7. Meyers Manx
The original Meyers Manx is a kit car based on the VW Beetle blueprint and engines. But this car was so important to the American off-road scene that it has to be on this list. They introduced it in 1964. The Meyers Manx was a brainchild of Bruce F. Meyers, an American boat builder and surfer who wanted a dependable-yet-cool beach car (via Mayers Manx). They finished the first prototypes in 1964 and full production soon followed.

So by the early ’70s, they had made more than 6,000. The construction was simple. using a fiberglass tub mounted to VW Beetle mechanics. This rear-wheel-drive car was light and could tackle almost any terrain. Some owners even installed more powerful boxer engines from the Corvair or even from the Porsche. Due to its characteristic design and great driving capabilities, the Meyers Manx became one of the symbols of surfing culture.