by Michael Satterfield - Photos via Meyers Manx 08/15/2024
Few names evoke the spirit of adventure quite like Meyers Manx. The fiberglass dune buggy kits have been synonymous with freedom, exploration, and adventure for decades. The original Meyers Manx revolutionized the kit-car market and set the standard for off-road performance, thanks to the vision of Bruce Meyers. We are now embarking on an ambitious project that pays homage to this storied legacy with our latest project, a Meyers Manxter 2+2, and this isn’t just any project vehicle. This dune buggy is being prepared for something extraordinary—a Flag Expedition with The Explorers Club, led by a small team and me. But more on that later...
To understand the significance of this project, it’s essential to appreciate the history behind the Manxter 2+2. The original Meyers Manx was designed in the 1960s by Bruce Meyers, a visionary whose creation became an instant icon, winning races in Baja, gracing the covers of magazines, and capturing people's imaginations worldwide. The Manxter 2+2, introduced years later, was Bruce Meyers’ modern update to his classic design. This longer, more versatile buggy could accommodate four passengers without shortening a Volkswagen donor chassis. At 14.5 inches longer than the original, the Manxter 2+2 offers the same nimble handling and rugged durability but with added space for more adventure.
The Manxter 2+2 was a hit and can be found from the dusty plains of Baja to the urban streets of Tokyo. The platform's flexibility is one of its greatest strengths. It can fit either on-road or off-road suspension and accommodate a wide variety of power plants.
The Flag Expedition is more than just a road trip or an off-road adventure; it’s a journey powered by a spirit of exploration and discovery. As a member of The Explorers Club, Michael Satterfield is no stranger to off-road travel. This expedition will take the Meyers Manxter 2+2 on an international adventure, exploring remote landscapes, challenging terrains, and cultural landmarks, all while carrying one of the Club’s prestigious flags—a symbol of scientific exploration carried by the world’s greatest explorers, including Neil Armstrong and Sir Edmund Hillary.
The demands of such an expedition require a vehicle that is not only robust and reliable but also capable of handling the unknown. The Gentleman Racer’s Manxter 2+2 will be outfitted with the latest technology and equipment to ensure it can conquer whatever lies ahead. The build begins with a brand-new kit supplied by Meyers Manx, a fitting tribute to Bruce Meyers’ original vision. However, this is far from a standard build.
While the final engine choice remains under wraps, it must deliver a blend of power, efficiency, and reliability, capable of propelling the buggy through the city, mountains, and eventually jungles. The Volkswagen-based platform is ideal as the popularity of air-cooled VWs around the world makes parts really available in nearly every corner of the globe.
While we will share videos and stories as we build the Meyers, the final unveiling will be at the 2024 SEMA Show. As one of the world’s premier automotive trade shows, SEMA attracts the best and brightest in the industry. The Gentleman Racer’s Manxter 2+2 will be front and center, representing not just the culmination of countless hours of work but also the beginning of an extraordinary journey. The unveiling will showcase the buggy’s capabilities, from innovative engineering to striking design. It’s a chance to introduce the world to a new chapter in the Meyers Manx legacy, one that blends the spirit of the past with the technology of the future.
Toyo Tires’ involvement adds another layer of excitement. Known for their high-performance tires that excel in off-road conditions, Toyo’s partnership with The Gentleman Racer underscores the serious intent behind this build. The tires selected for the Manxter 2+2 will be more than just a cosmetic choice; they’ll be a critical component of the vehicle’s success on the expedition.
Once the dust settles from SEMA, the real adventure begins. The Flag Expedition in 2025 will take the Manxter 2+2 to places few vehicles have gone before. It’s a journey that will test the limits of man and machine, exploring the uncharted, the remote, and the wild. As the Manxter 2+2 embarks on this journey, it carries the spirit of exploration—a desire to push boundaries, seek out the unknown, and discover what lies beyond the horizon. This is more than a build; it’s a story waiting to be told, one mile at a time.
We look forward to sharing more with you as we build this amazing vehicle!
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