parts were powder coated. It was a long but fun build. I finished it in January of 2020.
We have all heard the rumor of John Deere buying Arctic Cat. We will have to wait and see. In the meantime, there is my 2020 John Cat. •
