The Iconic Meyers Manx Dune Buggy Returns as an EV
The All-Electric Retro Off-Roader Can Travel Up to 300 Miles on a Single Charge
When the original Meyers Manx dune buggy made its debut in 1964, it was an instant hit with car enthusiasts, desert racers, and the general public alike. Its unique design, knobby tires, and ability to drive just about anywhere earned it a loyal following with surfers and off-road adventurers. But BF Meyers & Co.—the manufacturer that created the Manx—discontinued the car in 1971, breaking many hearts in the process. Since then, there have been several attempts to create a modern version of the iconic vehicle, with most never even reaching the starting line. That is, until now.
In 2020, venture capitalist Phillip Sarofim purchased the Meyers Manx brand from original owner and designer Bruce Meyers. Sarofim then hired a team of automotive engineers and designers, including Freeman Thomas—the man who redesigned the modern Volkswagen Bug. Their goal was to create a new version of the famous dune buggy, and after two years in stealth mode, the team recently revealed what it has been working on.
Dubbed the “Meyers Manx 2.0,” the new version comes with an electric drivetrain that produces 202 horsepower and 240 foot-pounds of torque. That’s enough to allow the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. The standard version of the EV will ship with a 20-kilowatt-hour battery pack, giving it a range of about 150 miles. An extended range model using a 40 kWh battery will double that distance.
The modern Manx pays homage to the original dune buggy in many ways, most notably with its retro-inspired body design. Like its predecessor, it is also a two-seater with a rear-wheel drive system. And as with the original, the 2.0 edition doesn’t come with doors or windows. It also quickly transforms into a convertible for cruising with the top down.
Despite the family resemblance, the modern version of the Manx has several notable upgrades over its counterpart from the 1960s. For instance, the Manx 2.0 has a regenerative braking system to collect kinetic energy to recharge the car’s batteries. It also uses disc brakes rather than drums and includes an electric parking brake, power steering, and windshield wipers, all of which were absent from the original.
As of this writing, Meyers Manx has not set a price for the 2.0 version of the vehicle. The company says it plans to produce 50 dune buggies in 2023 and will fully ramp up production in 2024. Until then, watch the official website for further updates and information.