Meyers Manx Build

THE MANX 2 STORY

Few vehicles share the timeless beauty of the Meyers Manx. Watching it on a turn table will not produce a single bad angle. Its smooth curves are almost organic. As an artist, Bruce Meyers created one of the most iconic and copied automobiles of all time.

This example is the Manx 2. It was originally built in late 1969 or early 1970. It sits on its original 1963 pan. It is titled and insured in Ohio as a mileage exempt 1963 Volkswagon Manx. It differs from the Manx 1 in that the area under the rear seat is flat. The Manx 1 had provisions for a spare tire and battery box. The Manx 2 had this area removed to accommodate the change Volkswagen made in 1968 to the rear suspension of the donor platform. Meyers also changed the dash by integrally molding it to be one with the hood. The later changes also streamlined the production process, allowing the Manx to remain competitive with the ever increasing number of cheap copies being made. Rough production numbers on the Manx 1 are 5200 and on the Manx 2 about 300. The two are outwardly the same except for aforementioned differences.

As the builder of this machine, a dominating goal was to produce a traditional looking car that retained all the inherent qualities of its original design. We started out with extensive research of early buggy photos along with Meyers Manx catalogs and advertising. Then by utilizing as many “period correct” parts as possible, the car retains its survivor aura. That said, many subtle changes and upgrades bring it to the level you see today. The attention to detail is of museum quality throughout. Wherever possible, original type parts were used. Examples include the Monza fuel cap, period correct wheels and tires along with the Meyers supplied stainless roll bar and Sidewinder exhaust. The front bumper is also correctly styled of stainless and mounted as original and not a clamp on which is common on many new builds. This car also has numerous, albeit subtle changes that are not individually perceivable. They do, however, collectively refine the natural beauty of the design. This is why when looking at two very similar buggies with the same wheels, tires and color leaves one looking, distinctly, if not remarkably better than the other. Who’d of thought?

The pan was completely refurbished, thereby eliminating all the extra ”old build” mounting holes and imperfections. The center spine was skinned for strength and pans were replaced. The original molded in channel on the rockers was replaced with rectangle tubing making a much better fit to the body and also a rock solid platform as a base. The rear mounting area of the original pan was raised 5/8” to allow clearance for the dual IDF carburetors. Bodies are often cut for this reason. The added rake to the body also adds a slightly more aggressive stance without changing ride height. Both front and rear suspensions are adjustable to allow for individual preference and to keep the rear swing axle camber in check. Custom front disc and rear drum brakes eliminate the need for weak wheel adapters and also tuck the tires into the body for a more original look. The seat platforms were custom water jet cut. They are lowered two inches and utilize the original seat slides, locks and floor rails. This adds to the cars sleek appearance. Finally, the pan was put on a frame machine to assure accuracy, then sand blasted, primed and completely coated with bed liner.

The body was completely and correctly gone over with a fine tooth comb. All mounting holes, cracks and imperfections were repaired both top and bottom. The bottom was finished as well as the top and then gel coated black when done. This car would do well at a car show even if it were displayed upside down. Careful attention to windshield angle has always been one of my pet peeves as this is one of the first things that can look wrong on a Manx. The dark red metal flake finish is stunning and changes appearance according to the lighting as the pictures show.

Very few of these kits were ordered with a top. However, several options were available at the time. This top is made of Sunbrella canvas. Typically used on boats, it is very durable and long lasting. Styling on the top sticks to the original design but the unsightly bows were eliminated, keeping it clean when going topless. The side curtains also afford a certain amount of weather ability. The rarely added Tonneau cover makes a nice storage area when traveling. Logan Upholstery was Bruce Meyers supplier of choice. They designed and made the interiors for these buggies. This interior copies the Logan design patterns right down to the correct number of pleats in the seats. Another feature not available back then is the interior side panels. They are designed to compliment the original styled upholstery and add much needed side pockets to the equation.

 Two “under seat” snap in packs include roadside tools and a tire repair kit with inflator. Also included in the packs are common replacement parts such as cables, points and tow strap. This Manx is ready for the long haul.

Exterior lighting is traditional early VW with the rear being re-chromed originals. Gauges include a GPS speedometer, oil pressure, voltage, fuel and tack. All work properly. It also has low oil pressure and voltage lights along with turn signal and bright indicators. The Tach also has a programmable “shift light” but is not programmed or needed in my opinion. Original Black Lucas “old style” paddle switches compliment the polished aluminum and burl wood dash. While building the dash, I wanted a radio but did not like the idea of any modern looking parts on this car. The solution was to hide the speakers under the dash and make the radio fold up out of sight. A 1” conduit tube was installed through the center tunnel. This is where all wiring travels fore and aft. This both protects and hides the wiring eliminating the unsightly bird’s nests common among many builds.

The suspension is all new including steering box, tie rods and ends, steering damper, bushings, seals, zerts, ect. Link and king pins were also rebuilt. All break hardware and parts are new along with master cylinder and all lines.

The 1776cc. engine was a complete rebuild utilizing new cylinders, pistons, rods, heads ect. It is a dual relief block with an added free flow high capacity oil pump and filter. It has been balanced and has a Crower performance cam. The dual IDF carburetors have been painstakingly tuned and jetted to this specific engine configuration. Its estimated 80 hp make for some spirited driving capabilities in a 1350 lb. car. The original Meyers Stinger exhaust is quite throaty, but not overbearing. The dual IDF carbs add a very dramatic addition to the sound. They create a unique howl on acceleration and a turbo like whistle between shifts. You can hear it in the driving videos of this car. It is very distinct and in my opinion eliminates the need for the radio.     

The transmission is a VW 4 speed swing axle. It was professionally rebuilt and updated with new first and second gears allowing the new style sincros to be installed. Any thing that may have been out of order was repaired or replaced including the nose cone and bushings. It shifts like it should. It has new, not rebuilt pedals and shifter along with shift rod, bushings and coupler. One should note however that I installed an original shifter for appearance. The newer short shift models are far superior but not period correct. Axle bearings and bushings were replaced along with the clutch arm, its bushings and spring. The flywheel was turned and balanced and a new throw out bearing and clutch were installed.

This is NOT the typical “runs good, new break pads and oil change with tune up car” It is NEW. If it moves, and in many cases, does not move, it is new, with very few exceptions. Extreme attention to detail was carried out throughout the entire assembly and no expense was spared. It currently has 265 miles on it and has been dialed in.  

As an artist and builder, I realize we all have different tastes. I also admire the endless interpretations that have been done on the Meyers Manx buggies, none are wrong. I set out from the start, to build this Manx in a period correct fashion with a few mild twists. Much time was spent referencing old build photos along with original catalog and magazine photos. Again, the ultimate goal was to produce an accurate buggy that did not stray away from the original concept, be completely rebuilt yet still appear to be a survivor. I wanted it to be capable of happily sitting among some of the best Meyers Manx buggies ever built. I built this car to impress myself, not any one else. I hope it shows.

- Jim Launder