Dune Buggies are designed to be classics providing unsurpassed enjoyment. Combining bulletproof mechanical components with a lightweight fiberglass body guarantees sparkling performance and reliability. It means that the owner will spend more time behind the wheel than beavering away in their garage undertaking major maintenance tasks. This 1969 EMPI Imp is a perfect example of the breed and is a turnkey gem that is ready to plaster a mile-wide smile on its new owner’s face. If you find that prospect tempting, it is worth taking a close look to see what it offers.
The Dune Buggy recipe is simplicity itself. Companies produce a lightweight one-piece fiberglass body that owners typically drop onto Volkswagen underpinnings after they remove all of the pesky steel panels. EMPI produced the Imp in the 1960s in its factory in Riverside, California. The company still operates in Anaheim, California, offering a “Buggy-in-a-Box” kit for anyone wishing to start from scratch. The first owner selected a shortened 1965 Beetle chassis as the base for this classic, although its history is unclear. It presents well in dazzling Orange, with its creator showing restraint in areas like bright trim. It is common to see vehicles of this type with metalflake paint and plenty of bling, but this Buggy is subtle. The exterior looks crisp and clean, with no evidence of stress cracks or other problems. The chrome is in good order, and the windshield is clear. The Black wheels look aggressive, tying the exterior and interior together perfectly. It appears there are no rust issues, which is unsurprising considering the Buggy’s location.
This is as close as we get to seeing the Imp’s engine, which is frustrating. It appears to be a Volkswagen Dual-Port four, although its capacity and specifications are unclear. It sends its power to the road via a four-speed manual transaxle, with many Imp builders from this period selecting axles from a Transporter. If this is an unmodified 1,600, that will put at least 60hp at the driver’s disposal. However, it is common for builders to tweak the powerplant to liberate additional power. It is worth noting that the significant decrease in curb weight resulting from the body’s transformation from steel to fiberglass makes these vehicles inherently lively with a rock-stock engine. Adding power merely increases the fun! The seller confirms they fitted the four with electronic ignition, and recently added a new battery, fuel lines fuel filter, and front disc brakes. They describe the Imp as fun to drive, a claim I have no trouble believing. It appears that flying in and driving home is a realistic expectation for the new owner.
This Imp’s appeal may increase when potential buyers spot the interior. Many Dune Buggies are two-seaters, but this classic can accommodate four. That makes it an interesting proposition for an enthusiast with children because it offers a classic motoring experience the whole family can enjoy. It also presents nicely, with no evidence of wear or damage to the Black vinyl trim. The dash is as elegantly simple as that found in the donor vehicle, and the chunky sports wheel is appropriate for a vehicle of this type. It is common for Dune Buggies to lack carpet, which is a practical consideration. These classics are designed for blasting along beaches, meaning that sand and moisture typically find their way inside the vehicle. This is the easiest way to provide effortless cleaning once the day’s fun ends. However, that doesn’t mean that the winning bidder can’t add carpet, and the floorplan should allow a Beetle carpet set to drop straight in.
Pigeonholing vehicles like this 1969 EMPI Imp into a specific category is challenging. They aren’t ultra-desirable muscle or luxury cars, and they are rarely mega-bucks classics. However, they provide an ownership experience that is pure joy. The seller listed this Imp here on eBay in Eastpoint, Florida. They have received no bids on the auction that opened at $9,950, although there is also a BIN option of $10,750. Predicting the auction’s course is challenging because the viewing history suggests it hasn’t generated much interest. However, it only takes one person for any classic to find a new home. Could you be that person?
I had a smaller one, also orange and a .049 engine. It was made by Cox.
Over here, we had the “Manx” buggy, and the “Baja” buggy. The difference was the Baja still had the basic beatle body, (sans guards, bonnet, and boot).
I’ve owned both, loved them dearly, but, maybe it’s an Aussie thing, but the rear rims were oversized, and fitted with used aircraft tyers, what ever happened to that?
The same here in the states, except for the airplane tires, never heard of that. Still quite a few Manx-style buggies around, but hardly see a Baja much anymore, due to the sky-rocketing value of original Beetles.
And Manx buggies have skyrocketed just as much. Pretty much out of most peoples’ budgets.