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LOT 102 *N

The Connoisseurs Collection, Part III 1971 Rupp Roadster 2 Mini-bike Registration no. not registered Frame no. not visible Engine no. SBH 263 3288F (to attached tab)

Sold for £690 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 102*,N

The Connoisseurs Collection, Part III, 1971 Rupp Roadster 2 Mini-bike

The Connoisseurs Collection, Part III
1971 Rupp Roadster 2 Mini-bike
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. not visible
Engine no. SBH 263 3288F (to attached tab)

This Lot has arrived in the UK from overseas under Temporary Admission. Shippio Ltd must complete all post-sale customs clearance administration, for import or export, on behalf of the purchaser. A compulsory fee of £195 + VAT will be added to the buyer's invoice for this service. This Lot may not be collected from the auction venue by the purchaser or any third-party transporter until Shippio Ltd has confirmed that this Lot has cleared customs.

If this Lot is to remain in the UK, or is not exported within 90 days of the sale, Import VAT at 5% of the hammer price will be payable.


Rupp Industries (originally Rupp Manufacturing) was founded in Mansfield, Ohio in 1959 by Mickey Rupp, whose first products were go-karts. The karts proved to be immensely successful, inspiring Rupp to diversify into two-wheelers with a succession of mini-bikes, commencing in 1962 with the Dart Cycle. In 1968 Rupp adopted Tecumseh engines and would use them until production of mini-bikes ceased.

In 1969 Rupp discontinued every model from 1968 and revamped their line-up with a totally new mini-bike. The Roadster was the new top-of-the-range offering and was one of two models, along with the Scrambler, to feature restyled lighting. It was powered by a Tecumseh H50 engine and available in red, green, yellow and orange.

There were five models available in the 1970 line-up: Roadster, Enduro, Scrambler, Sprint and Chopper. Numerous changes were made to the Roadster, which now featured a new single-loop frame and 10" spoke-type wheels. Engine power was decreased from 5hp (H50) to 4hp (HS40). The engine had a lighting coil and powered lights front and rear. In 1971 the Roadster became the Roadster 2, swapping its predecessor's 10" wheels for 12" hoops, and also featured new telescopic front forks.

In 1973 Mickey Rupp sold the company when it ran into financial difficulties. Although Rupp would continue to produce mini-biles, dirt bikes and snowmobiles, it would never regain financial stability and by 1978 was bankrupt.

Unfortunately, nothing is known of the history of this Roadster 2, which features pull-cord starting, single-speed transmission, and lights front and rear.

Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
Key not required

Footnotes

BUYER'S PREMIUM
The Buyer's Premium for this Lot is 15%+VAT on the first £500k of the Hammer Price, and 12%+VAT on the balance thereafter.

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS
Please see the 'CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS' at the top of the main sale page (Motorcycles Online - The Summer Sale) for all pertinent information regarding bidder's obligations, viewing, bidding, payment, post-sale collection & transportation.

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  • 10 June 2026, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
  • 11 June 2026, 09:00 - 17:00 BST

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*Import low rate
VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.
NNOVA declaration
This machine is subject to post-sale customs administration and, for UK Buyers, a NOVA declaration. Whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice, as follows: for Live Public Sales: £350 + VAT; for Timed, Online-only Sales: £195 + VAT.

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