1969 Rupp Chevy Junior Go-kart
Fiberglass Body designed at Chevy Tech Center for GM Design Engineers’ Children
Tubular Rupp Chassis with rear mounted 3.5HP Tecumseh Engine
Body design based on 1965 Chevy Monza SS Show Car with Chevy Badging
The Metallic Blue Chevy Jr. Go Kart built by Rupp Industries features a special issue fiberglass body created by the Chevy Tech Center for the stepson of designer Bill Mitchell and the son of Corvette Pioneer Chuck Jordan. The body design was based on the 1965 Chevrolet Monza SS Show Car and was subsequently put into production. It offered a special bucket-style vinyl seat, street-style steering wheel, and Chevy badging on the dashboard and was adapted to Rupp’s Dart tubular go-kart frame and 3.5 horsepower rear-mounted engine.
Custom striping and taillight style reflectors gave the Chevy Jr. the appearance of the popular C3 Corvette of the period. With a basic go-kart chassis, 5 inch diameter tires, and no suspension, the Chevy Jr. was not fast but mirrored the styling trends of the late 60s. Foot pedals operated the throttle and rear drum brake on the kart.
Originally named the Monza SS Jr up until 1967, Chevrolet often used the karts as promotional and raffle prizes. Later production models often found favor with amusement parks and Shriner organizations who would ride the diminutive vehicles in parades.
Specifications
Engine: 3.5 HP Tecumseh 148cc 4 cycle single cylinder engine, single speed, centrifugal clutch
Top Speed: 25 mph