1965 Meyers Manx Beach Buggy

Bruce Meyers was a boat builder in Fountain Valley, California, who, in the early 1960s, combined his knowledge and expertise with fiberglass and off-road desert racing to build the Meyers Manx Beach Buggy. A kit car in essence, the fiberglass body was mounted to a shortened VW Beatle chassis, using all standard brakes, suspension, steering, etc. It was cheap to build and plentiful in the fun department, epitomizing the California beach life of Venice and Malibu.

Meyers gained invaluable publicity, however, when in 1967, driving a Manx, he beat the motorcycle record for the grueling Baja 1000 in Mexico, this proving the offroad capabilities of the car. A week later, a Meyers Manx featured on the cover of the April 1967 edition of Car and Driver. Almost overnight the company’s order book exploded with business.

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 motorcar offered

The Meyers Manx on offer here is based on a shortened 1965 VW floor pan. Originally purchased in 1971 by a car dealer father as a project for he and his son, the car was built up, but remained unfinished and unused in the corner of the warehouse until liberated in 2022. It was hauled back to our workshop in Ventura, California to enjoy a quick recommissioning. But then the project unraveled. The engine seemed to be beyond repair, so a freshly built 1600cc was purchased and mounted, attached to a fully serviced gearbox through a new clutch. Brakes were overhauled with new drums, shoes, etc. Suspension was gone through, and new shocks installed. Steering box replaced and new bushings added. A brand-new wiring harness was fitted with new LED taillights, indicators, etc. A rear seat was custom made to match the new front seat covers. A quality carpet was custom made and installed. Deep dish standard-looking rims were powder coated in a gunmetal grey and shod with BF Goodrich tires.

The result is a California Dream in bright yellow that starts easily and drives superbly with surprising pep. It is a blast and garners attention wherever you go.