The legendary Meyers Manx, born from Bruce Meyers' vision in 1964 as a reimagined VW Beetle, has always embodied the spirit of Californian surf culture and thrilling off-road escapades. Renowned for its lightweight design and agile performance, it even foreshadowed the modern SUV while dominating races like the Mexican 1000. However, after five decades, the company faced a decline. Enter Philip Sarofim and acclaimed automotive designer Freeman Thomas, who, with Meyers' blessing, acquired the brand and embarked on a mission to redefine its future. This revival culminates in an exciting partnership with Tuthill, celebrated for its extraordinary Porsche customizations, giving rise to the audacious new \"LFG\" model.
The Rebirth of a Legend: Tuthill and Meyers Manx Forge the LFG Dune Buggy
In a thrilling development for automotive enthusiasts, the iconic Meyers Manx, a symbol of California's free-spirited car culture since 1964, has undergone a radical transformation through an unprecedented collaboration with Tuthill, a revered name in high-performance Porsche engineering. This dynamic alliance, unveiled at the prestigious Monterey Car Week, introduces the "LFG" dune buggy, designed to push the boundaries of off-road exhilaration.
The journey began with Bruce Meyers' original vision, which saw the Meyers Manx — a lightweight, fun-to-drive vehicle built on a VW Beetle chassis — not only become a cultural icon but also a formidable competitor in races like the Mexican 1000, a precursor to today's Baja 1000. For years, it was thought impossible for a car to outperform a motorcycle in sandy terrains, a notion shattered by the Manx's early triumphs. However, the company eventually faltered, leading to its acquisition by Philip Sarofim and the distinguished car designer Freeman Thomas. Their mission was clear: to rejuvenate the brand while preserving its adventurous heritage.
The new era of Meyers Manx vehicles offers enthusiasts bespoke options, including diverse engine choices such as a radial aircraft engine, allowing for extensive customization. Matt Farrah's updated Manx, for instance, garnered significant attention at Monterey Car Week, appearing at exclusive events like Motorlux and The Quail. It even served as Farrah's primary transportation for the week, showcasing its blend of functionality and playful charm, complete with whimsical hot dog accents on the shift lever.
The decision to team up with Richard Tuthill stems from Meyers Manx's racing roots and the new leadership's connections within the Porsche tuning world. Tuthill, celebrated for his extreme Porsche builds like the 911K, which boasts a carbon-fiber body and an engine capable of 11,000 RPMs and fiery exhausts, brings unparalleled expertise in performance engineering. Tuthill's ventures extend to organizing high-octane driving events, such as the Swedish Rally with No Name, where clients navigate their custom race cars through arctic landscapes.
The fruit of this exciting partnership is the LFG, a vehicle that defies conventional categories. Unlike previous collaborations, such as Tuthill's Singer ACS, which, despite its brilliance, lacked a suitable environment for its use, the LFG is built for action. Introduced at The Quail during this year's Monterey Car Week, the LFG combines the robust presence of a rally car with a playful aesthetic. Its full carbon fiber body is mounted on a race-spec space frame, allowing for quick part removal for repairs or enhanced airflow during intense off-road rallies. For added comfort, the interior features three screens, including a driver display and two for CarPlay and navigation.
The prototype LFG is powered by a 3.5-liter flat-six engine paired with a six-speed sequential gearbox, centrally mounted for optimal weight distribution. Its advanced four-wheel-drive system integrates a center differential at the rear, transferring power to the front via a prop shaft. Future production models are slated to receive a more potent 4.5-liter engine, promising even higher revs and, hopefully, more dramatic exhaust flames.
Tuthill has ambitious plans for LFG owners, envisioning four exclusive events with full support and luxurious accommodations. The inaugural event in 2027 will see owners traverse the Baja race course immediately after the official competitors. This will be followed by the Dakar Experience in 2028, an Arctic Circle adventure in 2029, and the Safari Rally in 2030, offering unparalleled opportunities to experience the LFG's capabilities in diverse and challenging environments. While this ultimate off-road experience comes with a significant price tag, it promises a level of adventure and luxury that is truly unique, with only 100 units available. Owners will also have the option to store their LFG with Tuthill, ready for transport to these global events.
In this dynamic automotive landscape, the collaboration between Tuthill and Meyers Manx is a testament to innovation and passion. The LFG is more than just a vehicle; it embodies a lifestyle of audacious adventure and uncompromising performance, truly capturing the spirit of the 'Roaring Twenties' for a new generation of enthusiasts.