Page 44 - KCRPCA-JanFeb2017R1

PORSCHE HISTORY
44
January / February 2017
Larry Woodworth
CHRISTOPHORUS # 85. I saw an article about a new product being released by PORSCHE DESIGN. It was being built by the Swiss factory AROVA , and known as the AROVA – PORSCHE 212 SKIBOB.
PORSCHE DESIGN, in collaboration with the AROVA Company ventured into producing a limited supply of this revolutionary and patented snow glider. It was unique for it’s time in several respects. It has both front and rear shock strut suspension. It also can be assembled from components contained inside the hollow body in about one minute. The padded seat is able to hold two passengers.
SPECS: Weight= 30 lbs. Length= folded 44“. Height= Folded 15”. Suspension= Aluminum with angled shock-struts. Body= Molded poly- foam, hollow for components storage. Assembly Time= Est. - One minute. Other= 2 clamp on shoe skis.
Without hesitation, I placed an order for one. It was somewhat higher in price than the $175.00 price in Germany.
It was delivered to me at Art Bunker Porsche-Audi dealership in Overland Park that was less than 2 months in business,-like myself, at the 79th & Metcalf temporary location while a new building was being built at 87th & Marshall Dr. next to I-35 exit.
the staff and customers while on display. What a unique and amazing bit of Swiss construction, and Porsche Design. The serial number was very low.
Being a little beyond mid winter, I had occasion to try it out one day on the snow covered slope of a nearby golf course. It was an awesome, fun, and easy to use snow glider. The engineers even included a pair of foot long clamp-on shoe skis that gave total upright operation even at creeping speed. I was so glad to have made the buy, even though the current snow was soon gone until another year. My young son and I used it while he was just under 5 years old.
The Ski Bob was kept in a corner of our basement and somewhat forgotten andunusedfor35years.Beginningin 2008, I was selling old Porsche items and other stuff on e-bay. It became time to let go of the AROVA PORSCHE 212 SKIBOB.
Since then, the SKIBOB has been displayed at the huge Taj Ma Garaj Museum, Conference & Reception Hall plus Banquet Room, in Dayton, Ohio. It is among other Porsche vehicles. If ever there, don’t miss the tour. Location is; 4796 So. Dixie Dr. Ph. 937 223 4356. See pg. 89, June 2016 PANORAMA for Porsche 944 Turbo, and related article.
- Larry
A Porsche Without Wheels
PWORSCHE SKIBOB
ay back in 1970, I was As I expected, when the Ski Bob arrived casually reading through the weeks later, it’s remarkable beauty and February Porsche Magazine; function drew lots of attention among