The Meyers Manx Buggy is automotive legend. But here’s what most enthusiasts don’t realize: Bruce Meyers didn’t stop at the original dune buggy. According to a recent report by CARANDDRIVER.COM, a wild Karma Coachworks SR2 just landed on Bring a Trailer, and it’s the forgotten chapter of Meyers’ legacy that deserves serious collector attention.
*Photos courtesy of Bring a Trailer Auctions.*The SR2: When Meyers Folded, Karma Stepped In
After Meyers shut down operations in 1971, a California-based outfit called Karma Coachworks saw opportunity. Working directly with Bruce Meyers, they engineered the SR2 using the same proven formula: fiberglass bodywork stretched over a shortened Volkswagen chassis. The result? A machine that looks like it escaped from a 1970s Batman soundstage.
In gloss black, this Meyers Manx Buggy variant screams aggression. Scissor doors, a functional spoiler, removable roof panel, and removable side windows pack serious visual drama into an 80-inch wheelbase. The chunky rear tires complete the picture. Meanwhile, the engineering underneath remains refreshingly simple: a 1.6-liter VW flat-four with a Holley “Bugspray” 2110 carburetor feeding roughly 70 horsepower to the ground through a four-speed manual with a Hurst shifter.
| ⚙️Engine / Powertrain | 1.6L Volkswagen Flat-Four |
| 🐎Power Output | ~70 HP (with Holley Bugspray 2110 Carburetor) |
| ⚡Peak Torque | ~80 lb-ft (est.) |
| ⏱️0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) | 0-60 mph in ~12 seconds (est.) |
| 🚀Top Speed | 90 mph (est.) |
| 🔄Drivetrain / Gearbox | Four-Speed Manual / Rear-Wheel Drive |
| 💰Starting Price / Est. | Auction (Estimate TBD) |
Rarity Meets Genuine Certification
First-generation SRs are scarce, with only 200 units built before production ceased. This particular SR2 carries something invaluable: official Meyers Manx certification. That pedigree matters in the collector market. One early SR even caught the eye of serial entrepreneur Malcolm Bricklin, potentially influencing his fiberglass-bodied SV-1 project.
Weighing roughly as much as a child’s swimming pool, the Meyers Manx Buggy SR2 prioritizes pure driving joy over performance metrics. Still, that’s precisely the appeal. This isn’t about 0-60 times or lap records. It’s about analog thrills, mechanical simplicity, and the kind of automotive honesty that modern cars have abandoned. The removable panels mean you’re exposed to the elements, the engine note, and the road surface beneath you.
Black Sabbath Beats Beach Boys
Unlike the original Manx’s sun-soaked California vibe, this SR2 trades Beach Boys aesthetics for something darker and more theatrical. The Batmobile Junior styling suggests a car built for midnight canyon runs rather than daytime beach cruises. Yet the driving experience remains fundamentally the same: maximum fun with minimal complexity.
For collectors seeking overlooked pieces of 1970s automotive history, this represents genuine value. The Meyers Manx Buggy SR2 sits at the intersection of Bruce Meyers’ original vision and Karma Coachworks’ ambitious follow-up. It’s a car that deserves recognition beyond the shadow of its more famous predecessor. The auction closes October 21st on Bring a Trailer, and enthusiasts should pay close attention. This is the kind of forgotten legend that appreciates quietly until someone finally recognizes its significance.
For more on custom builds and collector vehicles, check out this deep dive into bespoke automotive artistry at Auto News Magazine.
Liam Campbell
Industry Intelligence & News Editor at Auto News Magazine. Tracking prototype spy shots, Nürburgring development mules, automaker corporate moves, and breaking global automotive scoops.
View all articles by Liam Campbell →
