The Volkswagen powered dune buggy became an instant hit when first offered by Bruce Meyers as the Manx. You simply shorten the Beetle chassis and incorporate a small, curvaceous fiberglass body, sporty wheels, and custom touches throughout, and you have a perfect, California beach cruiser! It was so popular, many manufacturers joined in on production, including Sears Roebuck & Co, EMPI, and even Kellison Inc. All were unique styled with similar appeal, and owners found them super easy to assemble and maintain.
Offered here is a 1974 Volkswagen Dune Buggy with a sporty Lancer body by Berrien finished in a Bright Yellow gelcoat over a 2-seater passenger compartment with rear jump seat configuration. The Lancer features a special shaped hood, slightly raised fenders, and an extended rear deck with a removable engine cover. This example is further enhanced with optional flat sidepods in matching yellow for a more finished presentation.
The chassis features a floor pan shortened 14.5" for an 80" wheelbase, shared with the original Meyers Manx styling it resembles, while keeping the Volkswagen front beam axle and swing axle rear suspension. Powering this Lancer dune buggy is a 1971 AE-coded air-cooled 1600cc Horizontal 4-cylinder dual port engine with PICT 34 carburetion. Factory rated at 60 horsepower, it provides ample motivation to this lightweight platform, shifted through a 4-speed transmission, and breathing out of a performance exhaust system. Having the VW fully independent front and rear torsion bar suspension system really allows these small vehicles to be quite agile and responsive for all road conditions.
This special example was built by a Kansas City enthusiast in 2008 on a 1974 Volkswagen chassis in which it remains titled. The entire suspension, fuel delivery system, braking system, and 12-volt wiring were all new or rebuilt during the process. It now incorporates LED rear lights and turn signals, while retaining traditional chrome front end headlights and turn signals. A show bar and full buggy windshield bring the entire presentation together, riding on 5-lug alloy wheels with Continental 225/75R15 radial tires. We elected to replace all four KYB shocks, brake hoses, brake wheel cylinders, flush the brake system, rebuild the carburetor, change the engine oil, and install a new battery upon arrival to the museum. A superb running and driving dune buggy, and a real head turner when out on and streets! Act quickly on this one!
