The world of vintage Volkswagens, Porsches, and Audis is closely interwoven, especially in the early days of each company. While the brands are all very separate today in terms of their respective marketing budgets and targeted clientele, this wasn’t always the case, and therefore it wasn’t against the rules to raid one parts bin or another. This 1970 Meyers Manxter 2+2 here on eBay features a Porsche 356 engine and other upgrades, and has attracted bids to just over $7,000 with the reserve unmet.

The Meyers Manx is perhaps one of the most famous aftermarket creations ever made, with near-instant recognition from enthusiasts of every stripe. These were happy machines, built for bounding over sand dunes and indulging all manners of exploits that were simply impossible in more conventional vehicles. And while upgrades were always possible, those enhancements were typically reserved for increasing the dune buggy’s prowess in the sand dunes.

The seller notes that this Manx was owned by a long-time German car enthusiast, so it should come as no surprise that it sports a variety of upgrades, including an engine sourced from a Porsche 356A. But the enhancements don’t stop there, with the seller noting that it also has four-wheel disc brakes and a spin-on oil filter, and the body sports front and rear bumpers, skid plate, front/rear seat belts, full lighting, and wipers, making it totally usable as a street-legal buggy.

The idea of being able to drive this Manx on the street is perhaps it’s most compelling feature, outside of the engine transplant. Too often, buggys like these have shortcomings that limit their potential enjoyment on-road or off, so to buy one that has clearly been put together with the intent to enjoy it within multiple environments is compelling. What I’m most curious about, however, is whether the engine number on that 356 mill corresponds to a car someone is restoring and desperate to find the original, matching engine for.