Santa’s Emergency Backup
We can only assume that’s what this is. Or perhaps there was a reindeer strike back in ’69 and Santa Claus had this built so that he wouldn’t have to rely on deer-powered transportation. Now if you think you’ve got a crazy ride, well, just look at this thing. The Rupp Super Sno-Sport has been powered by everything from a 302ci Ford V8 to 428ci Ford V8 (depending on the source) making about 525hp and is claimed to have achieved 170 mph. The engine was built with Gurney Eagle heads and Weber carbs.
More importantly, how does this thing turn at speed or stop while flying across the snow and ice? It may be perfect for the North Pole where nothing exists but snow, ice, elves and pokey nuclear subs (and they track Santa anyway), but it would probably get hairy below the Arctic Circle.
Sadly there was only one built (wonder if it’s at the North Pole) and Rupp Manufacturing was sold in ’73 and finally went bankrupt in ’78. But the founder, Mickey Rupp still lives in Ohio with his wife. The audacity behind this project is pretty incredible and we think it’s the right kind of crazy we can all appreciate regardless of make. What do you think, is this something you’d consider driving?
Head to the forums, here, to comment…
Oh and here’s a very short clip: