This original Rupp Roadster was left in a barn in working condition. Found and restored some 30 years later, it is a working collectible. The model year is 1970. In 2006, under a layer of dust, it appeared to have very few hours of use. The Rupp Mini-Cycle was purchased from the original owner. It had been well-cared for. Having kept it for less than a year, I changed the fluids, tested it, detailed it, and used it less than one hour. It was a pleasure to restore, but needed to be in the hands of a collector.
All original are gas tank, seat (cover and foam), lights, engine and torque converter, carburetor, kill button, light switch, frame, foot pegs, and more. Non-original items added are tail light and exhaust system. These were off-the-shelf new parts and attached to the original license plate holder without modification. The headlamp is original, marked “Rupp, SAE-N-69” on its chrome housing.
Motor was the original 4-horsepower Tecumseh engine Model HS40-55282B, Serial 0177 13278. Original Rupp Trials 3.00-10 knobby tires were pliable. Rear tire tube was replaced as well as accelerator cable and hand grips. Original chrome fenders and wheel rims, with no bent or missing spokes, were polished.
Came with the original 1970 owner’s manual and original bill of sale, plus service records from 1973 and 1974. Sold with the original owner’s cancelled check showing purchase price new $258 and dated June 22, 1971. Sale included the original Tecumseh engine owner’s manual, Texas motor vehicle title, license plate registration, and sales receipt showing 3% sales tax rate. Also included were letters between the owner and the manufacturer regarding parts and service (sure to be of historic value).
Chassis serial number as stated on original decal under seat cushion: Rupp Mfg. Inc., C-136623, Mansfield, Ohio. This was the top of the line of the Rupp models: Roadster, Enduro, Scrambler, Sprint, and Chopper in descending order.
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