Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Canadian Polecat:1985 Bombardier Iltis


Less daylight, plunging temperatures, & snow on the ground can only mean one thing: winter has arrived and spring is a mere few months away!  What better way to prepare for the warmer weather coming our way than a new toy for outdoor activities?  Find this 1985 Bombardier Iltis for sale in Vancouver, BC Canada for $14,999 CDN ($11,225 USD) via craigslist.


Yes...here we have a French-Canadian version of VW's infamous Paris-Dakar rally winning Iltis.  How can that be?  Simple, Watson.  In 1981 VW agreed to transfer manufacturing rights for the Iltis to a Canadian manufacturer best known for the Skidoo and Seadoo brands of recreational vehicles.  Lesser known is that Bombardier is also a large aerospace, rail, & military supply manufacturer.  When Joseph-Armand Bombardier built his first snow car in 1937 he had no idea what his company would eventually transform into.


Bombardier produced the Iltis from 1984-88 for the armed forces of Canada, Belgium, Oman, & Cameroon.  Roughly 5000 units were manufactured utilizing the parts bins from the VW Polo & Audi Quattro lines.  The Iltis was available with a range of options but the seller does not list any power train details in the ad.


The ad shows both before and after restoration pictures for comparison.  The work performed looks to be of decent quality.  Many of these vehicles saw limited use and typically were stationed in warmer climates where Canadian military were involved in mostly peace-keeping missions.  


Imagine the places you could take this beast.  Heck, it's even tested and approved for parachute dropping out of airplanes in a pinch!  Back country touring, rock climbing, mud bogging, and hunting/fishing expeditions all come to mind.  This vehicle could potentially emblazon you with a permanent grin!  Load up and enjoy!

See another spring-ready fun mobile? email us here: tips@dailyturismo.com

When not receiving complaints of "distracted by cars...again" from his wife, Glenn can be found in the kitchen whipping up exotic cuisine and nourishing nosh.
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3 comments:

  1. $15K Cdn!?! For an Iltis? The market must have exploded because these were commonly trading up here in the GWN for $5K just 3 or 4 years ago. Probably amusing on the trail, small enough to be entertaining and easily recoverable, likely unpleasant on the road.

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  2. I'd bet Joseph-Armand would roll over in his grave if he knew how many times their CEO's have gone grovelling to the Canadian government for more handouts.

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  3. If only one could title these in California.

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