1970 Meyers Manx Dune Buggy

Summary

The Meyers Manx was a famous model of the dune buggies first built for use on the beaches of California. Less than $1,000 bought a fiberglass body, windshield, and hood. Buyers supplied the rest from a used Volkswagen Beetle, plus the labor to assemble the parts. A teenager from Birmingham, Michigan, built this one with his grandfather.

The Meyers Manx was a famous model of the dune buggies first built for use on the beaches of California. Less than $1,000 bought a fiberglass body, windshield, and hood. Buyers supplied the rest from a used Volkswagen Beetle, plus the labor to assemble the parts. A teenager from Birmingham, Michigan, built this one with his grandfather.

Artifact

Dune buggy

Date Made

1970

Creators

Meyers Manx, Inc. 

Van de Grift, David 

Volkswagenwerk 

Place of Creation

Germany, Wolfsburg 

United States, California, Fountain Valley 

United States, Michigan, Birmingham 

Creator Notes

Made from a Meyers Manx, Inc., kit using a Volkswagen chassis, assembled by David Van de Grift in Birmingham, Michigan.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

90.120.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of David Van de Grift.

Material

Metal
Fiberglass
Glass (Material)
Rubber (Material)
Chromium

Technique

Homemade

Color

Black (Color)
White (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 53 in

Width: 54 in

Length: 128 in

Specifications

Make & Model: 1970 Meyers Manx Dune Buggy

Maker: B.F. Meyers & Company, Fountain Valley, California

Engine: Horizontally opposed 4, overhead valves, 73 cubic inches

Transmission: 4-speed manual

Height: 53 inches

Wheelbase: 80.5 inches

Width: 54 inches

Overall length: 128 inches

Weight: 1200 pounds

Horsepower: 65

Pounds per horsepower: 18.5

Price: $875 for an unassembled kit

Average 1970 wage: $10,817

Time you'd work to buy this car: about 1 month

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