Rare ATV Sighting: 1972 Terra Jet

While it would be easy to mistake this machine as something from Austin Powers’ spy collection, this 1972 Terra Jet is an example of the path ATVs were on prior to Honda bringing over the ATC 90 and shaking everything up with a 3-wheeler that borrowed its feel and control from motorcycles (rather than bulldozers).

Terra Jet was one of many manufacturers that existed between the late 1960s and 70s that produced amphibious 4X4 and 6X6 sport and utility models featuring front wheel steering.

Amazingly, it seems the company is still in business in some capacity; selling OEM parts and accessories for their ATVs via an official site.

The particular Craigslist ad that caught our attention came from North Tonawanda, NY (near Buffalo) and appears to be the 503E model. It boasts a 16 hp. Briggs and Straton motor and even included a bilge pump for those instances where getting a little too wet and wild results in taking in some water. As for the British roadster style bodywork, we imagine this about covers it:

A video of the 503 in action can be seen here: