It’s amazing how many different shapes and sizes Volkswagen-based dune buggies came in. If there is someone out there who can pick off the different makes and manufacturers and the respective model names of the multitude of kits, they have my respect because that’s a hard model range to track. This example is yet another variant that I can’t pinpoint the name of, but it could be that the gigantic slicks out back, the deep dish wheels all around, and the tiny brush guard are throwing me off. The dune buggy kit is listed here on Facebook Marketplace in western Massachusetts for $3,500.

The seller calls it a barn find, having been found sitting in a barn with a sand floor since 1976. Sitting on sand is suitably ironic for a buggy like this that was meant for bounding over beach dunes. The seller notes the air-cooled, VW-derived engine does run off of a gas can and was worked free after the buggy was removed from the barn. He speculates it will need the usual assortment of fuel system repairs, starting with the gas tank being removed, boiled, and re-sealed. No word on whether the typically troublesome fuel pump has also gone south. Does anyone recognize the kit manufacturer from the heavily sculpted rear end?

The interior is complete, with two bucket seats and a dash with actual gauges. More impressive to me is the full windscreen, which these buggy kits are not always guaranteed to have. Less certain is the condition of the pan, which is almost always VW Beetle-based and almost always needs replacing. The seller says it is not “…crazy rusty,” which doesn’t necessarily inspire a lot of confidence. The shift knob sports a VW emblem, which gives this kit a slightly more finished appearance (it’s the small things). The seller notes it will need brake work, and that the true mileage is unknown.

Still, as charming as they are, I’m always reminded why the Meyers Manx was the best design when viewing the various replicas. The proportions of the original Manx were just spot-on, not an easy task considering how goofy the whole package is. This one could be a fun summer project for someone, but I see a potential issue with where the steering wheel is pointing and the height of the bucket seats: that doesn’t look like a comfortable position! Hopefully, it’s easily resolved. Do any of you recognize this dune buggy kit car and know the name of the manufacturer?