By Dean Larson

Meyers Manx owners do not mess around when it comes to what’s a Manx, and what’s not. Hop on any forum thread or group conversation, and you’ll find a well-rehearsed checklist off all the peculiarities that should be present on the Meyers Manx. That brings us to this 1967 “Manx-style” buggy for sale on eBay. The seller claims that many of the big-ticket items point to this being an undocumented Manx, but the buggy community is quick to point out several inconsistencies. At the end of the day, the seller has buggy that requires a hyphen in the listing title, and a discounted price tag. But all this hair-splitting aside, I love this damn buggy.

All the mechanical and cosmetic details seem pretty straight on the buggy. A 1967 VW beetle gave up its chassis, single-carb 1,600cc engine, four-speed transaxle and other details to bring this buggy to life. The seller has also recently performed some maintenance and upgrades including a front disc brake upgrade, new carburetor, exhaust, lights and wiring.

One detail that particularly sticks out, (pun intended) is the wheel and tire selection on this buggy. I don’t know that I’ve ever met a set of slot mag wheels I didn’t like, and this buggy is no exception. The skinny mags up front look right, but the front rubber leaves you wanting a bit when compared to the rear. The extra deep slots on the rear are wrapped in a very unconventional tire choice. Initially, the rear tires looked so right on the Manx that I assumed them to be an appropriate vintage tire style. But when you run the numbers, you’ll find that it’s actually a Firestone farm and implement tire.

This will likely divide opinions, but I think the tires look phenomenal on the buggy. While they don’t look particularly well suited for the sand, the large balloon tires look unlike anything you see today and give the Manx even more ’70s rake.

But like all good things, there is a downside, and this one is punctuated with an ‘F.’ Digging deep, it’s apparent that these balloons are rated load range F, one step further than the tires on my 3/4-ton pickup. Surely the owner doesn’t have the tires inflated anywhere near their 95 psi maximum load pressure, but either way, a 12-ply tire probably rides a bit rough on a 1,300 pound buggy.

While we’re bad-mouthing this beautiful beach cruiser, we should probably discuss some concerns about its pedigree. The seller believes the buggy to be an authentic Manx, and it does look the part. Unfortunately, only two holes remain where the original data tag should be. Otherwise, the seller states that the buggy matches up in measurements to a verified Manx and has the required raised fiberglass section beneath the hood logo. But potential buyers were quick to raise questions about the painted dash (most authentic Manxs have a separate black dash) and the rear license plate area.

Whether the buggy is the real McCoy or a well-done tribute won’t matter much after the sale though. By the look of the underside, this buggy has been enjoyed off-road and should continue to be used as a fun driver. And how can you argue with the slot mags and that orange metal flake finish?

Unfortunately, this minor identity crisis has given the seller some difficulty selling the buggy. It was first advertised on BringaTrailer.com back in November, where it was bid up to $8,750 but went unsold. Seemingly with lower expectations, the seller then advertised the buggy on eBay with a $8,500 price tag, where it also went unsold.

Would you take the plunge on an unverified Manx? Give us your take in the comments below.