Enthusiasts have been talking about the increasing value and collectability of weird, whacky, and wonderful 1970’s Dune Buggy models over the past year, and the barn find found here on Craigslist thanks to reader Michael, is a great example of a very limited edition starting to demand good money. Although this car is a relist after an attempt to sell in January of this year, perhaps recent dune buggy auction success will help sell this time around.
It’s feeling like dune buggies finally made it to the main stage, with RM Sothebys selling a 1965 Meyers Manxter 2+2 for a whopping $56,000 at their most recent Amelia Island auction. Since a vast majority of dune buggy styles were two-seaters, 4 seat versions are definitely few and far between. The Hot Wheel sparkle blue Berry Mini T4 here has been hidden since the early 1980’s – and is one of only 40 ever produced by crazy car creator George Barris.
Documentation on the Barris Buggy is scant, but you can follow fans and fanatics to get a better sense of the passion and provenance of the Mini T and its history on websites like Dune Buggy Archives – with over 51 Berry registrants on its Dune Buggy Registry. You’ll certainly want to take the time to confirm the authenticity of this survivor, but with a devoted following online – you’ll get lots of feedback to sift through.
If you’re a Dune Buggy fan (I find there is very little grey area here – either you love these quirky kits, or hate them) then you’re probably already aware that a few retro-modern models have surfaced as of recent – my favorite is car designer Derek Jenkins’ take on 1970 Meyer Manx. So if you’re bug-eyed for buggies, now might be the time to jump in, rebuild, and hit the dunes, Dude.
Quirky yes but still kind of cool, I’m sure you would be the only one at your local car cruise with one especially here in the Midwest.
I believe this car was At a bug-in in Connecticut a year and a half ago if it’s the same, it’s looking a lot spiffier now, the George Barris history is cool, what it will really sell for is the $15000 question
LD71 😁
I picked up some old Rod & Custom magazines at a swap meet. Interesting Barris tidbit from March 1958.
How much of it is Barris customization other than paint and pinstriping? Otherwise it looks like every other one built. The motor looks dead stock. The kit itself was in the back of every magazine of the time.
that is some janky ass styling cues. No thanks.
I had a few beetle based vehicles. One had the replica Jeep body on the otherwise beach buggy chassis.
I really enjoyed driving it around our mountainous peninsula, in the local sunny weather.
However , we have a powerful South Easter wind and on the freeways when I attempted to drive into the wind, that 1600cc Veep lost all motivation. Only 30 mph was possible due to that straight up vertical windscreen, in any gear.
These are kinda cute, but not really interested. Thanks, but not
thanks.