1 of 200: 1973 Meyers Manx SR Kit Car
Bruce Meyers set the recreational vehicle world on fire in the late 1960s with the Meyers Manx, a dune buggy kit based on a shortened Volkswagen Beetle undercarriage. That success led to the development of the Manx SR (short for street roadster) which was sold as an affordable way to get a vehicle in a similar vein as the Porsche 911 or 914. Due to some patent registration issues, no more than a couple of hundred of these little fun machines were built, including the seller’s 1973 edition. Located in Sadieville, Kentucky, this running project is available here on eBay where $3,050 is the latest bid.
The SR was designed to be a companion to Meyer’s successful Manx dune buggy. It also used a custom fiberglass body that bolted onto what was once a VW Beetle platform. The first one was built in 1970 and found itself popularized in Car & Driver magazine, where the editorial world reacted favorably to the concept and vehicle. Unlike the Manx, the SR was intended to be used on the street rather than off-road. Memorable about the design was the inclusion of doors that were hinged forward into the wedge-shaped body. It also came with a Targa-like removable roof.
Given the low production numbers and likely survival rates, it may be hard to find another SR, at least in restorable condition. This example is finished in yellow and black but needs a new paint job. The fiberglass appears to have survived intact. Everything that should be there likely is, but you’ll need to also replace the tires, do some brake work, and add new carpeting. The 1600-cc VW engine is said to be in good shape, which I construe to mean it runs (more or less).
The seller believes this is one of the last SRs built as it has square headlights (as opposed to round ones?). The odometer reads 17,000 miles but the seller thinks the vehicle has seen a lot more use in its 50 years. If you’re looking for a cool project that should result in a helluva fun ride, why not check out this rare kit car?
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Comments
Russ you did not mention this is with no reserve, or did i miss something?
I have a 62 and after spending a couple hours getting the top down I found an engineering nightmare that’s probably missing some parts it’ll be a permanent top down car as long as I own it.
These were always targa topped. The windows and the top remove; I’d be surprised if these were mounted permanently – but something to ask the seller. I had one and loved it. I’ll be watching this auction closely. And Russ is correct – this is a very late model before Meyers closed and the molds went to Karma. I think it is missing a few interior rear fender pieces to close off the engine, but it’s been a while since I’ve sold mine.
Hey Rick, the decklid fills the rear gap in the 2nd pic, unless u are talking about maybe the rear engine tin?? Which I can’t see in the 3rd pic with the engine lid upright? Never seen one myself, but I grew up on the Right, I mean, East Coast, but have driven Air cooled VWs since I learned to drive in a ’69 Beetle…I currently own a ’73 Thing and a half (’74 front clip) which is becoming a trailer…Haven’t seen a Thing on here yet?? However, that little car right there is part of the VDub Culture and would be a hell of a ride when it gets sorted! We did have a Mini T pop up on here that someone got very cheap off of Craigslist a few months ago. It was a 4 seater too! Fun little cars u could build yourself in your own garage using a donor VW Pan and your own imagination. What’s more American than that! If i weren’t saturated with projects, Id get in on this one myself!
I wrote about one of these that in the basement of a Harrisburg, PA, Volkswagen dealership that was moving due to highway construction. It was sold for a get-it-out-of-here price. And it was in better condition than most you’ll find.
Bruce Meyers told me that the design was made so that if someone tried to “splash” a mold off it like they did the Manx, the parts wouldn’t fit.
It was a hoot to drive, high on my I-want-one list. I haven’t republished the article on my website yet, but be patient. I’ll get there.
I’m guessing 1973 may refer to the Beetle donor chassis rather than the Manx SR body itself, as 5×7″ rectangular sealed-beam headlights didn’t exist until 1978, unless maybe this one had a later front “hood” panel swapped over?
Fantastic project. Get good documents, a widely accepted Bill of Sale. The fiberglass makes anything possible. Anyone catch Jay Leno having a guest who installed a 3 cylinder rotary engine? If the engine isn’t same year as the Manx body and not original to the chassis, you can do whatever you want on that. Although trying a flat 6 Porsche is a suspension and brakes can of worms. I believe the 3 cylinder rotary is about 10 more horsepower but lighter than the air cooled 4.
@RodneyWPierce no, I think there are inner wheel wells behind those wheels that are missing. I could be wrong, it’s been years since I had mine.
price is up to 16,000 with a couple of days to go!
Current Bid is 15K
SOLD for $15,300.