MINI MEYERS MANX CHILDREN'S CAR

This Mini Meyers Manx children’s car is a wonderful period tribute to the iconic ‘beach buggy’, presented in good order throughout and with two new batteries fitted in 2019. It is powered by a 24-volt motor, via chain drive operated by a floor-mounted pedal that controls the speed. A rocker switch on the dashboard also enables Slow / Fast or Reverse drive.

The car is believed to be one of only three or four original examples built in the 1980s by the UK licence holder for the Meyers Manx brand, initially intended for use by his children, and it is assumed the plan was for wider production. The latter evidently never happened, so this represents a remarkably rare opportunity to acquire what is understood to be one of the few original buggies.

The current owner has kept the Mini Meyers Manx in his collection for the last 10 years, during which time it has been thoroughly enjoyed by his own children. The suitable age range is estimated at 3 years to 9 years of age, with smaller children able to sit side-by-side; however, the vendor also notes that the roll bar can be readily removed, and that with a larger seat pad fitted it can accommodate an adult. The driver in the video below is around 130cm tall.

The chassis is manufactured in welded tubular steel, and the body is fabricated in robust fibreglass. Inspired by the original VW-engined beach buggy, it has a mock belt drive design element at the rear, and twin dummy exhaust tips. This is also where the socket for the charger is located. It rides on grey painted banded steel wheels, fitted with good Kenda tyres on all four corners.

The 24-volt motor can be operated at two speeds, using a toggle rocker switch on the dashboard. Slow mode is approximately walking pace, while Fast mode is closer to a brisk jog - estimated at around 6mph. Forward or Reverse drive is also selected by a dashboard switch. The plug-in charger is included in the sale, and two new 12-volt batteries were fitted in 2019.

In the cabin, there are two black mini bucket seats, upholstered in a fun 1960s style with smooth black vinyl and quilted metal-flake silver inserts. There is black carpeting around the footwell area, while the pedal is covered with a non-slip rubber grip. The silver toggle switch on the dashboard controls the working headlights.

The buggy measures 80cm in height, 105cm in width, and 160cm in length – and for a physical idea of that size, the vendor reports that it fits snugly into the back of a Jeep XJ Cherokee.

This Mini Meyers Manx is a wonderful tribute to the iconic original, with faithful styling and fun performance. It is an appealing collector’s item to join any eclectic assembly of vehicles, but of course is best enjoyed by smaller people who can relish the experience from behind the wheel. This would be a great ‘first classic car’ for a junior enthusiast and would make an unrepeatable and period-perfect gift this Christmas.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.