Ever since we were kids, we have been admonished to recycle and repurpose whenever possible. While it is nice to think that we are making a difference, often, we don’t see the results of our efforts. However, Bruce Meyers found a way to repurpose old, rusty Volkswagens in a fun and fast way. This 1969 Meyers Manx for sale on Craigslist in White Rock, British Columbia, is a pristine example of perhaps the most entertaining repurposing in history. Originally mounted on a Volkswagen chassis, the innovative fiberglass body that Meyers developed has been seen in movies, set record times at the Baja 1000, and even managed to terrorize more expensive sports cars in slalom competitions. Would you like to own one of the most innovative automotive designs ever? Is a price of $45,000 shipped a fair price?
The Meyers Manx was a collision of numerous forces. The first of which was the absolute oasis of talent in Southern California in the fifties and sixties. You couldn’t throw the proverbial dead cat in the area without hitting someone who would eventually be comfortably enshrined in automotive history. Second was the widespread use of fiberglass in making everything from body parts to whole bodies. To have done anything of this scale in metal would have been wildly cost-prohibitive, but anyone with a few bucks could build a mold and start punching out fiberglass parts after a little practice. Third was the incredible concentration of craftspeople in the area, thanks to the manufacturing base that was rooted in aircraft production. Fourth was the wonderful climate and geography that the region offered. It is hard to be inspired when you are hip-deep in snow.
While all of the above are key to the story, a large piece of the puzzle originated in Germany. The vehicle that is commonly referred to as the Volkswagen Beetle had become a fixture on American highways by the mid-sixties. Millions had been produced by that time, with many going to the United States during a sales surge that lasted from 1960 through 1965. With that many cars on the road, accidents, rust, and abuse were responsible for filling the junkyard with cars that had damaged bodies. Interestingly, those bodies could be removed from the chassis with little work. That chassis held the air-cooled engine and transmission, and there were few changes made to it throughout the car’s production run. It didn’t take long before people with a working knowledge of fiberglass began to see the possibilities.
Bruce Meyers was one of those fiberglass wizards. This Newport Beach, California native was a die-hard surfer and a boat builder by trade. Meyers was used to working with the material to build boats and repair surfboards. It wasn’t long before he began to see the possibilities for a light fiberglass body to be placed on a Volkswagen chassis. His design originated around the concept of the beach buggy, which was a light, cobbled-together vehicle used to cart surfers and their gear across the sandy beaches. Once he fashioned the body and refined the product, Meyers and backers managed to start production of the bodies. They were copied mercilessly, and the basic concept of using a Volkswagen chassis as the basis for a kit car became commonplace after the Manx. Sadly, legal troubles brought the company down, but a new version has emerged from the ashes.
The Manx you see here is a 1969 Manx 2 body on a modern Berrien Full Tune chassis with a full fiberglass floor. The body is number 103 in the Manx registry. This documentation is important, as the sheer number of copycat bodies out in the wild dwarfs the total production by the original company. The seller describes it as an “unrestored survivor showroom display car.” The body, which still wears its factory 22S Yuma Yellow gel coat finish, was assembled on the newer chassis by George Haddock, who is reported to be a famous builder of Baja 1000 vehicles. It is a three-owner California vehicle that was legally imported into British Columbia, Canada, in 2023.
It is a spectacular representation of just how far one can take the dune buggy concept. The Meyers Manx was a milestone vehicle, and it was one for the masses. The vehicle’s simple design, ease of construction, and low original price made it accessible to almost everyone, and the sheer number of dune buggies that followed was proof that his initial idea was good. While those of us who remember these things running around back in the day may shudder at the price, this Manx is surely one of the best around if you are into this type of vehicle.
Wow, I can’t believe I used to own one of these. I bought it from my brother in the early 70s for $500. He was going in the military and just wanted to get rid of it. I did a engine rebuild and had a lot of fun with it for 8 or 9 years. Sold it for $1100. Now it’s worth 45k? I feel stupid right now.
Don’t feel stupid…If we had a crystal ball, we’d all be Billionaire collectors. I’m sure everyone on this channel has a story like this, maybe not as cool – the Manx is pretty cool!
I had 4 GTOs in the late 70s early 80s. (2) 69, (1) 68 and a 65. The 65 was immaculate. I needed money and sold it for $2500.
Also, a 70 Blazer and a couple of 72 K10s among a multitude of other cars.
Just thinking now what I would have makes me sad LOL.
This tells us about how messed-up the auto market is, that basically a TOY car can sell for this kind of money. Yes, I get the historic interest. And yes, it was successful. But this pricetag precludes people who would actually use it as intended – going, instead, to various wealthy collectors or hoarders.
Is the value there? I daresay, in another generation, Bruce Meyers will be a footnote in history, all but forgotten. Beaches and ORV areas will be long closed, and cars that don’t have electronic LE remote-controls will be banned.
No, it’s not a rational price.
I would so love one, but NOT for that kind of money.
Bruce Meyers will never be forgotten.
Sweet!! But pricey, sits pretty high with those wheels and tires.
I just remembered i had one, it was smaller and made by COX.
Bruce was a national treasure.
Took me several years in my garage and with the help of many others to build my tagged 1969 Yuma Yellow Manx that we raced in Baja in 2018 and won the NORRA Pioneer Class.
More smiles per mile than anything on 4 wheels
Always wanted one of these, had two “Baja” buggys at the same time, I was a fool to sell them.
And it was back in the days you could use ex aircraft Tyers, awesome on the beach.
I came across a mint Manx body at give away prices, nearly bought it, but the Govt will not allow new registration of these, unless you can prove it was previously registered.
Can anyone say “fun police”?
For $45,000, that had better be a Ferrari engine hanging out the back of that buggy.
It may sell for 45k ,that doesn’t mean it’s worth that,at the end of the day it’s just a old VeeDub
Read all the memories on this site alone. It is an emotional purchase. Of course $45k is too much. However, have you ever sold something the minute that you put it out?
I made that mistake selling my 1st house.
I had one of the many knock offs, I don’t remember, but I paid almost nothing for it. I just thought it would be fun to mess around with. The kids loved it. I think I sold it for about as much as I paid for it!
2/3 of a beetle in a fiberglass speedo does not = 58k.
Had many, destroyed most offroading.short wheel base, light weight, swing axles and stock torsion bars. Can’t believe we survived. The lowered street ones lasted better.lower the torsions for free! And beat Porsches.Cima,made big bore kits, bolt on 88mm piston cylinders Presto 1835cc.Empi had dual carb w linkages.Woke em up,&broke em up. San Diego in the early 70s. Looks are skin deep on this beautiful manx. Front king pins can’t handle big tires nor can,rear irs trailing arms. The engine looks stock,down to the stock solex.i say all the fun was taken.out for appearance. Looks fantastic though.
Or for the same money you can buy a built 500HP FFR 1965 427 Shelby cobra and really have some fun.
Only reason this one’s worth the asking price is it’s documented as the 103rd built true survivor with Bruce Meyers signature and all documentation. Shame it’s a trailer queen that’ll never be used for the reason it was built but it wouldn’t be like it is otherwise. My brother had a real Manx way back in the day. It had a Corvair pancake 6 instead of the VW motor they usually come with which I actually preferred due to performance. The first night he owned it,he, his wife and a couple of friends were driving (speeding) down State St S.L.C. Ut. that Saturday night and next thing he seen, was a 33/12/50/15 B.F.Goodrich all terrain tire on a very nice chrome reverse rim go cruising down the street passing him like he was parked. Lucky it didn’t hit another car. The Manx was balanced perfect and he just pulled off to the side of the road and parked. The tire went about a quarter mile further and actually parked itself in the gutter on the side of the road. Would’ve loved to talk to the people who seen the tire cruising down the street. Definitely an unforgettable experience.
Usually when you see your rear wheel pass you that rear quarter is going to hit the pavement.
Even Sears and Roebuck got in on the copycat buggy craze. I remember back in the late 60’s you could order the body kit from their catalog. Sat and drooled over them many a day…