LOT 144

1966 'Meyers Manx' Dune Buggy Registration no. JUE 832D Chassis no. 11/6816027 Engine no. 0799177

Sold for £29,900 inc. premium

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Lot 144

1966 'Meyers Manx' Dune Buggy

Goodwood Revival: Collectors' Motor Cars and Automobilia|7 September 2024, 13:00 BST|Chichester, Goodwood

1966 'Meyers Manx' Dune Buggy
Registration no. JUE 832D
Chassis no. 11/6816027
Engine no. 0799177

• Iconic American recreational vehicle
• Based on a 1966 Volkswagen Beetle 1300
• 1,600cc engine
• Six former keepers

This vehicle is believed to be a Meyers Manx dune buggy; certainly, it is very accurate and the applied Bruce Meyers signature is real.

The Meyers Manx dune buggy is a small recreational vehicle, designed initially for desert racing by Californian engineer, artist, boat builder and surfer, Bruce F Meyers. Meyers' first such creation was called 'Old Red'. Meyers' buggy was produced by his Fountain Valley, California company, B F Meyers & Co, from 1964 to 1971, with limited production recommencing in 2000. That first design was marketed as a body kit for mounting on shortened Volkswagen Beetle chassis. The brand's name and logo were inspired by the tailless Manx cat breed, a reference to the short-wheelbase buggy's stubby appearance.

Mayers gained much valuable publicity when in 1967, driving a Manx, he beat the motorcycle record for the Baja 1000 in Mexico, one of the most prestigious off-road races in the world. Less than a week after setting the Baja record, a Meyers Manx featured on the cover of the April 1967 edition of Car and Driver. Almost overnight the company received around 350 orders. Another significant milestone in the firm's history arrived in 1968 when Hollywood superstar Steve McQueen commissioned a custom Meyers Manx, modified to his own design, for use in the movie The Thomas Crown Affair. His spirited drive on the beach with Faye Dunaway on board is one of the movie's many unforgettable scenes.

The Meyers Manx dominated dune racing in its time, breaking records from the outset. It also provided the template for street-oriented models until the company's demise due to tax problems following Meyers' departure. New vehicles inspired by the original Manx buggy have been produced by Meyers' reborn operation, Meyers Manx Inc, since 2000. Their latest product is the Meyers Manx 2.0 Electric.

This example is based on a 1966 Volkswagen Beetle 1300 and is registered as such. Recently serviced and up and running, this iconic piece of motoring Americana is offered with a V5C document.

Saleroom notices

Sadly, the buyer will need to purchase their own surfboard, the car does not come with the pictured prop.

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