World's First Snowmobile Zips Into Chesterfield for Santa

Yes, there is a first snowmobile.

The Ford company modified a Model T automobile to create a commercially sold snowmobile in 1923.

It has skiis on the front, instead of tires, and four rear wheels/tires look like caterpiller tracks.

(See accompanying photos)

Experts at in Chesterfield Valley said the machine was in demand for snowy regions where doctors and mail carriers struggled through adverse conditions—snow tires and four wheel drive vehicles were yet to be invented. And mail arrived not on a computer screen, but with a knock on the door.

So the Ford-styled snowmobiles were in demand. Recreational demand for snowmobiles flourished later, about mid-century. Other manufacturers became involved.

Kemp Auto Museum will have the Ford vehicle on display as "Santa On the Slopes" through January, and viewing is included as part of the entrance few. It includes a 30-minute movie about the development and use.

Boy Scout Troop 601 toured the show recently and shared a photo here.