Ástvaldur Óskarsson, Icelander of gem, is the creator behind this spectacular monstrosity, the Sleipnir Glacier Truck . An 8×8 bus, with wheels that seem to have been borrowed from a “monster truck”, to cope with the growth of tourist tours in Iceland due to its coldest and most inhospitable landscapes.
The aim was to create a faster and more comfortable means of transport (over snow and ice) — look inside — than the existing conversions of old military trucks. There being nothing similar available, Óskarsson “rolled up his sleeves” and made it his own vehicle.
The Sleipnir Glacier Truck is based on a chassis of an American fire truck (not specific which one), to which is added a Volvo FMX truck cab and a self-designed bodywork, with a large glazed area.
Powering this 8×8 bus is a Caterpillar diesel engine with six cylinders and… 850 hp — cruising speeds of 25 km/h in snow versus 5 km/h in converted military trucks. The huge tires? It comes from Holland Tire and is 1.95 m high by 0.9 m wide!
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This is not the only one. You can order one for the modest amount of 450 thousand euros.
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