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Found this story online. I think it's from Dirt Sports Magazine, May 2007. I found some of the info new to me. Mike
THE BACKSTORY:
This month's Yamaha Rhino story (see Dual in the Desert, Page 76) got us thinking about the history of the crossover ATV. It took a little digging, but we eventually struck off-road racing gold.
In the summer of 1967, as news of the pioneering record runs in Baja were making headlines, Pennsylvania real-estate entrepreneur David McCahill began work on a unique six-wheel machine designed to appeal to a wide variety of outdoor enthusiasts. He soon enlisted the help of friend Roger Flannery, and by November of 1968, the two men had formed ATV Manufacturing Company to produce and distribute their unique new vehicle.
Named after an African deer, the Attex was the first truly purpose-built ATV, long before the terms powersports, quad or side-by-side were invented. Priced at $1,495, the Attex was built around a thermoplastic body that covered a fully welded steel frame. Less than 7 feet in length and only 4 1/2-feet wide, the little two-seater was designed to be transported in the back of a pickup truck.
Powered by an 18 horsepower two-stroke engine, the ATV was capable of a ground speed of 35 mph. It used a specially made transmission with three sets of planetary gears: one set for forward and reverse, and the other two for steering. The sealed body and six low-pressure Uniroyal tires also allowed the Attex to forge streams and ponds at 4 mph, while the tank-like controls allowed for a zero-turning radius. While only 450 pounds, it could also handle an 800-pound payload and climb inclines of up to 45 degrees.
Like the present-day Yamaha Rhino, the original intention of McCahill and Flannery was to create a utilitarian vehicle perfect for the needs of fishermen, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. And just like today, the need for performance would evolve that original concept. Soon, the lure of a little race down Mexico way would cast itself all the way in Pennsylvania.
EPILOGUE:
* In June of 1969, three specially prepared Attex were last minute entries in the NORRA Baja 500. They were actually converted to single-seaters with specially designed roll cages, and NORRA provided Attex with its own category: Class X. Given the final entries in the race (#195, #196 and #197), the trio of ATVs was piloted by a driving team that included David Hauser, Tom Shifflet and Russell Huffmyer. None of them finished.
* The assets and records of ATV Manufacturing Company were sold and resold eight times from 1974 until 1995, with upgraded models introduced from time-to-time, including the 250 Spirit, the 500 Superchief and the Big Foot. The last machines were built in 1991.
* Today, there remains an enthusiastic and loyal group of Attex owners that restore and enjoy these pioneering ATVs. To find out more, check out the Website (REMOVED LINK)
THE BACKSTORY:
This month's Yamaha Rhino story (see Dual in the Desert, Page 76) got us thinking about the history of the crossover ATV. It took a little digging, but we eventually struck off-road racing gold.
In the summer of 1967, as news of the pioneering record runs in Baja were making headlines, Pennsylvania real-estate entrepreneur David McCahill began work on a unique six-wheel machine designed to appeal to a wide variety of outdoor enthusiasts. He soon enlisted the help of friend Roger Flannery, and by November of 1968, the two men had formed ATV Manufacturing Company to produce and distribute their unique new vehicle.
Named after an African deer, the Attex was the first truly purpose-built ATV, long before the terms powersports, quad or side-by-side were invented. Priced at $1,495, the Attex was built around a thermoplastic body that covered a fully welded steel frame. Less than 7 feet in length and only 4 1/2-feet wide, the little two-seater was designed to be transported in the back of a pickup truck.
Powered by an 18 horsepower two-stroke engine, the ATV was capable of a ground speed of 35 mph. It used a specially made transmission with three sets of planetary gears: one set for forward and reverse, and the other two for steering. The sealed body and six low-pressure Uniroyal tires also allowed the Attex to forge streams and ponds at 4 mph, while the tank-like controls allowed for a zero-turning radius. While only 450 pounds, it could also handle an 800-pound payload and climb inclines of up to 45 degrees.
Like the present-day Yamaha Rhino, the original intention of McCahill and Flannery was to create a utilitarian vehicle perfect for the needs of fishermen, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. And just like today, the need for performance would evolve that original concept. Soon, the lure of a little race down Mexico way would cast itself all the way in Pennsylvania.
EPILOGUE:
* In June of 1969, three specially prepared Attex were last minute entries in the NORRA Baja 500. They were actually converted to single-seaters with specially designed roll cages, and NORRA provided Attex with its own category: Class X. Given the final entries in the race (#195, #196 and #197), the trio of ATVs was piloted by a driving team that included David Hauser, Tom Shifflet and Russell Huffmyer. None of them finished.
* The assets and records of ATV Manufacturing Company were sold and resold eight times from 1974 until 1995, with upgraded models introduced from time-to-time, including the 250 Spirit, the 500 Superchief and the Big Foot. The last machines were built in 1991.
* Today, there remains an enthusiastic and loyal group of Attex owners that restore and enjoy these pioneering ATVs. To find out more, check out the Website (REMOVED LINK)
Thanks for sharing
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