1973 Volkswagen Meyers Manx

The present custodian of this fabulous buggy decided to put the entire responsibility of the build into the hands of the well-known Flatlands Engineering. They supplied the genuine Meyers Manx 2+2 kit and used a 1973 Beetle as the required donor vehicle. This was 2012 and in one short year, and with no expense spared the project was completed. 

A new VW Heritage 1600cc supplies the power through a standard VW gearbox and the finished machine looks stunning in its metal flake paintwork and polished rims.

The full GRP bodyshell is sumptuously finished in true 70s custom style with a sparkly metal flake over a simple black. The finish is quite stunning and produces a full rainbow of colours in the sunshine. 

As you’d expect, there’s plenty of chrome to catch your eye too. Naturally the exposed engine is a big part of that, and more on that shortly, but those wheels are fabulously loud and glitzy. They are a set of 16inch Torque Thrusts by American Racing and certainly look the part being shod in BF Goodrich rubber. 

The chrome continues with the tubular nudge bars mounted both front and rear, mirrors and headlamps. Individuality and attention to detail is prevalent throughout culminating with the clever stainless license plates and interesting rear light clusters.

The idea behind the Beach Buggy was a no-frills fun machine, so you wouldn’t and perhaps shouldn’t expect many creature comforts in the cockpit of a Meyer Manx. However, when you have the opportunity of creating a one off, ground up buggy then a few luxuries can be afforded. 

A bit of music might be a good idea, although a large set of speakers mounted in the side panels are a must to drown out the open-air engine. A state-of-the-art stereo with hands-free connectivity sits in the dashboard and doesn’t look out of place. Particularly when you look at the dash as a whole with the set of LED instruments that give a space-age and professional look to the historically simple layout. 

A pair of cream leatherette Corbeau hi-back seats along with a pair of small custom rear seats adds a hint of luxury. 

A most distinctive and welcome nod to the ‘Hippy’ era from which this car was born has been added in the form of the chrome skull gear knob and the alloy pedals, including a comical foot shaped gas pedal. 

It can be difficult to say what is on the inside or the outside of a Meyer, but I’ll suggest that the gloss black tubular roll cage that helps form the overall profile of the vehicle is a bit of both.

We all know that under the skin of a Meyer lies the humble underpinnings of a VW Beetle. 

The donor vehicle for this car was of a 1973 vintage. It utilises the full length of the Beetle providing a 2+2 configuration. All the running gear was fully stripped and renovated along with all the braking system. 

An addition of an ‘A Frame’ location point and electrics to the front provides an easy towing option to transport the car to shows and events. Again, another incidence of forethought and attention to detail. 

The gearbox is a standard refurbished VW unit and is coupled to a fully chromed 1600cc long block engine provided by VW Heritage. It was custom built with a pair of Weber downdraught carbs and ceramic exhausts and sound delightful.

As previously noted, this was a build that the owner decided to put entirely into the hands of Flatlands Engineering. It was 12 months in the making with little regard for expense. The owner can provide full build costs, but a few interesting documents have been provided here and most notably, a guarantee document for the engine that details the required care and maintenance. 

There’s a current MOT certificate indicating the minimal miles the buggy has covered since the build, and an invoice for the most recent engine service dated July of this year. Naturally, there’s a valid V5c along with two keys and an Autolec battery isolator key.

This car represents a truly outstanding example of an Authentic Meyers Manx kit that has been built professionally and without monetary constraints. It has everything you’d expect of the iconic machine with a paint job that reflects the times of the 70’s. It also has some exceptional modern twists such as the easy towing facility, state-of-the-art instrumentation and sound system.

The car is in as close to a newly finished condition as you could possibly imagine with a spotless interior and exterior due in part to the fact it has been so rarely used since completion. All Beach Buggies have an element of individuality, but this one certainly stands head and shoulders above the crowd as a simply stunning example with the quality of the build and use of quality components. Bruce Meyer would approve, I’m sure.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £11,000 - £16,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Rugeley, Staffordshire. To arrange an appointment to view this vehicle please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.