Beschrijving
For sale by auction on Saturday 22nd July 2023 with Historics auctions.
Registration SYL 27F
Chassis Number 1148728
Odometer reading 46478
Estimate £13000-£17000
Starting with the Meyers Manx in the early Sixties the dune buggy craze took off in America. Meyers named it Manx for its stubby tail with the engine exposed, like the breed of cat. Even the buggy's stance, low at the front and high at the rear, emulated its feline namesake. Used up Volkswagen Beetles were abundant in California and the surf culture was at its peak in the Sixties. The dune buggy epitomised the California lifestyle, and as the concept was so simple and so inviting, it spread quickly.
Registered on 6th September 1967, this striking example is presented in Subaru Blue coachwork over a blue alcantara interior. Sitting proudly on chrome wheels shod with Dunlop Radial G/ T tyres at the rear the beach buggy looks fantastic. Previously the subject of a restoration which included a respray in Subaru Blue paintwork as you see it today, the interior was also renewed in alcantara, with wool carpets and Corbeau bucket seats, and a desirable rebuilt 1600cc Volkswagen engine was sourced and fitted, together with a new carburettor. The 1600cc engine makes this a very quick example indeed and it's reported by the vendor to sound fantastic when on song! Having been stored and used occasionally in the past few years some light recommissioning may be required. On our recent inspection the Beach Buggy fired up on first turn and gleamed in the summer sun. The paintwork is showing some age related blemishes but still retains a deep shine and the interior and Corbeau seats are well. The history file accompanying the car contains various sundry bills from Volkswagen specialists, old registration documents, the current UK V5C registration document confirming its registered as a Historic vehicle (making it tax and Mot exempt), along with a written log of the previous restoration work. Very sensibly estimated, this real one-off, short wheelbase example offers huge amounts of fun for its new owner and we expect it will be keenly contested at auction.
