The classic Meyers Manx dune buggy is getting a second lease on life thanks to an electric infusion.

Yes, the Meyers Manx has been defibrillated, brought back as an all-electric vehicle. It was privately revealed at a special event in Malibu, California, on August 8th, slated for a public debut at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering in Carmel, California, on August 19th.

Energizing this off-road adventurer is one of two battery packs: a 20 kilowatt hour (kWh) option offers an estimated 150-miles of range; it can be doubled to a 40kWh pack which also doubles the range to an estimated 300-miles. Meyers lists the powertrain as consisting of 2 rear-mounted electric motors, and while performance stats are unavailable for the smaller 20kWh pack, the 40kWh configuration is estimated at 202 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, capable of a 4.5-second 0-60 mph acceleration.

These stats are further amplified by the Manx 2.0’s dimensions; specifically, its curb weight of 1,500 lbs with the 20kWh pack and 1,650 lbs with the 40kWh pack. While the batteries do add a little bit of extra weight, this isn’t too far off from the original Manx’s 1,200-ish lbs (according to documents found on the Library of Congress, the original "Old Red" weighed in at 1,420 lbs). The Manx 2.0 measures out at 123.5-inches long, 70.3-inches wide and 53.3-inches tall, resting on an 82-inch wheelbase; for further context, “Old Red” measured out to roughly 112-inches long, 62-inches wide and 57-inches tall, with a wheelbase of 80-inches.

The aforementioned weight savings could be attributed to its inherently spartan design, as well as the all aluminum monocoque chassis (an update from the original’s fiberglass shell). Still, the Manx packs plenty of modern features: independent rear suspension, regenerative rear brakes, electric assist steering and an electronic E-brake. There’s even an RFID Wristband for wireless access-- a future phone-based app is also in the works.

There’s no denying the Manx’s pounce into the future with these upgrades. That being said, it looks to maintain that original dune buggy spirit which original creator Bruce Meyers unleashed in 1964.

“The Meyers Manx has always been a symbol of joy, simplicity and purity.  It’s the solution to the complexity of life,” said Phillip Sarofim, Chairman, Meyers Manx. “Continuing the legacy of the Meyers Manx connects us with the optimism of the 1960s California culture, an optimism we all can share.”

We don’t have any pricing yet on the Manx 2.0, but we do know that deliveries will begin in 2024; however, Meyers will be offering a beta program in 2023 where the first 50 cars will be delivered to select customers. Those customers can then provide feedback to the dev team and help refine the final product. Pre-orders and beta applications will launch on August 19th following the Manx 2.0’s public debut at The Quail.