Vintage Dune Buggy: 1962 Volkswagen Beetle

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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?

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Comments

  1. Johnmloghry Johnmloghry

    I like this one a lot better than the one yesterday. To me it doesn’t matter that it’s not a Meyers Manx. They were all VW’s rebodied anyway. Thanks for all the tips from readers on how to identify the real ones though. Personally, if I just wanted one for running sand dunes I’d just use the body, build my own chassis with an airboat engine and propeller on the back and fly across the sands in true suicidal mission.
    God bless America

    Like 5
  2. Tim

    I imagine that would create quite sand storm behind you

    Like 0
  3. Howie Mueler

    That did not take long, Sold.

    Like 0
  4. t-bone BOB

    Located in Chicopee, MA

    Like 0
  5. Karl

    Last weekend I was on the interstate just south of Fargo ND one of these got on the interstate right alongside of me. I never cared much for the look of them and being based on a VW didn’t help my view of them but with that said it sure made me look and this one sure looked to be in very nice shape!

    Like 2
  6. Capture Desert

    this look superb, However I feel like it has lower RPM then Dune buggy Polaris 1000CC ?

    Like 0

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Barn Finds