The Dune Buggy recipe was elegantly simple. Take one Volkswagen Beetle, discard the original body, bolt on a lighter open-top version, and drive off into the sunset. The Meyers Manx is recognized as the king of the genre, although EMPI beat Meyers to the market with its Sportster model. This 1961 example is a clean and tidy vehicle needing nothing but a new home. With summer on our doorstep, it offers unparalleled opportunities for fun in the sun. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the Sportster listed here on eBay in Columbus, Ohio. The seller set their BIN at $7,000, making it affordable for those seeking a quirky classic.

Joe Vittone, a genuine lateral thinker, formed EMPI in the 1950s. Initially selling imported cars and motorcycles under the brand Economotors, the company diversified into the supply of performance parts produced by third-party companies. However, it was a single tool developed by EMPI that laid the foundations for its eventual entry into Dune Buggy production. Vittone saw huge potential in the Volkswagen Beetle, but was annoyed by the fact that if the flat-four engine’s valve guides became worn, discarding and replacing the cylinder heads was the only solution to the problem. He developed a tool that allowed guide replacement, saving mechanics and owners money, and reducing unnecessary waste. Diversification was another key to the company’s success, and the release of the Sportster Dune Buggy proved groundbreaking. EMPI sold a few turnkey examples, but most were shipped to buyers as kits requiring assembly. The seller believes that this 1961 Sportster might be one of those kits, and it appears to retain most of the distinctive genuine parts. Unlike later Buggies, EMPI utilized a steel body that proved extremely robust. This one is in good condition, with no signs of rust or other major problems. The body sits atop a shortened Beetle frame and floors, which also appear rock-solid. The paint holds a healthy shine, with the seller admitting to a few minor scratches. Similarly, some bright trim pieces have failed to avoid the typical pitting, but it remains presentable. Addressing these shortcomings would represent a rewarding winter project after the new owner has had their fun this summer.

Simplicity was the key to the Sportster’s success. EMPI recognized that there was no point in producing these kits if buyers required an engineering degree to assemble them. Therefore, every aspect of the project was designed to be user-friendly. The interior is no exception, representing motoring at its most basic. This wasn’t merely to make life easier for the builder, but to allow for easy cleaning and a degree of practicality if the going became sandy or wet. Buyers were encouraged to utilize Volkswagen seats with vinyl covers, and many chose to leave the floors bare to prevent moisture from taking a toll on the steel. This Sportster follows that recipe, featuring no creature comforts beyond the chunky sports wheel and heavy-duty molded rubber floor mats. The driver’s seatcover shows evidence of at least one rip on the side, and both seats look slightly tired. New covers and foam would not be a significant investment, and would lift the interior markedly. However, it remains serviceable in its current form, allowing the buyer to make any changes at their leisure.

This Sportster’s specifications hold no mechanical surprises, powered by a rear-mounted VW 1,500cc flat-four that the seller believes started life in a 1966 Type III. The Type II four-speed transaxle features reduction gears, and although this classic won’t be the fastest on the planet, the seller rightly points out that with a curb weight of around 1,300 lbs, performance will still be quite lively. The Sportster recently received new front tires, headlamps, and a fluid change. There is no information supplied about the vehicle’s mechanical health, but I can’t spot anything to suggest that the news will be anything but positive.

The 1961 EMPI Sportster isn’t as instantly recognizable as the Meyers Manx, but it deserves its place in automotive folklore. The brainchild of a lateral thinker, it set the foundation for the Dune Buggy craze that was at the peak of its power in the 1960s and 1970s. This little gem is a tidy vehicle that the buyer could enjoy as-is, or they could perform a few tasks that would lift its presentation and make it more user-friendly. I found a previous listing for this vehicle from 2016 that indicates it sold then for $5,500. The price hasn’t climbed significantly in nine years, and looks competitive in the face of other recent successful sales. Therefore, if affordability and quirkiness sit at the top of your Wish List, this EMPI Sportster deserves a close look.