Scissor doors, a sharply angled windshield, and a dramatic rear spoiler might sound like the ingredients for an exotic Italian supercar. Surprisingly, underneath that wild fiberglass body sits a shortened Volkswagen Beetle chassis.
Known as the Karma Coachworks Manx SR2, it’s a continuation of the original Meyers Manx SR. That early design featured scissor-style doors before Lamborghini unveiled the Countach prototype in 1971.
Unlike the familiar open-bodied Meyers Manx dune buggy, the SR was designed primarily for paved roads. Its low-slung fiberglass body and futuristic proportions made it look unlike almost anything else from the period.
Now, this unusual creation is up for auction on Bring a Trailer, complete with a Meyers Manx Certificate of Authenticity. At the time of writing, bidding had reached $8,500, with the auction scheduled to conclude on October 21.
From Beach Buggy To Futuristic Sports Car
Bruce Meyers developed the original Manx SR with help from designer Stewart Reed, promoting it as the sports car of the 1970s. The design appeared on the cover of Car and Driver in May 1970.
After Meyers’ company closed in 1971, Karma Coachworks continued the concept under the SR2 name. Its 13-piece fiberglass body sits on a shortened Volkswagen Beetle chassis with an 80-inch wheelbase, while a removable roof and side curtains provide some weather protection.
Beetle Mechanical Simplicity Underneath
Despite its exotic appearance, the SR2 uses a rear-mounted 1.6-liter Volkswagen flat-four engine. It’s fitted with a Holley 2110 carburetor and sends power to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transaxle.
The car rides on staggered 13-inch front and 14-inch rear aluminum wheels, with drum brakes at all four corners. According to the seller, the tires were replaced in 2026.
Inside, two black vinyl bucket seats sit alongside a Hurst shifter, wood-rimmed steering wheel, and VDO gauges. The five-digit odometer displays approximately 22,000 miles, although the actual mileage isn’t verified.
A Rare Breed Looking For A New Owner
The SR2 has been repainted black under previous ownership, with some paint touch-ups noted by the seller. Its Florida title identifies it as a 1970 Volkswagen, reflecting the Beetle chassis underneath rather than the date the kit was assembled.
With its unusual bodywork, dramatic doors, and simple VW mechanicals, this Manx SR2 offers an intriguing alternative to conventional classic sports cars. Granted, it may not be the fastest sports car around, but it certainly isn’t something you’re likely to encounter at every weekend car meet.