Bruce Meyers did not necessarily invent the dune buggy, but compared to the often crude, cobbled-together contraptions that prowled beaches before he entered the scene, his Meyers Manx was an incredible leap forward. Introduced in 1964 and offered through 1971, the original Manx was a kit that could be assembled by an enterprising home mechanic on a modified Volkswagen Beetle chassis; its swoopy fiberglass bodywork, which inspired no small number of copycats, effectively established the modern dune buggy template and remains instantly recognizable today.

Despite its toylike appearance, the Manx was also a highly credible performer. Its simplicity and proven air-cooled underpinnings brought an inherent ruggedness, and its lightweight construction allowed the Manx to dominate the overland racing scene of the 1960s—beating trucks, motorbikes, and cars at the inaugural Baja 1000 in 1967. It is no surprise that authentic Meyers Manx examples remain sought-after by collectors today.

This Manx was built using a Meyers tub produced in March 1970, which was originally finished in Brilliant Red. It was assembled using underpinnings from a Volkswagen Beetle that was, based on its chassis number, produced in late 1961. The buggy’s subsequent history is unknown, but it was later discovered on Long Island, New York, in barn find condition—apparently still wearing its original Brilliant Red paint—and fully restored by Cobra Automotive of Wallingford, Connecticut on behalf of the consignor.

Approximately $60,000 was reportedly invested the Manx’s complete renewal. This included the fitment of a 1,914-cubic-centimeter flat-four engine by Powerhaus VW of Torrence, California, which is said to produce roughly 100 horsepower. This is mated to a Rancho Type 1 Pro Street VW Bug swing axle transaxle with 4:12 gearing. Period-appropriate touches include an EMPI trigger shifter, black-trimmed bucket seats, and American Racing Torq-Thrust wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich radial tires. As a final touch, the Manx was finished in an eye-grabbing bright green metallic.

Cobra Automotive completed the restoration 2017, after which the Manx has seen only limited use; at the time of cataloguing, the odometer displayed just 81 miles. It has been recorded in the Meyers Manx Registry and bears an associated dash plaque noting it as registry entry 0611.

Very much the symbol of an innovative and carefree era in American history, the Meyers Manx’s invitation for fun in the sun never goes out of style. This fully restored Manx, in unmissable bright green metallic, would be the perfect addition to one’s beachside summer home.