To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' London
event, 24 October 2019.
Estimate:
£35,000 - £45,000
- Proceeds will be donated in support of Trillion Trees
- More than $70,000 spent on a high-quality restoration
- Unique car ready for sand dunes or the school run
An American icon, the Manx continues to embody the go-anywhere,
do-anything spirit of its creator, Bruce Meyers. Based on European
underpinnings, the modified Volkswagen Beetle drivetrain and frame,
which was shortened by almost 37 cm, offer a steady, reliable base
for lightweight fibreglass bodywork. The combination of
purpose-built off-road ability and lightweight construction allowed
the Manx to dominate the overland racing scene of the 1960s,
beating trucks, motorbikes, and cars at the inaugural Baja
1000.
The Manx on offer is a 1970 model and is presented in exceptional
condition, thanks to an incredibly thorough restoration, which cost
in excess of $60,000. The end result is worthy of such an
investment, as this surely remains one of the highest-quality
Manxes available.
Mounted behind the rear axle is an oversized 1,915 cc, horizontally
opposed four-cylinder engine, recently built by air-cooled VW
specialists FAT Performance of Southern California. Modifications
include a mild Engle 100 cam, Sachs performance clutch, two
dual-barrel 40IDF carburettors, and a custom muffler mounted to the
original sidewinder exhaust, which makes for an exceptional sound
to match the outlandish design.
The spectacular metallic orange finish stays true to the brightly
coloured Manxes of the period. Manx bumpers, custom mirrors, and
custom-fitted front and rear seats complete the aesthetic.
Additionally, specially fabricated Volkswagen wheels, 14 inches up
front and 15 inches at the rear, round off the classic look of this
all-purpose car. A three-spoke EMPI steering wheel and original
Gene Berg short-shifter, linked to a four-speed rancho
transmission, make driving great fun. The EMPI skid plate, sand
seal-protected flywheel, and seat belts for all passengers mean
that this buggy is ready to blast through the dunes, while the
wiring for lights makes the Manx perfectly usable on the road, too.
This stunning Manx is truly a car for all environments. To view
this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please
visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/lf19.