Unicorn Dune Buggy! 1969 Meyers Tow’d
You’re looking at a rare ride! This kit car is from Meyers. You might be familiar with their most popular model, the Manx. Meyers manufactured other bodies meant for VWs, too. This is one of fewer than 900 ever made, called the Meyers Tow’d. A good friend owned one, so I’ve had the privilege of riding in one of these many times. Find this 1969 Meyers Tow’d, available in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho for only $7,500.
A little context might be helpful. In the 1960s and early 1970s the roads of America were filled with Volkswagen products, the vast majority of these were Type 1 cars, also known as Beetles. It did not take long for people to realize that the fenders, hood, and engine cover were easily unbolted. Larger wheels and tires could be fitted, too. These machines were lightweight, and with the majority of the weight over the drive axles, they conquered the tops of sand dunes while other four-wheeled vehicles were still mired at the bottom. These cars became known as Baja bugs. The next step in the progression was to completely remove the steel body from the chassis and add a custom fiberglass tub. Various companies produced these fiberglass bodies for Volkswagen Beetles, and Meyers was no exception. Most of their products were larger and marketed as the Meyers Manx. A production run of a towable small dune buggy was also made. Because it was meant to be towed it was called the tow’d and was also known as the toad.
This example presents very well and looks to be in excellent condition. It appears to have had a six-point roll bar added at some point. Because all four tires are the same size, a spare provides cheap insurance in case of a flat. The spare is located up top. The seller provides a thorough description and is likely an enthusiast. The seller also claims that this Tow’d still has its original orange factory gel coat.
This qualifies as a “no frills” vehicle. It is more suited for off-roading than around-town driving. Rather than listing all the amenities it doesn’t have, it is quicker to list the handful of features it has. It has steering. It has brakes. It has headlights. It appears to retain a few of the VW gauges that a Type 1 came with. It has no windshield wipers, but it does have a windshield! Remember that simplicity can translate into reliability. There are fewer things to break. Is this Bug in your future? Get it while it is still summertime! Find it here on craigslist.
Comments
Keep your arms inside ….
Wouldn’t be good in Florida without wipers as it rains (some) almost every day. Although often all one has to do is wait 15 minutes and the rain is gone.
That front end kinda looks like Jar Jar Binks ….
strange.
The 1 I liked the most came near the end of his ‘run’. It was more enclosed than the others (course removable for “Wheelin”) and looked euro-sporty. Back to my multi-purpose interests again I guess.
(Not sure if this is the one as it’s been EVed) https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a40847634/meyers-manx-20-electric-revealed/
Course the nissan pulsar hit a good spot for me (3 in one):
https://www.carscoops.com/2023/11/nissans-modular-pulsar-sportbak-was-a-coupe-wagon-and-pickup-in-one/
Still small which I like – BRAT, ‘60s ranchero, dodge rampage (’82/4), vedub p/u (esp diesel motor), some Zukis…
Junk’d
Looks like the one I built in 1968 only mine did not have such a hideous windshield.
Sweet ride! I’m 79 but feel younger than the other commenters so far…
Although I’ve never seen one in person, I’ve heard of the Myers Manx. I’ve never heard of the Towd.