Few vehicles capture the carefree, beach-going spirit of the 1960s and 1970s like the Meyers Manx dune buggy, and this example, listed here on eBay, is patterned after the original “Old Red.” Titled as a 1972 Volkswagen Beetle, this bright orange buggy features a lightweight fiberglass body mounted on VW underpinnings and is powered by a 40-horsepower, 1200cc engine. The seller notes that it spent 25 years in storage before receiving a refresh in 2022, including a full brake system overhaul and new tires. This dune buggy could be the ultimate fun machine for shows, cruises, or simply turning heads at Cars and Coffee.
The seller describes the buggy as a “very original early build” in the Meyers Manx style, and the resemblance is clear in its rounded bodywork and compact stance. The orange finish channels vintage vibes, while the rare original top with side curtains makes it more versatile than many stripped-down dune buggies.
Underneath, this car retains its Volkswagen Beetle bones, with a 1200cc 40-horsepower engine that provides enough motivation for the lightweight fiberglass body. While modest on paper, the seller states it’s a “sweet running” engine that offers plenty of power for this application. A new brake system—every line, drum, and component—was installed in 2022, ensuring reliable stopping power.
Inside, the two-seat cabin has been redone with new upholstery, giving it a fresh and inviting look. Simplicity is the theme, as is typical for these builds, but the bare-bones character is part of what makes dune buggies so much fun.
The body and pans are in good shape overall, though the seller points out a small rust spot in the driver’s footwell where the sound deadening cracked. Otherwise, the fiberglass shell and VW chassis appear solid. Listed has having just 69,000 miles showing, this buggy has plenty of life left.
These vintage fiberglass dune buggies have become increasingly collectible, especially when they retain period features like the original top. They embody the spirit of California car culture and continue to turn heads decades later.
Would you keep this Manx-style buggy as a showpiece, or would you take it back to the dunes where it belongs?
These are really cool rides. Living out in the desert at the time we considered one but Crew Chief said it wouldn’t hold enough groceries and didn’t have AC. Had a huge area just a few miles from home called Sand Mountain that is perfect for the buggies.
Very cool Dunebuggy. I always liked the wider steelies with OEM VW hubcaps. Kind of like the look Herbie goes to Monte Carlo had. Looks really nice.
The VIN shows that this is based on a ’61 Beetle, and the engine is a 36 HP (not 40HP). I’m not really sure why it is titled as a ’72, as most buggies are titled using the year of the VIN number stamped on the pan.
Did the pan have to be modified for this build?
These were cut and shortened 14 1/4″ https://manxclub.com/Resources-Tech4.htm
Oh yes. Shortened.
Many years ago i had one, it was way smaller, and crazy loud. It was made by COX.
That’s really funny. That was what I was gonna write..049!
Yes, they were cut and shortened.
Is this a real Meyers Manx or not? If not, the listing title should be changed. If it is, the listing would be supported with the Meyers ID #.
Author refers to it as “Manx style” yet shows a Meyers Manx emblem. Is it a clone or a real Manx? Makes a huge differing the value.
The EBay ad shows a certificate of authenticity. Clever how the owner blacked out the “M” to make it his own “eyers Manx”
Also – if built on ’61 pan, it’ll have swing axles. ’72 would be IRS. Possible titled as construction year?
Also – IIRC, the original “Old Red” was built on a full length, not shortened, pan, but ICBW. Can anyone confirm?
IIRC, IRS not until ‘69, unless Autostick (earlier, 68?)
Old Red is quite different than the production Manxes. It uses a monocoque design with no VW pan. It is fiberglass with steel support for the suspension. It also has an opening front hood and many other features that differ from the production cars.
Yes, shortened 12in I believe
Bobhess, Sand Mountain as in east of Fallon? Definitely a fun place for dune type or off road vehicles. (I live about 45 miles south of there.) I’m no way a VW nor dune buggy expert. But I agree with the IRS later model chassis comment. (IRS definitely better for on road use) Also the area behind the seats does not look like a Manx to me. And yes, an original Manx has way more value than a “clone/almost a Manx”!
Still a good looking buggy.
I don’t think anyone reads prior posts, as the same questions keep getting asked when they have already been answered.
The standard shortening length was 14.4 “
This is a series 1 Manx as it has the wells in the rear for the battery and spare tire. These work with an early swing axle transaxle, but IRS axles do not have enough clearance. The Series 2 was produced with a flat rear seat area with no wells, and clearance for IRS transaxles. The Series 1 cars are more collectible than later versions. I currently own three early cars (one was originally built using a Porsche 356A engine). I have owned many others over the years, and learned to drive in one at Pismo Beach when I was 13!
That was supposed to read 14.5 inches shorter than stock wheelbase. (Fat fingers strike again.
I posted this before in a reply, but evidently nobody noticed it:
These pans were cut and shortened 14 1/4″
https://manxclub.com/Resources-Tech4.htm
This has already been authenticated as a genuine Manx by Winnie Meyers. It was given a certificate and a numbered tag. Why is anyone confused about this?
Mark, you are correct.
At least half of BF comments are made by people who have not read any of the previous comments or looked at the ad. I’ll make an observation and then have to read 15 other comments saying what I already said.
There would be no question that this is an authentic Manx if they did either of these things.
My experience (and it has been worse lately with the newer writers) is that comments are not processed quickly. Resulting in comments being posted late/out of order. I have seen this happen with my own comments when I have made more than one. Also when reviewing additional comments. The author of the comment is listed and not found in the comment list. It gets frustrating when trying to make a point or stay on the same subject.
I’ve found that, lately, if you provide a link in your comment, it gets held for review by a moderator.
I think that this has already been the case, but lately it has taken a long time for those types of comments to be posted.
Ended at $15,200.
Reserve Not Met.