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Real Deal Dune Buggy: 1968 Meyers Manx

After the dust settles from World War III, the only things moving around will be cockroaches and vehicles based on the original Volkswagen Beetle. But why wait? This super-cute and capable 1968 Meyers Manx in Rancho Mission Viejo, California could make the ultimate tag-along companion for your super-plush RV. Thanks to reader Pat L. for spotting this fun-loving dune-buggy here on craigslist where it can be yours for the asking price of $14,995.

By the early 1960s, the “People’s Car” originally commissioned by Adolf Hitler had overcome its Nazi stigma and won the hearts of many post-war Americans with its charm, simplicity, and elegant design. With tens of thousands of Beetles selling each year (and many older ones wearing out), an entire industry emerged to re-body the little cars. The Meyers Manx (named after the tail-less Manx cat) became a fun way to re-purpose a cheap used car for an exciting second life as a “Dune Buggy.”

As one might expect, owners of this Manx (built from a ’62 VW) have updated it over the decades, and it looks well-cared for indeed. The racing-style wink mirror gives multiple views to eliminate blind spots, always helpful when you’re not the fastest car on the track. A lot of companies have produced knockoffs of the original Manx design, but the seller claims that this one is the real deal (#0691 in the registry). That fact alone does make it much more desirable than other dune buggy builds.

Anyone with a tractor knows that four-wheel drive is hardly a requirement for all-terrain prowess. Before the 1980s most farm trucks were RWD. One day my friend dropped his RWD pickup into a creek and we went quite a ways down-stream through pools, over rocks, etc. before exiting at another crossing. Suffice to say the light weight of the Manx (much of it over the drive wheels) provides tremendous traction when you leave the beaten path. Note the recycled Beetle tail lights. What would you give for this little Dune-Bug?

Comments

  1. Avatar Jack M.

    Looks like a lot of fun if you had somewhere off-road to play with it.

    Like 5
  2. Avatar ken tilly Member

    I had great fun with my Aqua Bug in South Africa. Magic, go anywhere vehicles.

    Like 6
  3. Avatar RexFox Member

    This is a nice one. I like that it has a wipers (or at least a wiper), a roll cage, bumpers, an exhaust that points down instead of up, and it even appears to have a heater (controls are there anyway). The way it’s set up, it could be a pretty useful toy, that could double as fun transportation.

    Like 4
  4. Avatar Enesset

    Priced right from where I’m sitting.

    Build date June 1968 and I don’t recall ever seeing an actual 27-S
    – Corinthian White Manx.

    You couldn’t build one with that
    engine and set up for $15k I can guarantee you that.

    This has everything I want in a manx including “cutting brakes”.

    This shouldn’t last long at this price. If the seller had it on BaT I bet it would go for more.

    Wish I had more room and my wife says one manx is already enough in our collection.

    Lots of fun for that kind of money.

    Like 6
  5. Avatar Alexander Member

    Neighbor had a dune buggy of similar design molded in metallic green. Most fun an 8 year old kid could have was in the back “seat” without a seatbelt, riding the dunes, holding on for dear life. Great memories and laughter.

    Like 1

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