1970 Scorpion Stinger - 340SS Sachs

I purchased this sled January 2005 from a private collector in Minnesota. Far from a show winner in it's present condition, it does run, quite well as a matter of fact.

One of my most vivid snowmobile related memories is the first time I saw a 1970 Stinger at the dealership in Ashland. It was a 634 Hirth powered sled, with the bulge on the right side of the hood to clear the recoil of this massive engine. I thought it was about the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. I've had my eyes open for a 70 Stinger for some time. While the look of the big Hirth is seared into my memory, so is the sweet running Sachs single that was in the Mark II I rode as a teenager. That engine never missed a beat, and as the old adage goes, "the more you beat it, the better it runs". I figured the Stinger that would fulfill my dream would have a big Sachs thumper. I had my eye on a 340SS locally that is in decent shape. For about a year, every time I saw the owner I asked about the Stinger. After a while it became apparent that if he did decide to sell, there was a long list of buyers waiting. When this one came up on eBay, and it was only 200 miles from home, I had to take a shot at it. I put in the largest bid I was comfortable with, but was sure it would go for twice that price or more. I sat at the computer late the night bidding was to close. I checked in frequently, sure that at the last minute someone would jump in with a higher bid.

To get this little gem running for the remainder of the season, it needed only a few fixes. Fuel lines replaced, carburetor kit, rear bogey shaft straightened and weldments replaced, new drive belt, driven clutch cam sliders. It would not idle properly and that was traced to loose cylinder base bolts. The clutch arms are broken, so a Powerthrust goes in it's place for now. Unfortunately, while I had the engine out to tighten the base bolts, I found the piston has eroded badly due to detonation.

Other than the usual clean paint and polish type repairs, these items will need major repairs or replacement.

Rear bumper
Front bumper
Snow flap
Skis
Drive clutch
Seat
Tail light
Hand grips
Electrical system
Piston