The Meyers Manx dune buggy is a small, two-passenger, recreational kit car designed and marketed by California engineer, artist, boat builder and surfer Bruce F. Meyers and manufactured by his Fountain Valley, California company, B. F. Meyers & Co. from 1964 to 1971.

The roofless, windowless, fenderless, high-hipped and high-tailed fiberglass body was designed to work with the mechanicals and chassis of a Volkswagen Beetle, exposing the engine and taking advantage of the Beetle's light weight, rear-engine traction, removable bodywork and suitability to off- and on-road driving.

Drawing on his art background, Meyers would later say he combined the Volkswagen Schwimmwagen’s high fenders and short wheelbase, the Volkswagen Kubelwagen's stand-up headlamps and the chic, open simplicity of European beach cars — e.g., the Fiat 500 Jolly, Citroën Méhari, Renault Rodeo and BMC Mini Moke.

The Manx immediately began dominating dune racing and breaking records and was eventually also released in on-road models. The original company would succumb to tax problems after Meyers's departure,

The Manx nameplate and logo derived from the cat, sharing the cat's high-tailed, stubby profile. and offering the Classic Manx series, a limited edition of 100.

In 2002, the Manxter 2+2 and Manxter DualSport were born. These two new models are modernizations of the original design, but are sized for a full-length Beetle pan (and the DualSport can also be based on a Super Beetle pan, unlike any other Manx model). Custom versions for higher-power engines and other variations are also available.

Meyers Manx, LLC

On 9 November 2020 it was announced that Bruce and Winnie Meyers had sold their business to venture capital investment firm Trousdale Ventures, who named automotive designer Freeman Thomas as CEO. The new company would be called Meyers Manx, LLC.

Electric version

Meyers Manx 2.0 EV, dual-motor RWD 202hp BEV, 0-60 in 4.5 seconds, 40 kWh battery 300 mile range.

Meyers Manx Resorter (LWB NEV), 4-seater.

See also

  • Baja Bug
  • Cal looker
  • Cal-Style VW
  • Formula Vee
  • Volksrod
  • Citroën Méhari
  • BMC Mini Moke
  • Fiat Ghia Jolly
  • Volkswagen Country Buggy
  • Renault Rodeo
  • Meyers Manx
  • Volkswagen Type 181

References

  • Meyers Manx FourWheeler.com documentary