1963 Meyers Manx

Description

Inspired by the growing Dune Buggy and off-road craze in Southern California, Bruce F. Meyers—an engineer, artist, boat builder, and avid surfer—created the Meyers Manx. The very first model, affectionately named “Old Red,” was hand-built by Meyers in his Newport Beach garage between late 1963 and May 1964. This innovative vehicle was constructed on a shortened Volkswagen Beetle chassis and featured an innovative lightweight one-piece fiberglass body with integrated fenders. The result was a nimble, fun, and rugged buggy that could handle sand dunes, desert terrain, and beach cruising with ease. 

Named after the nimble, tailless Manx cat—also featured in its logo—the Manx gained fame after winning the 1967 Mexican 1000, defeating motorcycles, trucks, and other cars. It appeared on the cover of Hot Rod and Car and Driver, and it even earned a starring role in The Thomas Crown Affair driven by Steve McQueen. 

Approximately 5,200 original Meyers Manx kits were manufactured. However, the design’s popularity inspired a wave of imitations, with over 300 companies copying the Manx in one form or another. Despite Bruce Meyers’ efforts to protect his creation, he and his company ultimately lost the legal battles against the imitators.  This one, however, is a true Meyers Manx, authenticated by the Meyers Manx Registry. 

Highlights 

• Genuine Meyers Manx with registry authentication number 1238 

• Finished in metallic gold over tan upholstery 

• Volkswagen air-cooled 1,776cc flat-four equipped with dual Solex carburetors 

• Four-speed manual transaxle 

Features 

• 15-inch staggered-width wheels 

• Chrome front nudge bar 

• Dual side-view mirrors 

• LED headlights 

• Chrome roll bar 

• Front disc brakes 

• Updated wiring harness 

• Xenon headlights and updated taillights  

• Chrome coil-overs throughout (added after photos) 

• Porsche 914 driver and passenger seats 

Known Imperfections 

• Cracked fiberglass around the license plate 

• The gauge cluster was changed to an original refurbished set at zero miles

• Slight scratches inside the tub of the fiberglass in the rear passenger right side  

Included 

• Certificate of Authenticity signed by Bruce and Winnie Meyers 

Ownership History 

This Meyers Manx carries registry authentication number 1238 and was acquired by the seller in 2001, “after which the vehicle was refurbished, including repainting the fiberglass body, reupholstering the interior, and replacing engine, braking, and suspension components. The gauges and dashboard were replaced or refurbished back to factory standard. The car's entire wiring system was replaced to bring it up to modern standards with additional availability for many add-ons if wanted,” the consignor states.