The BAJA 1000 didn’t just create the category of off-road racing — it also gave rise to numerous custom cultures, including the iconic “dune buggy” built on the Volkswagen platform. Among these, the “Meyers Manx Buggy” holds a deep historical connection to the BAJA 1000.

In the early 1960s, surf culture had firmly taken root among the youth along the beaches of Southern California, becoming almost a symbol of youth itself. One such young man living in this era was Bruce Meyers, who would go on to create a buggy bearing his own name.

Working as a craftsman involved in the production of fiberglass sailboats, Meyers was one of many young people living the typical Southern Californian lifestyle of modifying Volkswagens to carry surfboards to the beach.

Though he wasn’t particularly a “car enthusiast,” most surfers of that era enjoyed customizing their cars and spent their days racing around in them, just like they did with surfing.

Through his work, Meyers gained deep knowledge and experience with lightweight materials, and he constantly dreamed of creating a dune buggy that combined beautiful form with functionality. In 1963, he began designing the buggy he envisioned, and in 1964, he completed it. This marked the birth of the Meyers Manx Buggy.

At the time, dune buggies already existed for running through deserts and rough terrain, but they were all rugged and focused solely on utility, far from aesthetically pleasing.

In contrast, Meyers aimed to create a simple yet beautiful and functional vehicle.

The body was made of fiberglass monocoque construction and used suspension and powertrain components from the Volkswagen Type 1, resulting in a car that performed well both off-road and on-road.

The uniquely styled fenders provided ample clearance for the tires, making the vehicle suitable for sandy and rough terrain. This car broke the record for the journey from Tijuana to La Paz on the Baja California Peninsula, laying the foundation for the SCORE BAJA 1000 — as previously reported here
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Thanks to this promotion, the legend of the Manx was about to begin.

In 1966, the Manx graced the covers of magazines like Hot Rod and Car and Driver, drawing massive attention and quickly receiving an influx of orders. Meyers then began full-scale production. However, it became clear that the original monocoque design was too costly to mass-produce. He switched to a new design using a shortened (by about 14 inches) Volkswagen Type 1 chassis.

This move helped reduce production costs and made mass production of the Meyers Manx Buggy possible.

Ironically, this success also marked the beginning of its downfall. Since the buggy could be built using a scrapped Volkswagen Type 1 and around $600 in parts, it was priced within reach for many — but that also led to a flood of imitations entering the market.

Many of these imitations were of lower quality but were inexpensive and easily accessible, intensifying competition. Meyers filed patent infringement lawsuits and released new models to counter these copies. Unfortunately, these efforts failed to gain market traction. Worn down by lawsuits and financial struggles, Meyers gave up his company in 1971.

While around 250,000 buggies were made worldwide, it’s said that only about 5,000 of them were original Meyers Manx Buggies.

In 1999, Meyers returned to the buggy scene with an improved version featuring a new engine and seat heaters. He established a new company in Valley Center, California, in 2000 and launched the limited “Classic Manx” series of 100 units, once again capturing attention. In 2002, he released the Manxter 2+2 and Manxter DualSport. These models retained the original design but were updated in size to fit the Type 1 chassis, giving them a more modern appeal.

In spring 2009, he introduced the Kick-Out Manx, a reimagined model with a short wheelbase like the original, creating buzz as a faithful sports-style recreation of the original Manx Buggy.

Through these developments, the reborn Meyers Manx Buggy once again featured a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout based on the chassis of the Type 1 “Beetle” or “Super Beetle.”

The body used an improved version of the original mold, offering a more precise fiberglass finish. Especially in the four-seat models, the rear seating area was more spacious, and the car was available as an easy-to-assemble kit — another major selling point.

In November 2020, Meyers’ company was sold to venture capital firm Trousdale Ventures. Automotive designer Freeman Thomas became CEO, launching the new company “Meyers Manx LLC.”

Under this new company, Meyers Manx Buggies continue to be produced as kit cars, just as before.

In October 2024, a special adventure tour was conducted on the Baja California Peninsula using a new Manx Buggy — a journey back to its roots. The team successfully completed the trip in a reproduction of the early Manx known as “Old Red,” proving that its performance still holds up today.

Bruce Meyers, the creator of the Manx Buggy, quietly passed away on February 19, 2021, in California at the age of 94. Yet his philosophy lives on.

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Meyers Manx, the limited-edition “Meyers Manx Tarmac Touring Edition” was released.

This special model, limited to six units, features a radial engine and incorporates aviation-inspired design elements throughout.

A radial engine has its cylinders arranged in a circular layout around the crankshaft and is also known as a star engine. It was commonly used in aircraft in the early 20th century, particularly in propeller planes of the 1930s and 1940s, prized for its reliability and distinctive sound.

The Meyers Manx Tarmac Touring Edition pairs this engine with a 4-speed gearbox, delivering a unique exhaust note and powerful performance.

To purchase this model, a non-refundable deposit of $23,900 is required, with the full price being $119,500. The remaining $95,600 must be paid before delivery.

The vehicle comes standard with braided leather seats for both durability and comfort, offering a refined ride. Aviation-themed gauges further enhance its character, and a gunmetal metal-flake finish gives the exterior a unique look.

The current Meyers Manx lineup consists of both EV and internal combustion engine models. In addition to the “Tarmac Touring Edition,” the combustion line includes the two-seat “Remastered Classic Kit,” the “Old Red Kit” — a reproduction of the record-breaking 1964 vehicle, the four-seat fiberglass “Remastered Resorter,” and the “Manxter 2+2 Kit,” which adds doors and a soft top to the four-seat body.

The EV lineup includes the two-seat “2.0 EV” and the four-seat “Resorter NEV,” allowing buyers to choose the model that best fits their preferences and budget.

Most models are not complete cars but kits based on the Volkswagen chassis. Choosing a four-seat model eliminates the need for a shortened Type 1 chassis, making assembly easier. Regardless of the model, every Meyers Manx Buggy continues to embody the vision of its founder, Bruce Meyers.

PHOTO｜Meyers Manx
TEXT｜Kazutoshi AKimoto 秋元一利
PUBLISHED｜2025
SOURCE｜Cal Vol.62
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