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Written by Administrator
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Tuesday, 07 November 2006 |
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Way back in 1959, a company was started by Mickey Rupp to make innovative snowmobiles and other sporting equipment. Mansfield, Ohio was the home of Rupp for the entire duration of the company’s life. Highly successful in its time, the company produced minibikes, motorized three wheeled bikes, ATVs and Rupp snowmobiles. While the company eventually went out of business in 1978, it left behind a legion of fans, not the least of which are dedicated to Rupp snowmobiles. A huge section of vintage sled fans are passionate about Rupp and they are still being sold in the used segment today.
In the sixties, the popularity of snowmobiles soared and hundreds of manufacturers took the leap into the fabrication of these machines. Eventually, after a few years of declining sales due to decreased snowfall in the early seventies as well as a general loss of interest in the sport, many of these companies were forced to shut shop. Amongst these was Rupp snowmobiles, which faced declining sales in the early seventies but seemed positioned to make a comeback in the mid-seventies with its Nitro series of liquid cooled engines. In 1977, Rupp snowmobiles was taken over by Arctic Cat that then reduced the production line to three models – a fan cooled Sport and two Nitros. Planned and engineered by Rupp, the snowmobiles were produced by Arctic Cat.
More popular Rupp snowmobiles are - Rupp Sno-Sport, Rupp Nitro and Nitro II, Rupp American, Rupp Yankee, Rupp Magnum, Rupp Sport, Rupp Rally and Rupp Rogue. A 1976 Rupp Rally in average condition can be yours for $250. A rare 1969 Rupp Sport in good condition can go for $700. You can even restore a Rupp to its former glory once you have got your hands on a good deal. Rupp enthusiasts on forums and owners or assistants at snow sport equipment stores are good sources of information on parts and reconstruction. There’s a big fan club out there, so get yourself a Rupp and join in.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 07 November 2006 )
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