Volkswagen Beach Buggy 1600 CC 1972
General description :
REAL MEYER MANX, FULL FRAME-OFF RESTO, STRONG 1600 CC, 4-SPEED, COOLEST BUGGY!!
This 1972 Volkswagen dune buggy is the automobile distilled into pure fun. Sure, it's still transportation, but this car was built to put a big grin on your face and nothing else. It offers lots of recent work, so it's not only great looking but also ready to enjoy.
We can all but guarantee you'll be the only guy tooling around in one of these even though the look is instantly familiar. It is a Meyers Manx, which is the original VW dune buggy, although this is strictly a 2-seater thanks to the big stereo speaker box in the rear deck area. The look is familiar, of course, and the whole design is very professional and well-executed so nothing looks sub-standard. Repainted two years ago, the fiberglass is in good condition with no major signs of age and that brilliant green paint offers a great gloss that's quite appropriate to something of this vintage. This is motoring distilled down to its barest essence, so there isn't much chrome, but it does have a bunch of lights up front and that big, upright windshield that is framed by the built-in roll cage. In back, the VW Beetle engine and its wild exhaust system becomes an integral part of the overall look and it's fascinating to watch this sucker run down the road.
More minimalism inside where fresh Procar bucket seats and RJS harnesses keep you in place. The vinyl upholstery wears well and is weather-resistant enough for its alfresco duties in the open VW. Hop over the side of the tub and it's easy to settle in behind the wheel and you'll find that the driving position is more early British roadster than German economy car, and with those big pontoon fenders out there, you can clip apexes more easily than you ever thought possible. Creature comforts are few and that's entirely the point here; anything that wasn't necessary for the job of having fun was omitted. That means no windshield wipers, no heater, no windows, but it does have that kickin' stereo system that works well even when you're screaming along the beaches. The VW's original gauge pod is joined by a Sun Super Tach, as well as a Grant GT steering wheel and a toggle switch for the headlights. Sisal floor coverings are institutional and easy to maintain, which is this car's mantra.
VW's air-cooled flat four needs no introduction, and this 1600 cc unit provides plenty of power for the flyweight dune buggy. Painted bright green to match the bodywork, the engine is mostly stock to keep it reliable, although it's nicely dressed with a bit of chrome. The exotic exhaust system is from EMPI and includes the standard muffler shown here as well as a stack setup for really running off-road. The Beetle's 4-speed manual transmission and floor pan made the transition intact and with the low center of gravity, handling is adept. Obviously this was never someone's winter beater, so the underside remains in very good order with no glaring trouble spots. Lots of finned aluminum helps with the air-cooled engine at seed and you'll undoubtedly find that this car loves to play. The suspension, transmission, and rear differential were rebuilt and the undercarriage is protected with a light dusting of undercoating so you don't have to worry about going into the rough. Simple steel wheels with baby moon hubcaps are the ideal '60s look on a Manx and carry sharply staggered 175/65/15 front and 235/70/15 rear blackwall radials.
A party on wheels, this VW dune buggy recalls an era when the Beach Boys were on the radio and cars were all about having fun. Call today!
Features : Seatbelts, Vinyl Interior, AM/FM Radio
https://www.streetsideclassics.com/vehicles/4466-atl/1972-volkswagen-dune-buggy-meyers-manx
1972 Volkswagen Beach Buggy 1600 CC is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Lithia Springs by Streetside Classics for $29995.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Volkswagen Model : Beach Buggy Model Version : 1600 CC Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1972 Sub type : Convertible Location : Atlanta
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About Volkswagen
The Volkswagen story is indeed an intriguing tale of innovation, resilience, and post-war revival, marked by various models that have become iconic in automotive history.The People's Car (Volkswagen): Initially envisioned by Adolf Hitler in the 1930s as a "people's car" or "Volkswagen" in German, the idea was to create an affordable and practical vehicle for the German people. This concept led to the development of the Volkswagen Beetle (or the Type 1), designed by Ferdinand Porsche.
Post-War Challenges: After World War II, Volkswagen faced significant challenges. The factory was heavily damaged, and the brand's association with the Nazi regime led to a lack of interest in the car in some regions.
British Intervention - The British Army & Ivan Hirst: The British Army took control of the factory in the immediate post-war period. Major Ivan Hirst, a British Army officer, played a crucial role in reviving Volkswagen. He recognized the potential of the Beetle and advocated for its production, convincing the British military to order several thousand cars. This decision helped jumpstart the brand's revival.
Export Success and the Beetle's Global Appeal: The Beetle gained popularity not only in Germany but also globally, becoming an icon of affordable motoring. Its simple, reliable design and unique appearance made it a favorite among consumers worldwide.
Model Evolution: Over the years, Volkswagen introduced various models alongside the Beetle, each contributing to the brand's growth:
Type 2 (VW Bus or Transporter): Introduced in the 1950s, it became an iconic symbol of the hippie movement in the 1960s, loved for its spaciousness and versatility.
Golf (Rabbit in the U.S.): Launched in the mid-1970s, the Golf (or Rabbit in the U.S.) marked a shift towards front-wheel-drive, modern design, and hatchback practicality, becoming a cornerstone of the brand's success.
Passat, Jetta, and Other Models: Volkswagen expanded its lineup with models like the Passat and Jetta, catering to different market segments.
Challenges and Innovations: Despite success, Volkswagen faced challenges, including quality issues in the 1970s. However, the brand continued to innovate and develop new models and technologies.
Rise of the GTI and Global Expansion: The 1980s saw the rise of the iconic Golf GTI, a high-performance version that sparked the hot hatch trend. Volkswagen also expanded its global presence during this period.
The British intervention in reviving Volkswagen after World War II played a pivotal role in the brand's resurgence. While there might have been some tensions or competition among automotive companies in the 1950s and 1960s due to Volkswagen's post-war success, the brand's ability to produce innovative and popular models solidified its place in automotive history.