Oddly enough, I’ve done seven out of the 10 Rupp machines shown here on Barn Finds over the last decade or so. Maybe that isn’t surprising, given my love of anything unusual, small, and somewhat inexpensive. Oh yeah, and fun. This 1965 Rupp Grand Prix Go-Kart is listed here on Facebook Marketplace in New Carlisle, Ohio, and the seller is asking $3,500. Here is the original listing, and thanks to T.J. for the tip!
$3,500?! Yes, prices have gone up a bit since the 1980s and 90s, when you had one, or remember your neighbor or friend having gotten a Rupp go-kart for $400. Several restored examples have sold for $12,000 to $17,000 in the last year or so, and if you have the skill to bring this one back to how it would have looked – and maybe add an engine (it’s set up to use two), you could theoretically make $5,000+ on flipping this go-kart. That’s maybe the only way you’ll flip it as they’re known to be pretty stable, otherwise.
Most of us know Rupp Industries out of Ohio for being a maker of fantastic go-karts, minibikes, and other outdoor leisure vehicles, with two, three, or four wheels. Heck, they even made snowmobiles, so they covered just about every vehicle type a kid, or kid at heart, could have wanted in the 1960s through the late 1970s. The company went out of business in 1978, and I have never owned anything made by Rupp, but I know a lot of you have. I hope you’ll tell us about it in the comments.
Rupp offered several “Dart Kart” go-karts in 1965, including two Grand Prix models. There was another version known as the Grand Prix Enduro with a bigger seat and beefier sides on it. It’s hard to tell the condition of this Grand Prix kart, but it looks pretty nice, or at least mostly complete and original. I’m not sure if the steering wheel is original, but it looks great.
Set up for two engines if a person wanted that feature, this one is fitted with just one 5-hp Briggs & Stratton single, which the seller says runs well. I could see this being a really fun winter restoration project, and I’d have to try to track down another similar 5-hp B&S to bring it to its full potential. Would you restore this one or just use it as is?
This is a really neat find. And I have a sinking suspicion that there’s going to be a good number of responses on this one. I can only imagine what this would be like with 2 motors hanging on the back. If it were me, I’d run it around and enjoy it but maybe one day try to restore it to original.
Cool find T.J. thank you for writing this up Scotty too, I enjoyed it. I remember the Rupp name from when I was a kid, but like you, didn’t have one. I looked at the other write ups on Rupps, thanks for posting that link Scotty and I really liked that Vega. I remember Vega bodied go carts when I was a kid and would have loved to have had one. Thanks Scotty!!!
Thanks, Dave! A couple of years ago, I would have really thought $3,500 was so unrealistic, but seeing a few restored ones that have sold for several times that (with two engines, though), and this isn’t exactly the hardest restoration on the planet, maybe it isn’t that bad? Having grown up out in the boonies with a gravel road, a go-kart like this wouldn’t have worked for us.
Rupp’s are at the top of the list for mini-bikes and go-karts but there was strong competion. Can’t see this bringing anykind of that money with just a B&S….maybe with a Mac but it’s not in better that good shape…..
Here’s our 1964 Cates frame with a Mac 91-A…..
This, as outdated as it may seem, was every kids dream, their own go-kart. We’ve discussed before, go-karting was HUGE in the 60s. Why, Milwaukee had several tracks alone, and any amusement park had to have one. The karts were usually pretty tame, top speed of maybe 15 mph, it was important to while waiting, see which kart went the fastest, and sprint to that one. For us, it was the 1st taste of actually driving something with 4 wheels and not up and down a driveway. The rides were always too short, and lucky was the kid that had their own. Believe it or not, many driving skills used later with real cars, were learned right here.
Modern safety advocates shudder in horror at the lack of such, but we never thought of it that way. Not even a helmet, ( wuss), and we took many a lump, fun seemed to somehow overshadow the dangers, but we were a lot tougher then,,,These just didn’t go fast enough to cause any real harm, until the hooligans strapped another mill, usually grandpas “widow maker” chainsaw motor on the back, is when things got interesting. Reports of front ends becoming light on straightaways were common.
Biggest question, where to ride it? Unless you have access to a vacant parking lot, or a long drive, I suppose. I don’t know if private tracks even exist anymore. Liability insurance must be incredible.
Cool find, and some may remember, “Rupp, Rupp, Chevoom”, a mid engine ’66 hemi powered Chevelle, raced by Maynard Rupp, no relation to Mickey, apparently. Mickey Rupp died in 2023 at 87, and was considered the father of off road vehicles. RIP Mickey, we loved your creations.
My parents bought me a go-kart in the early ’60’s with a Clinton 4 HP engine. We lived in a rural area and I would drive it on the road that accessed the neighborhood and make loops on the lawn around the house. Trying to be a “nice guy,” I let other kids drive it and there were a few minor accidents (one not so minor which broke the front axle) and there were also complaints from the other kids’ parents and threats to call the police. My parents ended up selling it when I was away visiting relatives and it took me a long time to forgive them.
Love that STP logo up front 👑
When we were kids (60’s to early 70’s) the STP sticker was the coolest things you put on your bike, minibikes, lunchboxes, anything you owned!
In HS it was considered a ritual to have your notebooks covered with stickers. You could write the company and they would send you a couple, or car shows, and auto parts stores usually had them. I bet the company that made STP stickers, put their kids through college.
STP is the racers edge.
My Dad used to call STP:
Studebaker Tickle Pink
Don’t know if it was a naughty reference back then…
Lol
Hopefully this does not violate any of the rules, but if you have ever had to opportunity to smell STP, I think you will agree that STP is just an abbreviation for Super Thick Piss.
Since we’re treading lightly, we always said it meant “Stop Teasing( the) Polish”, with a derogatory word for Polish.
While in college drove a friend’s cart with 3 chainsaw engines on it up to 85 mph. Had to quit there because I only had sun glasses on and the speed watered my eyes. In the late ’70s we moved into a house next door to a husband and wife that had 2 Enduro carts that would do 150 mph. They ran on sports car tracks in the area.
Back in the early 70’s I found a bare ‘Bug” cart frame. I was able to find both new and used parts including a McCullogh racing engine and built what I thought was an incredible cart, boy was I over imaging it’s potential. Met some people that used to race Sundays on the bare Chrysler Assembly parking lot. There were a couple of all out racers: twin racing engines, adjustable exhaust, you name it. They got access to a radar unit one time and clocked one of the carts at over 100 mph on the straightaway (I wasn’t even close to that). It wasn’t cheap at the time, but it was a lot of fun. Unfortunately, I had to sell it and my first truck to get part of the down payment on my first house. Wish I still had both of them.
I raced karts in the ’60’s when in school. I had a Simplex, live rear axle and the last engine was a McCullough, the go to engine for racing. There were several tracks in my NW Ohio area. Our local track had a road course with switch back turns. Many a screaming 2 cycle engine met it’s doom running full speed down that long straightaway.
I should have stated that we raced 2 cycle engines. McCullough, Power Products (Tecumseh), West Bend, and Homelites.
Just want to let Howard A, and others that go-kart racing is alive and well, not only in the US, but around the world. My family owns and operates a 1/4 mile, paved road course in Northwest Ohio, which hosts racing events throughout the summer months. Events are held twice a month, and normally include from 50-60 karts. We have participants in various classes ranging in age from 4 years old, to 75! Kart racing is fun for any age, and quite affordable.
Hi Ken,
Is your track in Fremont? If so, I raced there years ago.
Yes Dan, it’s the Fremont Ohio track. Formerly called Hasselbach’s, now operates as Fremont Raceway Park – owned by Scott and Brad Smith.
Unfortunately SC has age restriction. You must be 18 yo to kart. :-(
Wow – hard to believe such a law! I keep reading that kids as young as 13 are running sprint cars and late model stock cars in many areas. We start the kart racers out in 50cc kid karts at 4 years old, and they work their way up as they progress. Seems to work very well.
Hi Ken, I should clarify, in Colorado, not much. In fact a new paved track was put in near the Royal Gorge, and never completed. It should be noted, I think Wis. Dells is the King of go-karts with almost a dozen tracks in the area. There is a track operated by Badger Kart Club, near Dousman, Wis. ( about 1/2 hour west of Milw.) and I believe still holds events. Indoor tracks with e-karts are quickly becoming the norm, but if you ask me, it was all about the smells and noise that made it.
Howard – While many go-kart tracks have closed, you are correct about the indoor facilities with the e-karts. A new multi-Million dollar facility recently opened in Lorain, Ohio, with both indoor e-kart rentals, and an outdoor competition track for ic engine karts. By the way, I used to see your comments on a vintage transportation related site. I have lost track of it, and would like to find it again. Any help?
Hi Ken, was it “The Old Motor”? That site has gone away, I was a big Hemmings commenter, until that changed course.
Howard – Yes it was The Old Motor – always enjoyed it. I also enjoyed commentating on Hemmings until their unfortunate change.
We all seem to travel in the same circle. I really liked The Old Motor and wondered what happened to it.
I should have stated that we raced 2 cycle engines. McCullough, Power Products (Tecumseh), West Bend, and Homelites. One final thought: when your butt is 3 inches off the ground, it really seems to be about 200 mph!! My kart was direct drive, no clutch ( for racing). Had to pick up the reary run beside it and drop it to get the wheels turning. When it started u quickly jumped in. Very embarrassing to have it take off with out you. If you were lucky enough to have a friend who would push you until the engine started, that was much better. We ran on dirt tracks and asphalt. On dirt, I used pieces of ladies nylons for an air filter.
Meant pick up the rear and run beside it.
My cousin had a go cart. Don’t remember the brand, but it had a 5hp Briggs and Stratton on it. We lived behind the high school, and the school just happened to have about an 1/8th mile perfect oval in front of the main entrance. My uncle would show up on a weekend, and we’d spend hours lapping that Oval. Being asphalt, there was dust close to the curbing, and sure enough, my cousin cut too close to the curb, spun it, and bent the rear axle. My dad said he’d fix it, but it would take a while, so they left it with us for the rest of the summer. He fixed it a week later, and I put many a mile on it.
Is it numbers matching? Marti report? 😂
Love go carts! On my scavenging here and there on the local craigslist over the past years, I’ve actually picked up three for free and another for $100. Not Rupp but one at least is a Manco, which is still not a super collectible brand I think? But these are so much fun to tinker with.
The idea was to get them running so me and the three kids can run them together. At the rate I’m working on them it might end up being me and three great grandchildren, hahahah!😂
My introduction to a go kart was watching my Dad go to the impromptu track set up in a parking lot on the north side if Chicago Ht’s. where we lived at the time. They were fairly quick. Not your average 5 hp Brigs. Finally there was a “permanent track a little farther up Dixie Highway. Dad and I were coming back past there one weekday and he saw the owner just walking in. So we stopped. I was not old enough to run. (7 or 8?) But he made a bet with the guy to race him while toodeled around in a 5 hp model. I was in heaven. So we took off and my Dad and the owner were side by side the whole time beating and banging on each other. They passed me (one on each side) once and on the final lap, they both went sliding off coarse and killed their engines. They were in a big hurry to restart and win. But I cruised past and won. That put a smile on my face for a long time.
I bought my son a go kart that had kind of tall gears. So it was slow taking off but probably had about 35 mph top end. (He was 10 at the time) My Dad’s place was 20 acres with a flat smooth drive around the perimeter. My soon soon learned how to toss the cart into the corners without having to slow down. I was proud and Grandpa was prouder! A few years later I had my son wirh me while on business in Las Vegas. We went to the indoor cart track there where the carts were quick enough to get you in trouble. I instructed my son to ride behind me for 2 laps to learn the lines. At the end of two laps, I twisted around to see where he was. He quickly scooted around me on the other side. He went passed and just drove away from me. The track owner was all excited as he set a new track record! He invited us back the next day for free. As he had the Corvette club coming in. “Those guys need to learn that they are not the greatest drivers!” We went back and Cam smoked them badly! It was great fun!
Oh the memories! My dad brought home a Simplex Challenger with a Clinton engine when I was about 10 years old back in the late ’60’s. One of the happiest days of my childhood. We had sort of a teardrop shaped circle driveway with a hairpin turn at one end that was a challenge. I wore a useless plastic crash helmet and racing goggles to look the part. Also slapped that STP sticker on the back of the seat. When the parents weren’t looking I’d take it out in the street and race up to the stop sign at the end of our dead end street hoping the cops wouldn’t see me or the neighbors blow me in. It was a great time for Karting and many a Formula driver cut their teeth on go-cart racing.
The Go-Carts bring back great memories for me.Got mine for Christmas back in late 1950’s. My dad a salesman for a distributor for Clinton engines then. My cart was made by a small manufacturer in Rochester, N.Y as I recall. The 1st engine we got was a A-490 which was boxed wrong and reverse rotation so the initial run my dad had to be first on it. Comet clutch engaged and he went backwards into the garage. I don’t think he ever got on it again. I got a correct rotation engine still a A-490 and ran it at Weedsport,Canandagia, & Cherry Valley. We also had old abandoned air strips and parking lots. B&M Speed Shop did some upgrades on my engine and it was quite quick and considered illegal in the Class B cart class. The two cycle engines were all much quicker than any 4 cycle emgines but your weight mattered how fast they would go. Being a skinny kid with no fear my dad had to explain to some customers who bought Clinton’s E-65 engine why my cart was so fast with their engine the hot dog of their engine line up being beat by me. I sold the cart at14 years old to use the money to buy my 1st car a 1930 Model A Ford Tudor which I restored from the ground up learning how to do everything from mechanics to paint and body. Owned the Model A from 1964 -1994 when I had to sell it due to illness at the time. Great memories and got me in the old car hobby for a life time (still have a stable of 8 antique cars).
I had a Rupp with a 5 HP Briggs& Stratton. I found the key to a fast kart was an item called a Torque A Verter. Back when I had mine, I think they were $250-300. Pretty pricey. Worth it if you drove it often. Difference was night and day. Didn’t do anything for top end, but made it take off and throw gravel and tear up the lawn like it had nitrous.
serious:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epbwJNxyT0Y
Great video. Both my sons, and a grandson have raced their karts at Mid Ohio turning laps almost as fast as the Indy cars!
Don’t ask me why, but I currently own 9 vintage karts; seven Bug karts with various engines, and two Yamaha karts; both running a KT100. At my advancing age, it’s getting harder to get in and out of these karts, let alone drive them. There are at least two vintage kart groups with which I am familiar; VKA (Vintage Kart Association – national) and VCKA (Vintage Kart Club of America – more left coast). Each one has its separate web site. As I understand, there are also a number of local clubs that have established vintage classes. So, there is plenty of opportunity to drive these older karts.
A few years ago, I was able to drive at the oldest go kart track in the US. It’s in Central Indiana south of Indianapolis. Whites? Indiana? It’s owned by Sarah Fisher of Indy Car fame. The track is rough but has a very cool high bank turn! I actually have driven this track twice now and had a good time both times.
Actually, Adams Motorsports Park in Riverside is older than the Whiteland track. Adams has been operated continuously by the same family since 1959. From what I have read, Whiteland opened in 1960, and experienced multiple owners as well as some periods of inactivity. See Whiteland history info:
https://www.indianalandmarks.org/2022/06/whiteland-raceway/
My Dad often traded some of his labor putting on shingle roofs or doing repairs for folks, in trade getting whatever they had that he wanted. One day he came home with a Rupp two seater that looked like a scaled down version of a dune buggy. My brother and I were in heaven! It was a red fiberglass body that had enough ground clearance that we could shoot down through the woods with no problem. It had a Briggs & Stratton 10hp motor and it would fly! We ran that thing through the woods and the fields as fast as it would go! I have searched for one like it for my kids (and now grandkids), but I have never found the same one. As I mentioned, it looked like a Meyers Manx VW kit, but without a roll bar or headlights. Have any of you knowledgeable folks ever seen one, or owned one? I really would love to track one down. Sadly, as my brother and I moved on to bigger and faster things, my Dad sold it to his cousin for their younger kids. They promptly ran into a tree with it and destroyed it.
Wow, your story could be me! Very similar and I too had a Model A Tudor. I would wedge two short 2×4’s in the rear bumper, set the cart across the boards, lash it to the A’s spare tire and off to the races we went. My A was a 1928 and I also learned quite a bit about mechanics then. It had mechanical brakes and they were really fun! One winter I didn’t drain the cooling water and the head froze and cracked. I had a spare motor and replaced the head. There were still plenty of “A’s” and engines around in the mid ’60’s.
Once again, I’d like to thank all who responded, I want you folks to write the staff ,,[email protected] and politely let them know, this is what we want to see. The memories are priceless, used Lambo memories, not so much. The internet is sorely lack in sites that feature such wonderful memories, come on, Jesse, you aren’t made of stone, we’d like more of this, and as supporting members, I would think we’d have a shred of say so. Thanks.
Howard – I used to see your remarks on an historical old cars site. Have lost track of it and am wondering if it is still in existence, and if so if you could point me toward it once again?
If I could give 10 thumbs up Howard…. I would. I enjoyed all the great memories written on here. I was hoping this would have a lot of responses.
-Dave
had identical kart in red w/2 west bend 580’s–ran 60mph!!! luckily I never wrecked it
Hi fozbuzz,
My first engine was a West Bend 580 then moved to a 700. Great engines.
Went back to karts, sort of, in the late ’90s. Needed something to replace the hot rod bicycles we were using at the race tracks. Hauling 5 gallon fuel jugs on them got scary as we got older. Found a forgotten kart and built a kart to haul two people and a gas jug. It came with hydraulic brakes needed for the 18 hp engine we put on it. 34 mph and a lot of fun.