Bruce Meyers, dune buggy creator dies aged 94
The creator of the renowned Meyers Manx dune buggy, Bruce Meyers, died in his California home at the age of 94 on February 19.
The multitalented engineer, artist, boat builder and surfer died from myelodysplasia, a blood disease similar to leukaemia, according to Autoweek.
Meyers’ claim to fame is creating the Meyers Manx kit, which is more commonly known as a dune buggy and has been replicated thousands of times.
The kit repurposed Volkswagen Beetles into convertible off-road vehicles with shorter chassis’, the first of which was made in 1964.
The vehicle became a fixture of California beach culture and dominated dune racing during its time.
The original production line ran from 1964 until 1971, approximately 6000 vehicles were made during this time.
Meyers refounded the operation in 2000 and a limited number of new vehicles inspired by the original Manx buggy have been made since.
In November 2020, the brand was sold to venture capital group Trousdale Ventures, according to Fox News.
His wife, Winnie Meyers, who helped Bruce run the business for many years told Autoweek that “it was just his time.”
“We sold our business recently,” said Winnie. “And that’s just wonderful. So that it really was able to close some doors.”
Picture: Wikimedia Commons