1970 Meyers Manx Dune Buggy

01

Artifact Overview

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, a windshield and a 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 Details

Artifact

Dune buggy

Date Made

1970

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
1970 Meyers Manx Dune Buggy