Empi Sportster Origins/ my 2 cents.

[yankee1919]

Hello All,

First I want to say I don't want to offend anyone on what I am going to say.
I was just trying to connect the dots. You have a different take I am happy to hear about.

Lets looks at what "I" believe the makings of the Empi Sportster.

WWII, Willy's Jeep, square body, flat fenders and a canvas top.

I am partial to Olive Drab.

[yankee1919]

Here is the Salt to the Pepper or the lime to Tequila.

KDF Kubelwagon, also from WWII. Using the components we know as VW.

I also like the tan top.

[yankee1919]

Put this in the mix, Peppertree Rivets, Baja 1000 competitor and really cool ride.

I met the owner several years back in Big Bear.

I think of Star Wars fighter when I see it.

[yankee1919]

And it comes to my Empi Sportster, slightly modified, canvas top (need replacement) two gas tanks, custom wiring harness, able to carry 1k inside or tow a little trailer. Had to tow a HD Heritage once.

I am the 3 owner of the Empi, hopefully I can pass it along to the next generation.

Tony
Bakersfield via L.A.

[yankee1919]

Post your take on the origins, would like to hear from you.

[finster]

I think this is in the family tree too

_________________
"we're here on Earth to fart around" kurt vonnegut

nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect...

[slalombuggy]

[BL3Manx]

The most widely accepted history is that in 1959 Scott McKenzie built the first VW based purpose built dune buggy(not just a stripped pan), the "Chimp". Scott built ten more similar buggies in the next couple years and went on to found Sandmaster and McKenzies. https://www.mckenzies.com/

Pictures from a 61 Hot Rod Ideas magazine. I also have a 1959 article someplace showing him with the Chimp

[yankee1919]

Wow!

Thanks guys, what an interesting story. Does anyone know if any CHIMPS are still around?

[BL3Manx]

I wondered the same thing. Back about 2014 there was a Craiglist ad for one in L.A. for $75. I haven't been able to find out what happened to it or to Scott McKenzie's original

[johnnyniceguy]

66 Chimp in the archives. Would like to see a few more pics.

[BL3Manx]

[johnnyniceguy]

BL3Manx Thank you.
I googled 66 Chimp and it showed Samba with this beast in the archives.
Thank you for sending me in the right direction. This vehicle looks bullet proof with that tube enhanced frame. Wish there was more to tie it in as a original Chimp. What are your thoughts?

I really don't know how I missed this in the classifieds.

[BL3Manx]

It definitely has Chimps lines, but whether Scott McKenzie had a direct hand in building it or its a copy is the question.

In any case its been highly "updated''.

I would need more confirmation of its origin

[BL3Manx]

More Scott McKenzie and Chimp info here

http://www.sandmasterracing.com/scott-mckenzie-early-years-1

[yankee1919]

Always thankful for the info.

[super Chimp]

[dustymojave]

Another Chimp. An hour west of the one above.

Originally Corvair power. Now VW 1600.
_________________
Richard
Offroading VW based cars since 1965
Tech Inspection 1963 - 2012 SCCA/SCORE/HDRA/MORE/MDR +
Retired from building Bajas, Fiberglass Buggies and Rails in the Mojave Desert. Also Sprints & Midgets, Dry Lakes, Road Race cars. All types New and Vintage
SoCalBajas Member
Kicked Cancer's A$$...1st and 2nd round...Fight ain't over yet.

[dustymojave]

[BL3Manx]

I believe I have it.

By the way, Tony Velis who started this thread is now the owner of a Chimp he just hauled back from New Mexico and Bob Anderson is the owner of one he just bought in Altadena.

You have any luck with the one you have your eye on?