The cult electric buggy Meyers Manx

Fifty years ago, avid surfer and beach bum," Bruce Myers (Bruce Meyers) rolled out of my garage to light the world's first buggy body fiberglass Meyers Manx, known as "Old red" ("Old Red"). Myers has developed and produced a good and inexpensive construction: monocoque fiberglass body bolts were fastened with the suspension and drivetrain from the legendary Volkswagen Beetle.

The idea was picked up followers, turning the buggy into a cult. If Sam Myers managed to make and sell before closing his store in 1971, 6-7 thousand copies of the Meyers Manx, the world they have built over a quarter million.

Fifty years after the appearance on the beaches of America "Old red" received from the Association of historic vehicles (Historic Vehicle Association) the status of national heritage and will be installed in the hall of the Library of Congress. To old buggy similar status was awarded to only one car — Shelby Daytona Coupe.

Despite the fact that the peak of the hype around buggy already in the past, saying that the specific niche of beach cars they are gradually replacing ATVs, Meyers Manx trade was resumed in 2002. However, today the original parts from the Beetle, which once was a "dime a dozen" not found, therefore the company Meyers Manx Inc. produces replicas of the original models and sells them as kits for self Assembly.



The fiftieth anniversary of the company celebrated a new model. Myers once again rolled out of the garage in Newport beach red buggy, but the first fully electric generated together with the partner — the battery company from Las Vegas Rev-TEC.

Induction 102-volt motor prototype electric buggy is powered by 32 lithium-ion battery located in the underbody ahead of the rear wheels. Constant motor power is 40 horsepower, peak — 83,6 HP Motor is able to accelerate the prototype to 62 mph (99,2 km/h), however, given the purpose of the "dune buggy" mode of operation, the maximum speed limit of 45 mph (72 km/h).



According to the Rev-TEC single charge the vehicle's batteries are enough to run 45 miles (72 km). The charging process 102-volt battery takes about 6.5 hours.

We know that buyers of electric buggy Meyers Manx will be available with different motors, not only with a 102-volt, as represented in the prototype, but also at 48, 72, 96 and 144 volts. Prices are not announced yet, the beginning of sales is planned for the fourth quarter of this year after a debut at the motor show in Los Angeles in November.

Facepla.net according to the materials Autoweek





Source: facepla.net