My husband, Russell, and I have had this vehicle for over 45 years. Our family has grown up with it and we’ve had thousands of trips in it. Our most favorite include the Silverton/Ouray/Lake City trails of Colorado, and the beautiful White Mountains here in AZ.
When we purchased it in 1979, it had a knock-off body on the 1966 Beetle frame. Russell did all sorts of modifications and upgrades to bring it up to his Mechanical Engineering standards. In 2002, he rebuilt the buggy using a brand new “Kick-Out” traditional kit. From purchase to delivery was about 8 months and during that time, Bruce Meyers passed away. I believe this was one of the last kits sold.
Russell was killed last October and we’ve had the buggy here since, using it occasionally to make short trips in the Prescott National Forest, just outside where we live. Our kids all drive jeeps and they don’t have the expertise or desire to do the constant tweaking to keep the buggy in good working order. That tweaking is part of the fun for a true Manx owner, I believe.
Please know that prior to his death, he had everything top notch and then beyond. We never had a breakdown or problem with the buggy during all these decades of use that couldn’t be repaired on site (sometimes the side of a remote road) with the tools and the basic spare parts we carried.
He told me randomly last summer that he’d learned that, after the rebuild, the buggy was worth about $35,000.
I confirmed that number (or possibly even higher) with the president of the U.S. Manx Club, based on the pictures and documentation I sent to him.
We’re not completely sure of all the details related to the engine size, transmission and whatever things are important to know, so some of that will have to be determined on site. We have a cousin in Southern CA who is rebuilding his grandpa’s dune buggy (1964? Original Manx) with help from Russell. Our cousin, Brad, may be able to give more specific details and would be happy to speak with a potential buyer.
We’re heartbroken to sell it but want to get it in the hands of someone who will enjoy it as we’ve done for all these years.