In 1964, Bruce Meyers, a California engineer, created the first fiberglass dune buggy called the Meyers Manx, sparking the off-road riding craze, this groundbreaking creation, initially designed for desert racing, became an icon for its playful design and its fantastic performance.
Nearly over 60 years later, Meyers Manx has unveiled the symbolic go-anywhere buggy with an electrified version, Resorter, a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering during Monterey Car Week 2023.
The Resorter NEV will be a four-passenger electric buggy powered by a twin-motor electric drivetrain and lithium-ion battery designed with enough torque to tow trailers, climb steep hills, and go off-road without much trouble. This NEV is designed for local exploration and electrically limited by NEV regulations, with a maximum speed of 25mph (40km/h).
“With the rebirth of this iconic automotive brand, I’m immersed in the process of engineering and industrialization for a quality customer experience,” said Hinrich J. Woebcken, board member of Meyers Manx and former CEO of Volkswagen Group of America.
The Meyers Manx Resorter NEV will feature advanced LED lighting, an innovative dashboard, and Easter eggs referencing the company’s history. It has a removable roof and can climb hills despite its dune-buggy.
The Resorter NEV will have a streamlined aluminum monocoque chassis with eye-catching bodywork. It also has a detachable roof, zip-down window doors, a foldable windshield, and all-terrain rugged wheels.
The neighboring electric vehicle is equipped with standard A/C and heating. However, it could be roofless, with power steering and regenerative braking, as it’s better suited for city cruising.
The NEV will offer a range of personalization options such as exterior colors, eco-friendly interior materials, and innovative front seat designs.
The Meyers Manx has yet to release numbers like horsepower or range, but don’t expect the Resorter to have a ton of range or exceptionally high speeds. The Resorter starts at a base price of $49,000, and you can reserve an NEV with a $500 deposit.
