The Build
Documented Details.
This page documents the chassis, components, and craftsmanship behind Winnie-The-Manx. The goal: a period-faithful, well-sorted car whose story is as clean as its hardware. Extensive part searches worldwide come together with a full collection of top-of-the-line mid-century components.
Parts & Provenance
- Original pre-tag (65–67) fiberglass tub (certified, documented authenticity).
- 1972 VW Beetle IRS pan, professionally shortened to 88" wheelbase.
- 1.6L dual port boxer engine, AS41 replacement case with blueprint build and AA Performance pistons.
- Engine bearings all standard sizes (no over/undersize).
- EMPI GT-1 camshaft, low-range power profile.
- Holley Sniper TBI fuel injection with digital handheld interface.
- Serpentine belt on billet pulleys for long service life.
- Pertronix ignition with 30kv coil.
- Fully reconditioned 4-speed manual transaxle.
- Rugged brand electric assist power steering.
- Power tilt steering column for comfort and easier entry/exit.
- Dietz 9-82 sealed beam headlights, correct vintage style.
- Genuine 1958 Beetle Hella “Snowflake” tail lights (sourced from Sweden).
- Pacesetter 40100 “Tri-Bar” production 1957–1968 rear view mirrors, NOS.
- Scat Drag-Fast shifter NOS (Scat Enterprises, founded by Tom Lieb in Redondo Beach, CA in the early 1960s).
- Period chrome Select-A-Traction cutting brake handles.
- Adjustable front and rear suspension.
- MOMO pedals and steering wheel (MOMO also founded in 1964).
- MOMO California vintage ivory leather-wrapped steering wheel with functional horn button.
- Modern fused wiring, clean routing, Lithium 600 CCA battery system.
- Dual chrome tube front bumper with classic show-car stance.
- Custom-made wheels with 6" front and 7" rear offset barrels.
- Standard function park/emergency brake.
- Modified VW fuel tank with marine-type billet filler neck.
- Extensive use of Deutsch quick connectors shows a quality wiring loom.
- Stainless steel brake lines and hoses.
- Stainless steel fasteners used wherever practical, with cap nuts as thread preservers.
- EMPI black loop carpeting.
- Anti-theft enable/disable battery with key fob.
- Aircraft-style seat belts with anchors.
- Battery charge/maintainer quick-connect included.
Paint & Finishing Materials
Tamco products delivered the bright, timeless Sunsation Yellow finish with flawless execution and durability.
- Ultra Light Weight Filler — For flawless foundation.
- HB Chassis Black Single Stage — Chassis/underbody coating on pan for rust protection and clean look.
- 5310-series High-Build Primer — Hand-blocked for a smooth substrate.
- 5312 White Sealer — For optimal brightness, coverage, and depth on the pearl base.
- Sunsation Yellow (Pearl Basecoat / Custom Color) — The starring color meant to turn heads.
- Underhood Satin Black Single Stage — Engine bay/underhood detailing for a clean, period-correct look.
- HC2104 High Solids Clearcoat — Final protective clear over Sunsation Yellow for showroom gloss, UV protection, and longevity.
For the full line-by-line parts and materials manifest, including vintage components and modern upgrades, view the complete build ledger.
Powerplant & EFI
In the powerplant sits a modern performance heart that still breathes pure 1960s DNA. The Holley Sniper EFI wasn’t chosen for novelty, but for its blend of reliability, self-tuning intelligence, and clean packaging. The compact handheld allows laptop-free control of fuel mixture, idle, closed-loop functions, and more—while preserving the vintage vibe. Beneath it all remains Volkswagen’s bulletproof 1600 foundation: air-cooled, oil-cooled, and engineered for the weight and purpose of a true Manx.
The air-cooled heart of Winnie-The-Manx — detailed engine
The Builders
The restoration and tribute build of Winnie-The-Manx is a family effort led by brothers Steven Smith and David Smith, combining deep mechanical and body-craft experience. Steven brings ASE World Class credentials, hands-on fabrication, programming, and an obsession with doing things the right way. David is also a Master Body and Paint Technician, known for fiberglass fabrication, surface perfection, and high-end finishes on classics and customs.
Working together again in a shared shop—much like when they built their first go-kart in the late 1960s (powered by a 1920s Wisconsin washing machine engine)— they approached this Manx with care for originality, engineering, and period-correct detail. Every panel, bracket, and finish was discussed, refined, and hand-fitted with the goal of honoring Bruce & Winnie Meyers’ legacy while leaving a few of their own fingerprints and blood drips in the story.
A Builder’s Note: Honoring Winnie’s Legacy
By David Smith — Fiberglass & Paint
To Winnie and the many Manx lovers—Winnie-The-Manx is my last build, a humble tribute from these hands. Retired now, my health failing from COPD (maybe I should have worn that respirator more religiously). Some days it took everything I had just to keep going. But the motivation came from knowing the legacy will live on— that Sunsation Yellow will keep bringing smiles by the mile.
It is an honor to be part of this shared legacy—one that will live on not just in the Manx community, but in the automotive world for many years to come.
Adore her beauty. Drive her. Feel the story rev to life.
With humble gratitude,
David Smith
February 2026