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1959 Rupp Dart Kart


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I keep saying the AACA needs a carnival car - go kart class.   This one would do very well.

 

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1959-rupp-dart-kart/

 

This 1959 Rupp Dart Kart is said to have remained with its original owner until the 1980s. It was refurbished later that decade and acquired by the seller in 2020. The tubular steel frame is finished in gloss black with a single seat trimmed in black vinyl, and power comes from twin 5.8ci West Bend 580 single-cylinder engines. Features include Rupp Headers, Azusa-style air intakes, twin Max-Torque clutches, a “wide hoop” steering wheel support, a Rupp Belly fuel tank, a cast aluminum steering wheel, and chromed front, rear, and side bumpers. New tires and inner tubes were fitted under the seller’s ownership, and the engines were reportedly rebuilt by West Bend engine specialist Frank Moore in February 2021. This Dart Kart is now offered at no reserve in Georgia with a bill of sale.

RuppDart.jpg

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That wide steering mount makes it look uncomfortable to sit in.

We have been racing go karts for the last couple of years, mostly the kids and grand kids, But the old guy gets in there once in awhile.

This kart probably wouldn't keep up in the open class in which it would have to run, but is sure is pretty.

 

Dirt is for racing, asphalt is for getting there.

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That’s the cheap model from about 1974-1975. I had the Hollywood model. Only because if belonged to my father, and he hated the cold. Don’t ask me why owned the snowmobile, after I thought about in a while it was probably so I could have something decent when I couldn’t afford it. 

E8844061-B1F7-48AA-BF21-202440068442.png

Here is my Raider, rear engine, twin rear track sled. Sat in it like a Indycar cockpit. Lots of fun.

B0B93E11-1537-4EDE-9AE3-BC12FADAE157.png

Edited by edinmass (see edit history)
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  • 1 month later...

We were a bit of a Rupp family. 1969 Rupp Snow Sport with the big thumping Sachs single. Dad bought it new and my Brother still has it.

My first sled  was a 1970 Rupp Sprint with the CCW 340. (still in the family). I also had a Rupp Roadster Minibike. Sold that to a collector a few years ago.

 

Good memories!

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11 hours ago, JamesR said:

I like that little kart. It has the classic look and appears to be in great shape. Rupp made their own engines, right?

 

My Rupp from the 70s was running a 4HP Tecumseh.  Maybe early on they did?   Converting a chainsaw engine seems like a cheaper route.

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In the karting world these days we run a 212 Predator from harbor Freight. It is 6.5 hp.

They have many classes for this engine some classes allow some pretty wild alterations.

They go on sale often at HF for a hundred bucks. Reg 140 I think.

All of the classes allow disabling of the governor and the low oil shut off.

I think this is about the best thing that has happened lately for entry level karting.

 

https://www.harborfreight.com/65-hp-212cc-ohv-horizontal-shaft-gas-engine-epacarb-69727.html

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