Michael SatterfieldAdventure has always been at the core of the Meyers Manx story. Born from the sun-soaked California coast and fueled by the ingenuity of one man’s vision, the Meyers Manx has transcended decades as a symbol of pure, unfiltered driving freedom. Now, in a bold new chapter, the iconic dune buggy is back—fully assembled and ready to hit the road (or trail) with the all-new Meyers Manx Turnkey Collection.
Meyers Manx Turnkey: From Backyard Dream to Cultural Icon
In 1964, Bruce Meyers—an artist, surfer, and boatbuilder—pioneered a new kind of off-road machine. Using fiberglass boat-building techniques, he created the first-ever fiberglass dune buggy, the Meyers Manx, built atop a shortened VW Beetle chassis. Lightweight, tough, and easy to assemble, the Manx instantly became a sensation. It wasn’t long before Meyers took his creation to the desert, and in 1967, he drove a Manx to victory in the grueling Mexican 1000 (the race that would become the Baja 1000), shattering records and redefining what was possible in off-road motorsports.
The Manx wasn’t just a vehicle—it was a lifestyle. Celebrities, surfers, and adventurers embraced the buggy, and it starred in movies, on magazine covers, and in garages around the world. Despite imitators flooding the market and legal battles that nearly buried the brand, the original Manx’s legacy endured.
In recent years, a new team—led by automotive designer and entrepreneur Freeman Thomas—has revived the Meyers Manx name with a clear goal: honor the past while pushing forward into the future.
The Remastered Meyers Manx Turnkey Collection
Enter the Meyers Manx Turnkey Remastered Classic—a painstakingly crafted evolution of the original, built for those who want to skip the wrenching and dive straight into the thrill. For the first time in decades, Meyers Manx is offering fully assembled, ready-to-drive classic buggies, combining the timeless silhouette of the original with modern precision engineering.
Each Remastered Meyers Manx Turnkey is handcrafted in California, blending vintage style with enhanced durability, comfort, and usability. Key upgrades include:
- Refined fiberglass bodywork with a high-quality automotive finish
- New locking rear trunk and improved weather-sealing
- Integrated wiring tubes for a clean, modern look
- Removable dash assembly for easier maintenance and upgrades
Prices start at $67,495 for the base turnkey model and climb to $79,995 for more custom-configured builds, making it a serious proposition for collectors and driving purists alike.
These buggies are more than just vehicles—they’re rolling pieces of automotive history, reimagined for a new generation. With production numbers kept deliberately low, ownership guarantees membership in a rarefied club of Manx enthusiasts.
Want to Build It Yourself? You Still Can.
For those who believe the journey begins in the garage, Meyers Manx hasn’t forgotten its roots. The company continues to offer the Meyers Manx Remastered Kit, allowing DIY builders to create their own version of the classic buggy.
The Remastered Kit includes the same upgraded body design, dash, hood, and other components found on the Turnkey models, engineered for easier assembly and improved longevity. Builders can customize their buggies from the ground up—selecting their own powertrain, suspension, interior, and paint to reflect their personal vision.
It’s the perfect option for hands-on enthusiasts who want to blend classic craftsmanship with modern reliability and for those who simply enjoy the pride that comes from building something with their own two hands.
Whether you choose the fully finished Turnkey Classic or opt to craft your own dream machine, Meyers Manx is still the purest expression of fun you can drive—or build.
The Legacy Lives On
While the roads may be paved now and the world a little more connected, the allure of the Meyers Manx remains unchanged. It still represents freedom, rebellion, and the spirit of adventure. And now, it’s available at the turn of a key.
The Meyers Manx gained widespread acclaim for its exceptional performance in off-road racing, particularly in the inaugural 1967 Mexican 1000, now known as the Baja 1000. In this grueling race, drivers Vic Wilson and Ted Mangels piloted a Meyers Manx to victory, completing the 849-mile course from Tijuana to La Paz in 27 hours and 38 minutes, outperforming motorcycles, trucks, and other cars. This triumph showcased the Manx’s superior design and durability and cemented its legacy in off-road racing history.
Beyond the racetrack, the Meyers Manx attracted notable enthusiasts, including Hollywood icon Steve McQueen, who commissioned a custom Manx featuring a 2.7-liter, 150-horsepower Corvair engine for use during the filming of The Thomas Crown Affair in 1968. The Manx also made a cinematic appearance in the 1968 Elvis Presley film “Live a Little, Love a Little,” further embedding its image into popular culture. Now, with the Meyers Manx Turnkey, you can just get in and go.
Whether you’re chasing the dunes or just a good sunset, the Remastered Meyers Manx Turnkey is your invitation to experience one of the greatest automotive legends ever built—no toolkit required.
Reserve yours today at meyersmanx.com and become part of the next chapter in one of motoring’s most colorful stories.
Photos Courtesy of Meyers Manx
Are they really pricey when I’ve seen a lot of average manx builds go for 45 or 50.
$68k?? No thanks. WOW!
As long as we’re talking VW’s here, just think about the Porsche you could buy for $75K and ask yourself which you’d rather have in your garage.
i have had way more fun in my Manx. My dad built it in the 60s irsy an original pretag certified by Winnie.
Building mine was half the fun. I guess times have changed.
I have this original Manx buggy same color, been sitting 5-6 years, need to start to put it all together. Of course will need to repaint because of the dull oxidized finish.
This looks just like the one my dad had and I would drive as a teen. Green metallic!
OMG, 68K and up!
Do they come decked out with parts by MST engine details.