For the first time in a long while, one of the premier sellers of donated vehicles on eBay has a very intriguing specimen: a Meyers Manx recreation known as the DualSport, made by the original company that has been kicking out modern versions of the original Manx concept. This one looks to be in excellent condition with lots of high-dollar parts installed. Find it here on eBay with bidding over $10K and no reserve.
While clearly a departure from the original concept, it’s fascinating how this modern design still captures the raucous spirit of the first dune buggies to appear in Southern California. The huge staggered wheels are more what we’d expect to see on a period drag car, but here they are on a buggy with an air-cooled engine hung out back. Note the Supertrapp muffler.
The interior features what looks like a very expensive upholstery job that is fitting for the spirt of a beach-bound dune buggy. Shifting is handled by a Empi shifter; stopping provided by four-wheel discs; and handling supported by FOX racing shocks and fresh Nitto tires. The seller notes the power steering has not yet been hooked up.
The description notes the engine features twin downdraft Weber 48mm IDA carbs, powdercoated air cleaners, and a ceramic coated header and exhaust system. Someone spent plenty of money on this kit and added personal touches that I don’t find off-putting at all. With a clean title and low miles, I’ll never understand how something this cool ends up on the donation lot.
This thing is sweet! The only thing I would do is throw an Indian blanket over the seats. And it looks like a back seat also.
This is cool!
How much power would this have ?
2135 cc engine in the back. Quite a bit of power I would think.
My 1904 stroker is making almost 130hp. Depending on internals, this should be in the 160-200 range. In the car that weighs the same as my work boot, it should be a real eye opener!!
Jeff… Having spent a fair amount of time in the desert sand with similar vehicles I can tell you that anyone with this type of rig that drives off road has larger wheels and tires than you see here. Most desert runners use semi huge paddle tread tires. Our notchback used snow tires in the rear due to limited fender clearance, even after cutting them back. Either way, this type of “transport” is a blast! This is a really nice buggy.
I always believed that Beach or Dune buggies, should have a central carb.
Those big wheels kick up a lot of sand and dust onto outer mounted carbs.
2002 I ordered one of the early #29 apple red metalflake still in the factory wrapping with Bruce Meyers signature on the roof (Bruce and Winnie delivered it to me)
and 160 hp dual port engine. Paid $12,500 without the engine. If memory serves me the engine build was around $5k. I’m afraid I’m running out of time to get it done. This one is awesome. I’ll be watching this auction.
Anyone have a thought as to why the brake pedal appears to be about 6 inches closer to the seat than the clutch and gas pedals? Wondering what might be involved to correct the pedal set up.
Looks like the pedal isn’t connected to the actuating rod – hard to tell without a close up pic. If the master cylinder isn’t there that would make sense.. if it is, no telling why the pedal isn’t connected..
I sent a message to the seller 2 days ago but they don’t seem interested in responding.
Years ago I built this Dune Buggy out of a 1962 VW chassis. I licensed it in Michigan as a “1974 Assembled Roadster”.
It was originally powered by the 1200cc VW engine. After a few years, I swapped the V – Dub for a 180 HP Corvair engine (the 4 carb normally aspirated version). Needless to say,
the – maybe 2,000 lb vehicle performed quite well with the 180 HP Corvair in it!
The biggest problem was that the Corvair engine ran the opposite direction of the VW (you could flip the ring gear). The trans never worked properly after that. Popped out of gear a lot.
😲I HAVE A 73 VW WINDOVAN, I PUT A
WARMED OVER REVERSE ROTATION 140hp CORVAIR WITH WEBERS CLOSE RATIO 1st & 2nd, BIFFADIF
COMPLETELY REBUILT ALL
30yrs AGO 100,000mi. LATER , INTAKE VALVE KAPOOT, IT COST $800.00
2 COMPLETELY REBUILD ENGINE. 30yrs AGO NOW
THEY WANT $1800 JUST 4
HEAD WORK
The 180 HP Corvair was the the turbo. The “4 carb normally aspirated version” was rated at 140 HP.
Super cool buggy…A nicely modernized classic, wow. If I lived in the sunny south, I’d absolutely daily drive this beauty. Here in the north, with a short driving season and unfriendly insurance rates on dune buggies, it’s not worth the price of admission.
Thanks guys. I wish I had kept it. Lots of fun!
Nice work Chasman!
Really beautiful buggy, as Jeff Pointed out someone spent some serious coin building this and didn’t spare any expense.. Good luck to the new owner and have fun!
Cheers
GPC
A Meyers Manx owner myself….A few days ago I posted this eBay ad to the clubs facebook group asking if anyone knew about this Buggy. I wonder if possibly the owner/builder passed away and the family donated it?
Agreed it has goodies and would be fun, interested in seeing where it ends up price wise.
You donate a vehicle like this for the tax write-off. You can get a lot more in write-off than selling outright, as the charity will usually give a receipt for whatever value you state.