Vehicle Description
This 1972 Volkswagen dune buggy is the automobile distilled into
pure fun. Sure, it's still transportation, but this car was built
to put a big grin on your face and nothing else. It offers lots of
recent work, so it's not only great looking but also ready to
enjoy.
We can all but guarantee you'll be the only guy tooling around in
one of these even though the look is instantly familiar. It is a
Meyers Manx, which is the original VW dune buggy, although this is
strictly a 2-seater thanks to the big stereo speaker box in the
rear deck area. The look is familiar, of course, and the whole
design is very professional and well-executed so nothing looks
sub-standard. Repainted two years ago, the fiberglass is in good
condition with no major signs of age and that brilliant green paint
offers a great gloss that's quite appropriate to something of this
vintage. This is motoring distilled down to its barest essence, so
there isn't much chrome, but it does have a bunch of lights up
front and that big, upright windshield that is framed by the
built-in roll cage. In back, the VW Beetle engine and its wild
exhaust system becomes an integral part of the overall look and
it's fascinating to watch this sucker run down the road.
More minimalism inside where fresh Procar bucket seats and RJS
harnesses keep you in place. The vinyl upholstery wears well and is
weather-resistant enough for its alfresco duties in the open VW.
Hop over the side of the tub and it's easy to settle in behind the
wheel and you'll find that the driving position is more early
British roadster than German economy car, and with those big
pontoon fenders out there, you can clip apexes more easily than you
ever thought possible. Creature comforts are few and that's
entirely the point here; anything that wasn't necessary for the job
of having fun was omitted. That means no windshield wipers, no
heater, no windows, but it does have that kickin' stereo system
that works well even when you're screaming along the beaches. The
VW's original gauge pod is joined by a Sun Super Tach, as well as a
Grant GT steering wheel and a toggle switch for the headlights.
Sisal floor coverings are institutional and easy to maintain, which
is this car's mantra.
VW's air-cooled flat four needs no introduction, and this 1600 cc
unit provides plenty of power for the flyweight dune buggy. Painted
bright green to match the bodywork, the engine is mostly stock to
keep it reliable, although it's nicely dressed with a bit of
chrome. The exotic exhaust system is from EMPI and includes the
standard muffler shown here as well as a stack setup for really
running off-road. The Beetle's 4-speed manual transmission and
floor pan made the transition intact and with the low center of
gravity, handling is adept. Obviously this was never someone's
winter beater, so the underside remains in very good order with no
glaring trouble spots. Lots of finned aluminum helps with the
air-cooled engine at seed and you'll undoubtedly find that this car
loves to play. The suspension, transmission, and rear differential
were rebuilt and the undercarriage is protected with a light
dusting of undercoating so you don't have to worry about going into
the rough. Simple steel wheels with baby moon hubcaps are the ideal
'60s look on a Manx and carry sharply staggered 175/65/15 front and
235/70/15 rear blackwall radials.
A party on wheels, this VW dune buggy recalls an era when the Beach
Boys were on the radio and cars were all about having fun. Call
today!