By Dean Larson

Photos: Seller, BringaTrailer.com

It’s important to choose your words carefully with Manx people, clearly stating whether you have an original Meyers Manx or something that is not an original Meyers Manx. Most of the time, there are no answers in between, but this Manx up for auction on BringaTrailer.com threw us for a loop. While this VW platform has been a Manx buggy most of its life, it’s recently been fit with a new continuation body, and the seller was a little less than up front about it. While a vintage Manx restored to this level would surely bring outrageous money, the current bid on this buggy is exceeding values for original Manxs, thanks to its perfected period-correct aesthetics.

Listed under the title “1966 Meyers Manx Re-Creation,” you’d assume this buggy was a fresh conversion, or possibly not even a Manx at all. But read further into the ad and you’ll find references to body, paint and interior restoration work, and a few references to an original ’60s Manx body (which have now been edited). The seller provided photos of the certification paperwork signed by Bruce Meyers, but without a photo of the data tag, the truth wasn’t clear.

Heavily prompted by commenters, the seller finally posted photos of the data tag and rear seat area, which clearly identify it as a newer Meyers Manx body. He also clarified in the comment section at that time, that the 1966 VW Beetle was converted into a buggy back in the late ’60s, but the original body was too far gone, so a new Manx tub was sourced in a recent restoration. Interestingly, the Manx is one of those rare instances where the real value came from the body, instead of the information on the title, putting this buggy in a gray area of originality. If we were nitpicking (which we sort of are), we'd question if the VW pan was originally fitted with a Manx body, or one of the numerous other beach buggy bodies.

But clearly that doesn’t seem to matter much, as bidding has reached $22,000 with one day remaining in the auction. We’ve seen original ’60s Manx buggies sell for half that, suggesting that it’s the excellent period-correct restoration that’s driving the bidding here.

At first glance, your eyes are directed to the wheels, which are widened 15 by 6-inch Beetle wheels up front, and 15 by 8-inch steelies in the rear from DeepVeez. Period correct rubber does even more for the eyes, consisting of Mickey Thompson Mini Mags up front (which you can find here at Jegs), and STA Super Traxion tires on the rear (which are available here at Jegs as well).

The buggy also features some fresh chrome bits and interior items to complete its image. Dietz headlights, Lucas indicators and a Delswift driver’s mirror compliment the exterior, along with Beetle taillights a new front bumper. The interior sports a new Beetle steering wheel, along with a chrome roll bar and copper Hurst shifter. The dash panel has been blessed by the man, himself, Bruce Meyers.

As the current bid crests $22,000 on the buggy, we feel there are a couple takeaways. For one, don’t mince words with Manx owners, as they’ve studied the genuine articles enough to get to the bottom of any fiberglass buggy. And also, nostalgia sells, as this throwback-themed buggy (which reminds us quite a bit of Meyer’s first beach buggy, Old Red) brings in strong money — even for a Manx.

Check out the auction here at BringaTrailer.com.