1978 John Deere Spitfire

1978 John Deere Spitfire: The Spitfire (340) was introduced in 1978 and replaced the lower end models from 1977 (300 & 400). John Deere produced 15,205 snowmobiles in 1978. The slogan for the year was "Big John, Little John" and in 1979 "Nothing runs like a Deere". The Spitfire was powered by a 2 cylinder Kohler free air cooled engine with 338 cc. It weighed 275 lb and cost $1,399.00. The Spitfire was very economical. John Deere, the world's largest manufacturer of farm tractors successfully made its mark on snowmobiles for 14 years (1970 - 1984). The Spitfire continued to be a regularly offered model until 1982. It was replaced with the Snowfire for 1983 & 1984.

On Sept 20, 2019, The Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum was awarded a grant of $12,500 for Operational Support from the State of Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA – ART WORKS). The grant was awarded through the MCACA peer review process and was one of 561 applications to compete for MCACA fiscal year 2019 funding. The grant requires a 1:1 match and helped the museum leverage the $12,500 of support from its annual income and the many donations from supporters. In particular the museum has received grants from the Graymont Community Economic Development Fund and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. It has also received significant donations from the Antique Snowmobile Club of America, The Midwest Vintage Snowmobile Shows, Inc., many snowmobile clubs, several recreational and snowmobile shows, the museum’s internal $1,000.00 Challenge, and many museum members. The grant funds will be applied to museum operating costs. Applicable costs include internal operations, marketing, travel to shows within the State of Michigan and cost of employees. The MCACA peer review process allows for each grant applicant to be competitively considered by a panel of in-state and out-of-state arts and culture professionals. This ensures the taxpayers, who support this project through legislative appropriations, and all other visitors or residents in Michigan will have access to the highest quality arts and cultural experiences. A complete list of grant awards around the state is available by contacting MCACA at (517) 241-4011, or by visiting the MCACA website at www.michigan.gov/arts

Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum
P.O. Box 2
W11660 US-2
Naubinway, MI 49762
Hours: 906 477-6298
Appointment: 906 477 6192

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