It costs just as much as a BMW M3 but we bet it would be a lot more fun, right?
Meyers Manx was the creator of the original dune buggy from 1964 to 1971. Based on the Volkswagen Beetle, it was essentially a kit car for desert racers and beach cruisers. Interestingly, this recipe made for a fun vehicle perfectly suited for driving across sand dunes; some even say it’s quite a joy both on-road and off-road.
But while the Beetle is officially dead and an electric variant is definitely out of the equation, Meyers is making a comeback at the 2023 Monterey Car Week with its latest electric dune buggy restomod. It’s called the Manx 2.0 EV, and it cost a whopping $74,000 — almost as much as a base Tesla Model S! No need to say that the price leap is quite massive considering the original dune buggy kit cost only around $6,000; excluding the donor car.
That said, this modernized dune buggy promises to be a lot of fun, at least on paper. It’s built from the ground up, with a choice of 20- or 40-kWh battery packs producing up to 202 hp for a 0-60mph sprint in just 4.5 seconds and offering a range of up to 150 or 300 miles. And when it runs out of juice, it can be charged up to 60 kW, thanks to the DC fast charging capability.
Still, the completely new powertrain means it barely shares anything with the original Beetle, explaining the shockingly steep price. But at least the Manx 2.0 EV still retains the original dune buggy’s silhouette – a rugged yet curvy design. And hey, given such a vehicle carries lots of sentimental value, we know some people won’t mind paying the premium.
Meyers will produce 50 buggy units for the first batch and will ship them out this year as part of the beta program. The plan is to study these early units and gather customer feedback before a mass-production release.
Sounds interesting? Visit Meyers Manx’s website and secure your spot with a $500 deposit — but be quick; Manx 2.0 EVs are expected to fly off the shelves!
Gallery: Meyers Manx 2.0 EV
