An American icon, the Manx embodies the go-anywhere, do-anything Southern California spirit of its creator, Bruce F. Meyers. Based on European underpinnings, the modified Volkswagen Beetle drivetrain and shortened frame offer a steady, reliable base for lightweight fiberglass bodywork. The combination of purpose-built, off-road ability and lightweight construction allowed the Manx to dominate the overland racing scene of the 1960s, beating out trucks, motorcycles, and cars at the inaugural Baja 1000. Aside from becoming a staple of off-road racing, it also developed a road-going pop-culture following, bolstered by its starring role in such films as Steve McQueen’s The Thomas Crown Affair.

The Manx on offer is believed to be one of the first few hundred pre-serial-number examples produced in 1968. It remains in exceptional condition after a recent no-expense-spared, frame-up restoration, following its acquisition by the owner out of New Mexico in 2016. The restoration work was conducted by a Volkswagen and Porsche specialist in North Carolina, with the spectacular results seen here.

Finished in the original shade of orange utilizing Big Daddy Roth metal flake paint, the body features a Monza-style gas cap, correct Deist headlights, and period-correct chromed Volkswagen Beetle taillights. New factory Manx exterior components include the windshield, front bumper, stainless roll bar, and Meyers Manx license-plate frame. The car rides on American Racing wheels, correctly mounted without wheel adapters, which are fitted with BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires.

The Manx is powered by a professionally built Powerhaus 100 hp, 1,914 cc horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine fitted with a progressive two-barrel Weber carburetor and an electronic distributor, emitting a very throaty exhaust note through a new stinger exhaust. The engine is mated to a heavy-duty Rancho pro-street transaxle featuring a lightened 200 mm flywheel with an EMPI short-throw shifter. The car is also fitted with Type 3 Volkswagen EMPI front disc brakes with an adjustable-ride-height front axle and factory steering dampener.

The interior features fully adjustable bucket seats, custom floor mats, and a three-spoke EMPI GT steering wheel, as well as a 120 mph ISP speedometer. An EMPI short-shifter, linked to the four-speed manual transmission, make driving enjoyable, spirited, and direct. Further solidifying the Manx’s heritage is the Meyers Manx Registry Authentication plaque #0731 fixed on the dashboard.

Most recently this dune buggy was shown at the 23rd Annual Elliot Museum Car Show in Stuart, Florida, where it took Best in Class honors for the show’s Featured Marque—Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche. Included with this Manx is its Certificate of Authenticity, signed by Bruce Meyers, as well as receipts and invoices.

Please note that this car will need to be collected by the successful bidder from the RM Sotheby’s location in Stuart, Florida. Please click on the Reliable Carriers link on this lot page for a custom shipping quote within the United States. Interested bidders are welcome to make an inspection appointment by calling +1 954 566 2209 and are also encouraged to review the digital file of documentation and Mechanical Inspection Report.