BaT Auction: 1959 Rupp Dart Kart at No Reserve

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.

The Rupp Manufacturing Company was founded in Mansfield, Ohio, in 1959 by racing driver Mickey Rupp and built a number of kart models as well as snowmobiles and dirt bikes through 1978. This Dart Kart features a tubular steel frame that is said to have been repainted in factory gloss black under previous ownership in the 1980s. Features include chrome front, rear, and side bumpers as well as a Rupp Belly fuel tank and a “wide hoop” steering wheel support. Evidence of frame repair work is noted by the seller, and there are scratches on the belly tank.

Red-pained steel wheels measure 6″ in diameter out back and 5″ up front and were fitted with new tires and inner tubes under current ownership. Braking is handled by dual rear mechanical units that are said to require adjustment

The single seat is trimmed in black vinyl and faces a polished, cast aluminum steering wheel.

The dual 5.8ci West Bend 580 single-cylinder engines were each factory rated at four horsepower when new and are said to have been rebuilt by West Bend engine specialist Frank Moore in February 2021. Features include Rupp Headers, Azusa-style air intakes, and twin Max-Torque clutches.

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