Car Spot: Radial Meyers Manx

1 of just 6 built

My day as a volunteer at EAA’s AirVenture in Oshkosh has me leaving from Camp Scholler, taking me by the main gate, and on to KidVenture where I give kids a chance to fly a radio control airplane. Well, one day, out of the corner of my eye, I see this dune buggy shining in the sun. So I stop, park illegally while I grab some pictures. It turns out it’s more than just a dune buggy, it’s a Meyers Manx Radial Motion 2-seat Buggy and just one of six being auctioned off to raise funds for EAA programs.

The crowd that attends this event is well-healed, so something like this was a great idea because it combines something aviation-related into a fun toy. Let’s be honest, that’s all it really is, and a very cool one.

Meyers Manx and dune buggy are almost like Kleenex and tissue, one in the same. Designed and marketed by California engineer, artist, boat builder, and surfer Bruce F. Meyers and manufactured by his Fountain Valley, California company from 1964 to 1971. It’s a day at the beach or running on the dunes. Its basis is the VW Beetle and immediately began dominating dune racing and breaking records, and was eventually also released in on-road models.

Ok, so let’s start on the outside with the engine. Originally designed for sport aircraft, this three-cylinder motor, named the Radial Motion engine, generates more than double the power of an original Volkswagen powerplant, and originally designed for sport aircraft, highlighting a connection between the classic dune buggy and aviation engineering principles. The radial engine’s aviation heritage is evident in its distinctive exhaust note and robust performance. I never did get a chance to hear it. Mated with a 4-speed gearbox, have no problem accelerating to highway speeds.

Now let’s hop inside, and it’s clear that this is not your typical Meyers Manx because it features woven leather seats, combining rugged durability with refined comfort. The aviation-inspired gauges further enhance the vehicle’s unique character, providing drivers with a cockpit-like experience.

Alright, now for the ouch part. The lowest recorded sale price was $15,000 for a Meyers Manx on Dec 11, 2023. The average price of a Meyers Manx is $35,101. This one, if you were one of the lucky ones who hopped on it early, would have paid $120,000! That’s one expensive day at the beach, but it would no doubt impress your airplane buddies.

I’m still going through AirVenture withdrawals. Every day, the sound of radial piston engines and roaring jets filled the air. Now, quiet, too quiet. Friends ask me what the coolest things and really, everything is cool. I do have two memories that will stand out. Daughter Meg got me into the tower, where we watched a portion of the daily airshow. I was also surprised and honored for my 15 years of volunteering at AirVenture with this challenge coin. If you’ve never been, you must, even just for a day. You don’t even have to be an aviation geek like Meg and I are. So will I run into you next year?

Thanks for stopping by and checking out this week’s spot. Come back next Sunday for a story about a car that highlights the uniqueness of American Motors, which I saw at this year’s Kenosha Homecoming Car Show. Have a great week ahead.