1966 Volkswagen Beach Buggy GP Mk I

"As with most aspects of the VW scene, there is a significant amount of speculation and debate relating to models. There will always be the originals and the imitators, and there will always be some models which are more sought after than others. In the Beach Buggy world, one name reigns supreme - the Meyers Manx.... Manx Buggies are highly sought after and can command frightening prices. In the UK however, the Buggy that gets all Buggy boffs a bit hot under the collar is the short wheel base Mk 1 GP. In looks, this is very close relative to the Manx Buggy and it's certainly the most attractive and well-proportioned of all UK built buggies."

The UK's resident Buggy expert, James Hale, has identified this particular Mk 1 as one of the earliest complete Mk 1 GPs known in this country. The body is exactly as it was when it came from the factory originally. This in itself is very rare as many bodies and wheel arches have been cut, extended, modified or damaged. To find one in such original condition today is virtually unheard of. The car was found, largely complete, in an overgrow garden and subsequently sat for a number of years until it was completely restored in the late 1990s. The restoration has stood the test of time very well and the car is still presented in fine order. The Gold metal-flake paintwork retains a great shine and mechanically the car is in fine fettle.

With only 5 owners from new, lots of bills, large history file and full 5-page article in the 1999 edition of Volksworld Magazine (as quoted), this little Buggy is a seriously collectable piece of VW history. Finally , as anyone who has been lucky enough to have driven one can testify, they are a complete hoot to drive.