As some of you likely know, I am helping to clear out a large collection of salvage and project vehicles from a private owner. You can read more about the collection here. As we move ahead with the process, I’ll be listing some of the more interesting cars individually, which will also help readers see more info about specific vehicles they may be interested in. Here’s the next vehicle we’ll feature, which is a rare Howell Craft VW-based dune buggy, modeled to resemble the popular Meyers-Manx kits of the era.
What Makes it Special? We all know genuine Meyers-Manx cars have been enjoying a steady uptick in values – with some of them fetching well into the five-figures. There are also numerous poorly-done replicas out there with odd proportions and attempts to modernize them that almost always look terrible. This Howell Craft was manufactured in Atlanta around the same time the Manx cars were on the road, and does a nice job of resembling the real thing with the cool factor that’s only possible with kits built in-period.
Body Condition: Since it’s fiberglass, body condition remains excellent, and from what I could see of the pan, that looked quite solid as well. There is a broken piece of fiberglass at the leading edge of the passenger side fender, but it’s very minor and easily repairable. The Howell Craft has been repainted at some point, with the current red and white scheme covering a former orange and black paint combo.
Mechanical Condition: The Howell Craft’s engine has been removed, but it’s stored nearby on a pallet. It does spin freely but it hasn’t run in several years. The engine will come with the vehicle but the seller has over a dozen VW parts cars on site if a different motor is desired. The dune buggy does roll freely; brake and clutch condition are unknown.
The Howell Craft a neat piece of kit, with a complete interior, dashboard, gauges, and some fun period trim items, like the wing mirrors and chrome bumper guards. The windshield is also free of damage, and it does present as a largely complete example that’s in need of mechanical freshening. The body and interior look like they’re just a good cleaning away from being usable, and the Howell Craft was one of the vehicles fortunate enough to be stored under cover while on the seller’s site.
- Price: $3,000 OBO
- Location: Northwest Georgia
- Mileage: TMU
- Title Status: Bill of sale only
Do you have a low mileage survivor parked in your garage, shed or barn? Does it need a new home? Please consider listing it here on Barn Finds!
What’s the value of a real unmolested Manx in as new condition?
I’ve seen them clear $50K at the big auctions.
IDK about that, seems Hemmings has a couple, highest like new one was $12,500 and the other drivable ones around $8. They aren’t exactly rare, especially like this.
Rat, Dog, Ghetto Cruiser or Mochine? This is a Dog.
Maybe if it was a Real Myers Manx but since it’s not you can get a nice finished buggy for this kind of money.
Will never be valuable. Why sink so much time and wasted effort restoring this from the dead, when you KNOW before you begin you’ll end upside down financially. A real Manx in running condition won’t set you back that much more than this tired and overpriced imitation
I must state to many unknown issues on this one you’ll have to lift this on a lift. As all the debris in it floors probably toast frame also. If transaxle has sat out doors like that it’s rebuild time all cables. Lines fuel tank etc 5800 nada real number in any book see to set it straight if the frames toast you’ll need to build one or find one lol cha ching guy in California does Manx and clone upgrades. How deep are you pockets yes real Manx badged and numbered car fetch up 50 k but not many are truly built to top flite standards. Repowered and lowered this one with a subaru, turbo and. Apropriate brakes. Lol it could be lol the big bad wolf’s worst night mare easily taking on today’s. Muscle and sending crying home to mommy