Following its unveiling earlier this month at a private event in Malibu, Meyers Manx introduced the Manx 2.0 Electric to the public at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering in Carmel, CA, in conjunction with Monterey Car Week. The company announced that applications are now open to individuals who want to help perfect the new “dune buggy” for the market through a beta development program.

“We’re looking for 50 beta pioneers to experience the magic of the Meyers Manx 2.0 Electric,” said Phillip Sarofim, Chairman, Meyers Manx. “The program presents the rare opportunity for people who share our dream of driving a classic California icon, now boasting 21st Century technology, to actively participate in the creation of the perfect final product.”

The 50 pre-production launch vehicles will be distributed in 2023 to beta customers. They’d have to agree to drive their cars in all types of conditions for a pre-assigned minimum mileage over a 12-month period and discuss their findings on a regular basis with the Meyers Manx team.

“If you can visualize optimism from the experience of driving on the beach or the mountains in an unparalleled automobile with iconic design, then you’re ready to apply,” said Sarofim. “This rigorous testing methodology mirrors that of our founder, Bruce Meyers, who set Baja speed and time records with his prototype buggy, ‘Old Red,’” said Sarofim.

Thought of as “partners in adventure,” the lucky 50 beta testers will be selected by an internal committee based on their personal stories and experiences as well as overall “Manx spirit.”

 

Created in 1964, resurrected in 2022

The Manx was created in 1964 by Bruce Meyers as a go-anywhere dune buggy, becoming an “American” classic and Californian icon for its whimsical design and remarkable performance.

In 1967, Bruce Meyers in a Manx won the first Baja 1000—then known as the Mexican 1000—by over five hours in a Manx. That same year, the car was featured in April on the cover of Car and Driver magazine, which led to 350 orders almost overnight. The dune buggy became a pop culture cornerstone of the 1960s and 1970s, driven by celebrities like Elvis Presley and Steve McQueen. The latter modified a Manx and featured it in the motion picture The Thomas Crown Affair.

By 1969, about 70 companies had been knocking off copycat Manxes. Meyers went to court to fight them, lost his patent in 1969 then shut down the company in 1971. However, in 2000, he created a resurgence of interest by founding Meyers Manx, Inc., based in Valley Center, CA, offering the Classic Manx series in a limited edition of 100. In 2002, the Manxter 2+2 and Manxter DualSport were created as modernizations of the original design but scaled to a full-length Beetle floor pan.

Bruce Meyers passed away in 2021, but his legacy now lives on through the revitalized brand. Venture capitalist Phillip Sarofim acquired the brand from Bruce and Winnie Meyers in 2020 through his firm Trousdale Ventures, LLC.

“The Meyers Manx has always been a symbol of joy, simplicity, and purity,” said Sarofim. “It’s the solution to the complexity of life. Continuing the legacy of the Meyers Manx connects us with the optimism of the 1960s California culture, an optimism we all can share.”

In addition to being the Chairman of Meyers Manx, Sarofim is a member of the Board of Directors for Coreshell, Lemon Perfect, Pure Plus+, SkinTē, Super Coffee, The Whole Coffee Company, and Yellowbird Foods. He is also a member of the advisory boards for Instalogin, Ostendo, and Unicorn Ventures, a venture-capital firm focused on providing seed funding for early- to mid-stage companies.

Sarofim appointed highly respected auto designer Freeman Thomas, who co-led the acquisition of the Meyers Manx brand, to serve as the company’s CEO and CCO to design the Manx 2.0 Electric. Thomas has been linked to many modern car design classics. His career began at Porsche AG as a member of the 959 design team. In 1990, he joined Audi AG, co-creating the 1994 VW Concept 1 (New Beetle) and the iconic first-generation Audi TT, later becoming Chief Designer for Volkswagen AG. From DaimlerChrysler, his credits included the Dodge Tomahawk motorcycle and the Noble American Sedan that became the Mercedes-Benz-based Chrysler 300.

“Knowing Bruce’s artistry and Phillip’s enthusiasm for the brand, I am so glad that Bruce trusted us to carry his legacy into the future,” said Thomas. “The new Manx 2.0 Electric is designed to exceed expectations. It’s simple and endearing and taps into the spirit of playfulness. The ageless design brings out your inner child. It’s about passion.”

 

Preliminary specs

The company released preliminary specs for the vehicle with the caveat that it is still in development and they are subject to change.

The Manz 2.0 is 123.5 in (3137 mm) long, 70.3 in (1786 mm) wide, and 53.3 in (1354 mm) tall on a 82-in (2080-mm) wheelbase. Target curb weight is 1500 lb (680 kg) with a 20-kW·h battery, and 1650 lb (748 kg) with a 40-kW·h battery.

The 20-kW·h buggy with an unannounced motor output has a targeted 150-mi (241-km) range. The 40-kW·h version will have motor outputs of 202 hp (150 kW) and up to 240 lb·ft (325 N·m) and a targeted 300-mi (482-km) range.

Two electric motors are designed to provide precise control of each rear wheel, with the motor, inverter, geartrain, and brakes housed in a single unit. In top-performing 40-kW·h battery spec, 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) acceleration is targeted at 4.5 s.

The car’s lithium-ion pouch cell battery pack will have an integrated battery management system. The energy system will feature 1-kW standard charging, an onboard 6-kW charging system unit, and optional DC fast charging up to 60 kW.

Other key specs of note are an all-aluminum monocoque chassis with independent rear suspension, front and rear disc brakes with regenerative rear brakes, electric-assist steering, and an electric e-brake. An RFID (radio frequency identification) wristband and a card with an immobilizer will enable access control, with future accessibility via a smartphone app.

 

Making the Manx 2.0

Meyers Manx is partnering with a yet-to-named U.S.-based manufacturer to bring the Manx 2.0 Electric into production in 2023, with the final assembly taking place in California.

After the beta program delivers the first 50 cars to select customers in 2023 for feedback to the development team as they refine the design, the Meyers Manx 2.0 Electric will commence customer deliveries of the final version in 2024. The cost is still to be announced.

Pre-orders and applications to participate in the beta partner program launched on the website following Manx 2.0’s public launch at The Quail.