Why is it that so many of the models which were designed for carefree motoring are now considered too valuable to use? With the skyrocketing prices commanded by cheerful cars such as twenty-three window Volkswagen Type 2 Transporters, two-door Mercedes-Benz G-Wagens, and coachbuilt Fiat Jolly runabouts, the notion of the stress-free beach cruiser has itself become threatened. But what if there was an auction specifically tailored for this situation: a day spent surfside with a classic car that will leave you feeling refreshed rather than stressed-out.

RM Sotheby’s is proud to announce a lineup of thoroughly enjoyable examples, made to deliver a delightful experience to their new owners. From drop-top Detroit pony cars to rear-engine California dune buggies, the selections have been carefully curated by our specialists to provide the perfect summertime companion for any automotive adventures you envision. With all examples open for bidding from 25 May to 1 June, including a pair of Ford GT supercars, practically every automotive aficionado will find something to suit their tastes in RM Sotheby’s Sand Lots 2022 auction. In our first of several summaries, here are a few beach-ready highlights:

1973 Volkswagen Type 2 '23-Window' Conversion

Estimate: $80,000 - $100,000 USD

Nostalgia is not the only reason why Type 2 Volkswagen values have been on the rise. For a family vehicle, one which can provide many years of air-cooled motoring in nearly any climate or setting, the practicality of this iconic VW is beyond reproach. The airiness of the cabin, illuminated both by the 23 individual pieces of glass as well as the fully retractable ragtop-style sunroof, creates a panoramic atmosphere for all nine passengers. This example, which has been converted to coveted ‘23-Window’ status by a well-reputed Brazilian firm, can be said to be concours-quality and was completed mere months ago in February 2022. Attention was paid to internal stability, with belly pans retrofitted for chassis rigidity; the well-presented undercarriage of this air-cooled classic is worthy of your closer inspection. Almost too nice to take to the beach, and yet with values of Type 2 Samba “23-Window” examples ever-increasing (not to mention the all-new electric VW ID. Buzz), this tribute presents an intriguing option for classic VW enthusiasts.

1937 Ford Custom Street Rod

Estimate: $75,000 - $100,000 USD

If the earliest iterations of the surfboard were crafted from lightweight balsa wood, early surfers needed a vehicle made of matching materials. The Woodie, most popular in wagon format, formed from the wood-framed depot hacks and station wagons popular in resort communities in the early 20th century. Introduced to the world via popular songs in the post-war period by The Beach Boys and Jan and Dean, the Woodie appealed even to those stuck in landlocked states. This example, currently garaged in Colorado at the Bucking Horse Ranch and Surf Club, deserves to migrate to a more ocean-adjacent community. With a fiberglass body made by Downs Industries riding on a Corvette C4 chassis, this example presents the best of both worlds for any fan of American muscle. Power is provided by a 383-ci “stroker” V8 engine mated to a Turbo Hydra-Matic 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission. Perhaps the most impressive feature of this custom build is its interior, trimmed in luxurious leather with special attention paid to its slatted wood roof. Crowned by a nine-and-a-half-foot LOG surfboard, this Custom is ready for an oceanfront cruise-in.

1966 Meyers Manx

Estimate: $40,000 - $50,000 USD

Few automotive brands were founded with intentions as fun as the firm founded by Bruce F. Meyers in the early 1960s. Reimagining the trusty Volkswagen Beetle as a fiberglass-bodied dune buggy took a truly inspired creator, but Meyers and the off-roading revolution he led could credibly be called an engineering genius. From the first press photo for the company, depicting a Manx in mid-air with Meyers himself at the wheel, the company was bound to cause a stir in the post-war custom car movement. Though there were many imitators, this vibrant example comes with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Meyers himself, assuring all subsequent owners that this is the genuine article. Moreover, this is an early example, within the first 150 made. With Meyers himself honored shortly before his death in 2021 as a true automotive innovator, and his first Manx inducted into the Historic Vehicle Association’s registry, the model which launched a whole class of vehicles is now properly considered a classic. That does not mean that its off-road abilities have diminished; this would be a perfect summer companion, on sand, gravel, or tarmac.

1965 Volkswagen Beetle

Estimate: $18,000 - $26,000 USD

For many, at least in terms of nostalgia, no buggy can compare to the original. While Volkswagen’s Type 1 had humble roots, the appeal of an air-cooled conveyance extended worldwide. Soon, with assembly plants stretching from five in Germany to outposts as far-reaching as Nigeria, the Philippines, and Mexico, VW Beetle production totaled to a staggering figure that has only been surpassed recently, by the Toyota Corolla. With so many Beetle examples built, collectors have focused on condition and accessories to differentiate values. This Coca-Cola-themed Beetle presents a plethora of the all-time aesthetic hits of the model, from the Wolfsburg badge on its front storage hatch to the wooden shutters mounted on its rear window. Inside, a handsome wicker shelf beneath the dashboard helps organize personal items while a dash-mounted picture of Herbie the Love Bug shows off the happy character of this vintage VW. Comes with a roof rack stocked with a vintage Coca-Cola cooler, wicker picnic baskets, water skis, and Coca-Cola branded charcoal grill, skimboard, soccer ball, and folding canvas chairs; everything one would need for a summer outing.

1964 Fiat 500 Jolly Conversion

Estimate: $60,000 - $70,000 USD

Another pinnacle candidate for an oceanside pleasure cruiser is a car that was quite literally coachbuilt for that purpose. If the Fiat 500 was Italy’s version of the VW Beetle, the Fiat 500 Jolly was akin to the Italian Meyers Manx; a modified car made for enjoyment in sunny locales. While the California dune buggy was made to glide over massive sand hills, the Fiat 500 Jolly was intended more for a resort-based lifestyle. Many examples were stowed on yachts, where they could be easily unloaded at the next glamorous port-of-call. With its signature wicker seats, Jolly conversions became popular among coachbuilders worldwide. This handsome coral-colored example offers the same feeling of open-air freedom as the more valuable Ghia-built examples, but with a much more reasonable estimate. A mere 24,435 kilometers showed on the odometer of this example at the time of cataloguing. Hopefully its next owner will take it to the beach.

1963 Messerschmitt KR 200 Cabriolet

Estimate: $48,000 - $58,000 USD

Another pint-sized car with huge appeal, the Messerschmitt KR 200 offered the spirited driving experience of a scooter with the practicality of an enclosed car. Quite literally, the “KR” in this car’s title stood for Kabinenroller, or “scooter with cabin,” which does not completely capture the experience of driving in a low-slung vehicle with a center-mounted seat, almost like a McLaren F1. Appreciation for these so-called “bubble car” models increased considerably after RM Sotheby’s Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum auction in 2013; this Cabriolet example was part of that storied collection. With connections to both the post-war European aviation industry as well as one of the major American collectors of fun-sized vehicles of all styles, this example is seemingly made to delight anyone who encounters it.

1968 Ford Mustang GT Convertible

Estimate: $55,000 - $75,000 USD

Mustangs are, by virtue of their popularity, a bit more of a known quantity for collectors than Messerschmitts. Original equipment contributes considerably to the market appeal of a Mustang; the Sunlit Gold paint and black canvas top on this example were both optioned originally, according to the accompanying Marti Report. As indicated by its formal title, this model was also fitted with the GT package, which included front disc brakes, bucket seats, and a pushbutton radio. Underneath the hood, this second-generation Mustang benefits from a powerplant upgrade to the 390-ci V-8 motor, typically found in the Ford Torino. A perfect pony car for a sunset cruise.

1990 Mercedes-Benz 250 GD 'Wolf'

Estimate: $120,000 - $135,000 USD

What does it say about our modern world that this military-grade Mercedes-Benz has become such a popular choice for urban living? With the state of the roads in most major cities, the G-Wagen has become the go-to vehicle for everything from grocery shopping to black tie events. And yet, the capability of this legendary Mercedes-Benz still offers the promise of off-road exploration. This two-door, open-top version, aptly called the 'Wolf', has been extensively restored and modified by the Expedition Motor Company of Frenchtown, New Jersey. To be considered a 'Wolf', the base G-Wagen typically started life in European military service; fitted with both a fold-down front windshield and a top that opens. The finished product is a go-anywhere vehicle, well-suited for any environment. Accordingly, purchasing a new 'Wolf' modified by EMC entails a four-month wait and a list price of $150,000. This gorgeous Sky Blue example is perhaps the most versatile automobile offered in RM Sotheby’s Sand Lots auction; prime for a Summer adventure.