Is it real? That’s the first question that comes to mind when we see a Meyers Manx. Here on facebook Marketplace is the real deal, a Meyers Manx situated on a 1955 Volkswagen pan, accompanied by a certificate of authentication issued by Bruce and Winnie Meyers. Authentication can make a big difference in prices: the Manx was sold as a kit from 1964 into the early 1970s and only 7000 were produced, but countless copycats roam the roads, dunes, and trails. Today’s seller is asking $22,000 or best offer, a typical price for a nice driver. The car can be retrieved from Mesa, Arizona.
Kids were crafting dune buggies long before the Manx existed, inspired by the availability of cheap Ford and Volkswagen parts. Bruce Meyers, though, brought his alacrity with fiberglass to the equation. Meyers grew up in Los Angeles, and was as quintessentially “California” as they come: surfer, artist, boat builder, and general jack of all trades, he placed having adventures high on his list of life experiences. He built the first Manx in his garage in 1963, debuting it in 1964. Its short, stubby body is reminiscent of the Manx cat, thus the heraldic stub-tailed cat on its nose. This particular buggy has a 1600 cc VW flat four, said to smoke a bit, paired with a four-speed manual transaxle. The gas tank is new; the gas gauge isn’t reading correctly. The tires are “like new”.
The interior is as basic as can be – yeah that’s one gauge and a couple of switches – but it’s in great condition. This Manx has rear seating and a roll bar; don’t expect weather equipment – that’s not what the Manx is about! The seller notes that all the lights work but the odometer stopped recording mileage some time ago.
The gel coat is aging, but the paint job reminds me of the groovy sixties, back when metalflake was the cat’s pajamas. It’s a happy car, ready for fun. Of course you can pay less, but if you covet a real Manx – more likely to hold its value over time – this example represents a great option. Have you ever owned a dune buggy? Or even a Manx? Let us know in the comments below.
Cool. I like this set up better than the Bradley GT. I have Bradley and because of my average height the top of the windshield is just at eye level because of the slanted Corvette windshield they came with. I raised the seats, so now my head is above the windshield… It’s like riding a motorcycle with the wind in your hair kinda thing…
I had one, it was a bit smaller, it was orange and had a .049 engine and very loud!!
Me too!! by Cox… when I was 13 years old. Made it go up dirt hills a nd sand . Until the pull cable broke. I should of kept it. Man what fun it was back then . 😃
Yeah, the cars were cool, the planes and the one propelled car were deadly. Every time I took the plane out I had to wait 2 months for my finger to heal to try it again. Those things would mulch your pointer finger. Ah… The good old days…
I found an orange Cox buggy in a junk/antique store recently. It’s missing some of the chrome bits, but I pretty much stole it for 20.00. I’m a sucker for gas powered toys.
MM, check out what they are asking for some on FeeBay, and if you need parts many there also. And they also made a purple one too.
Had a LWB buggy. Got the body for free, put it on a ‘56 VW chassis, stock 1200cc motor. Great fun, sometimes even in the winter (sole source of transportation for quite awhile). Traded it briefly for a ‘64 El Camino 327/4spd as the guy was crazy about it-until winter. Traded it back again.
Sold it to my math teacher when my draft number came up.
BTW, saw what you did there, Michelle RE: “..when metalflake was the cat’s pajamas.” on a Manx.😁
Hey Barn Finds…thanks for posting my buggy for sale on Martketplace. If anyone needs for pics or vids let me know and I’ll get them to you. I appreciate the special support!
Seller in Mesa AZ
So many classic VW Beetles went to an early grave because of Meyers Manx fiberglass crap kits. Fast forward and today a split rear window Beetle is worth substantially more money than a very used Meyers Manx.
“ So many classic (fill in the blank) went to an early grave because of (fill in the blank). Fast forward and today a (fill in the blank) is worth substantially more money than a very used (fill in the blank).”
It’s what we did.
In 50 years someone will list a Nissan Leaf or a Prius kit with a flux capacitor and someone will be gnashing their teeth about it being irreparably altered.
It’s what we do.
Exactly, Nevadahalfrack, exactly! All those different conversions made something interesting out of a boring little car. Plenty of them to go around.
Thanks Barn Finds for the added boost! I appreciate the sales support.
Seller/Mesa AZ
Back in the late 60’s my oldest sister and her husband bought a Myers’s Manx kit when they lived in Elk Horn Village, California.They put it on a used VW, painted it bright yellow, bought Porsche engine for it and moved to Honolulu. Apparently they loved it and were well known on the Island. Both are gone now, and the car, who knows?
God Bless America
I can visualize McQueen zipping over those sand dunes in “Thomas Crown Affair”!