A Trip to the Past and Future: Driving the Reimagined Meyers Manx Dune Buggies

In what felt like a scene straight out of the 1968 film The Thomas Crown Affair, I had the incredible privilege of driving the Remastered Resorter Meyers Manx Dune Buggy along the beach and the Tarmac Touring Edition through the streets of Newport, Rhode Island. With the company of the brand's incredible creative director, Hagop Kalaidjian, the experience was everything I had imagined—and more. While most know Meyers Manx as the creator of the original dune buggy, the brand's legacy is now also helping drive the future of off-road adventure.

In 1964, Bruce Meyers, a boat builder, engineer, artist, and surfer, designed the first-ever dune buggy—a vehicle meant to bring "Smiles for Miles" on any terrain. The buggy quickly set a dune racing record in the Baja 1000, leading to demand for a street version. Meyers Manx soon became a favorite among FUN-enthusiasts around the world, solidifying the brand's place in automotive history.

Though the models I drove evoked the spirit of the Crown Affair era buggies, they were actually completely reimagined based on sketches Bruce Meyers drew in 2009. Visionary designer Freeman Thomas and Manx aficionado Phillip Sarofim took these designs and used them to not only preserve the joy these vehicles offered but also to redefine their potential. The result is a new era of Meyers Manx vehicles that enhances driving pleasure through a blend of timeless design and modern engineering.

A New Era of Meyers Manx: Innovation Meets Legacy

The new Meyers Manx models feature subtle yet impactful updates that elevate the driving experience to new heights. With a shorter wheelbase, reinforced body, and roll hoops, the vehicles are more compact and experience fewer torsional forces, allowing them to tackle nearly any terrain with ease. The headlights, now integrated into the hood rather than sitting on top, offer a sleek update that modernizes the classic look without losing the essence of the original design.

I had the rare opportunity to experience the joy of driving these machines in two distinct forms. Though the Tarmac Touring Edition and the Remastered Resorter are worlds apart in terms of their character, both brought endless smiles during my drives.

The Tarmac Touring Edition: Performance Meets Aviation-Inspired Design

The Tarmac Touring Edition is a limited-run vehicle, with only six units produced. It combines my love of aircraft and vintage sports cars into one exhilarating experience. The real star here is Bespoke Engineering’s Radial Motion Engine: a three-cylinder, two-liter radial aircraft engine mounted at the rear. Producing nearly 130 horsepower, this engine’s low weight, combined with the vehicle's sub-1600-pound curb weight, results in a power-to-weight ratio akin to a Spec-Racer-Ford racecar. Even at lower RPMs, the radial engine's torque is more than sufficient to power through corners, making it an absolute joy to drive.

Starting the Tarmac Touring Edition requires a deliberate priming of the engine to ensure there’s enough fuel in the system before ignition. I personally enjoyed the discipline of this start-up procedure, as it mirrors the precise rituals of high-performance racecars. However, for those new to performance machines, it may take a bit of getting used to before it becomes second nature.

From a driving perspective, the Tarmac Touring Edition is a dream. Its lightweight, nimble frame and responsive throttle allowed me to enjoy it both in traffic and along Newport’s Ocean Drive backroads. Its design is equally striking, featuring aviation-inspired digital gauges, a hidden cooling system, and a racecar-like start/stop mechanism. The meticulous attention to detail extends to the interior, where the seats evoke the upholstery of early-generation Porsche 356 Speedsters, and the metal flake gel-coat body refracts light in a way that is reminiscent of classic nautical vessels.

The driving experience in the Tarmac Touring Edition is uniquely engaging. Whether I took a more aggressive or more relaxed driving style, the car adapted effortlessly, maximizing fun and making every mile an absolute joy.

The Remastered Resorter: Relaxation Meets Classic Charm

While the Tarmac Touring Edition delighted with its performance, the Remastered Resorter offered a more laid-back experience, fitting its name perfectly. Built on a VW Beetle chassis and designed to seat four, the Resorter features a slightly longer wheelbase and a 1.6-liter, rear-mounted four-cylinder boxer engine. The Resorter retains the classic Manx feel from the 1960s while incorporating technical upgrades that elevate its comfort and stability. With a reinforced frame, the vehicle now feels even more planted on loose surfaces like sand and dirt.

This model was designed to embrace the coastal lifestyle, with an interior that screams "vacation." The pink metal flake gel-coat body, dandelion shift knob, and wicker seats all contribute to the Resorter’s cheerful and inviting atmosphere. It may not have the same low-end torque as the Tarmac Touring Edition, but it’s not meant to. The Resorter’s relaxed, upright seating position, long-throw shifter, and easy-to-master manual transmission make it the perfect vehicle for leisurely drives, whether you're headed to the beach or cruising along scenic roads.

What truly stands out about the Remastered Resorter is the attention it garners. I found myself interacting with more people—whether on the beach or on the road—who were drawn to the vehicle’s charm. It’s the ultimate vehicle for those who love to be noticed and embrace the social aspects of the driving experience.

A Legacy Reimagined for the Future

The ingenuity behind the Meyers Manx brand seamlessly blends innovation with its rich heritage, ensuring that the brand continues to thrive as it looks toward the future. The electric version of the Manx, soon to be released, takes this reimagining a step further, bringing the iconic dune buggy into a new age of performance and sustainability. By embracing cutting-edge electric technology, Meyers Manx honors its roots while breaking new ground in off-road vehicles. The shift from a gas-powered engine to electric propulsion signals the brand’s commitment to meeting the demands of an eco-conscious world without sacrificing the thrill of adventure.

As Meyers Manx moves into this new era, it remains deeply connected to its past while embracing the latest in automotive technology. This perfect balance of legacy and innovation ensures that the spirit of the Manx—freedom, adventure, and pure driving joy—will continue to inspire new generations of off-road enthusiasts for years to come. Meyers Manx is not just preserving a legacy; it’s paving the way for the future of adventure on and off the road.

If you find yourself in Los Angeles or St. Mortiz, it is worth a trip to visit the Meyers Manx Cafes as well. Food and drink aside (although I was impressed with both), the Cafe’s capture the spirit of the brand and the carefree lifestyle of the driver in a way that can only be experienced in person.

I would also make sure to check out their website and Instagram which feature the breathtaking work of the brand’s creative director, Hagop Kalaidjian. His eye is like no other and truly captures the essence of the experience in the Manx. Below I attached some pictures he took of our drives together.