Dune Buggy – Tracing back to its root, Bruce Meyers of California in 1964, with an assist from Dr. Ferdinand Porsche came up with the very first specimen of the dune buggy. The buggy is a small, lightweight, open automotive vehicle equipped with oversize, low-pressure tires for traveling along sand beaches. Also called beach buggy. Mr. Meyers Carried out his experiment with a standard Beetle of the era, He ripped off the body, shortened the frame, fitted fatter tires and bolted on a fiberglass tub with two seats. Voilà! the dune buggy which he named Meyers Manx, was born.
Within two years, more than 70 companies began building knockoffs. Even Sears offered a buggy called the Rascal. Because it was so simple to convert a Beetle to a buggy, almost anyone could do it. By 1970, the copycats had put Mr. Meyers out of business. Enjoying the rock star treatment at a motoring event in Le Mans, France, Mr. Meyers thought about reviving Old Red in 1994.
In 2000, he announced a limited-edition production run of 100 Manx kits for $2,000 each.
It seemed that fans of dune buggies were willing to pay a premium for an authentic one, built by Bruce Meyers himself. The very problem that had put him out of business in the first place knockoffs now made a real Manx a collectible. This article brings to you some of the best Off-road dune buggies.
Meyers Manx
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Its introduction in 1964, gave motoring a different perspective of handling the sand as far as movement across it is concern. The Meyers Manx (an off-road refit of Volkswagen’s Beetle) was the first of its kind to ever traverse the sand, all though the original company went belly up in 1971, they were refounded in 1999 offering a wealth of options to get you out on the sand. It comes with body kits, chassis, and a wide array of individual parts. This DIY option is one of the most inexpensive ways to get behind the wheel of an iconic dune buggy.
Joyner Sand Viper 1100cc EFI
With a top speed of 70 miles per hour courtesy of its water-cooled four-cylinder engine, its 11-gallon fuel tank, hydraulic disc brakes, 14″ of ground clearance, and a 1,102-lbs capacity. The Joyner Sand Viper 1100cc EFI offers a whole lot of fun and capability in an inexpensive package. To navigate out on the dunes as quickly and cheaply as possible, this beast might just be your best option. This ready-to-roll dune buggy comes with a price just over the $10k mark.
BMS Sand Sniper T-1500 4S
The BMS Sand Sniper T-1500 4S accommodates four passengers instead of two like every other conventional dune buggy. It boasts 108 horsepower as against the Joyner’s 86hp. Of course, that also comes with a bit more weight. It has a roof rack in case you want to haul some other gear atop it while you tear across the desert. For a journey of more than two people, the BMS Sand Sniper T-1500 4S is the budget dune buggy for you.
Yamaha YXZ1000R SS SE
For a sand-shredding adventure, the Yamaha YXZ1000R SS SE comes well equipped with its 998cc power plant capable of 90 horsepower, selectable 2WD and 4WD courtesy of a three-way locking differential. It Fox Racing shocks in the front and at the back with hydraulic disc brakes give rise to a fantastic performance. This two-seater weighs just 1,563 pounds which makes the adventure very event full.
Polaris RZR XP Turbo
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Its powertrain is a whopping 168 horsepower which its Yamaha counterpart is no way near it but still costs around the same price with it. The small 925cc engine that comes with it is turbocharged and engineered for top-level performance. The Polaris RZR XP Turbo boasts a 20″/20″ of usable travel, has a 14″ ground clearance, and can be upgraded to a higher trim for even more off-roading capabilities.
Can-Am Maverick X3 X rs Turbo R
It features 124 foot-pounds of torque, a trio of oversized air intakes to keep the engine cool, an upgraded BRP four-link TTX suspension boasting 24″ of travel, and fully adjustable state-of-the-art Fox shocks so you can customize your ride on the fly. If the best tech in the game is on your radar, this is the dune buggy for you.
Tatum Dragon Sand Car
The Tatum Dragon Sand Car hosts a Chevrolet LS3 crate engine a muscle car-worthy powerhouse capable of delivering 650 horsepower. This performance put it up as an off-road supercar, less a dune buggy. Standard features that come with it include custom body panels to a top-of-the-line suspension, a custom powder coated chassis, and a sleek appearance which give the buggy the much-needed attention.
Buckshot Racing X5R
The X5R off-road supercar dune buggies can be equipped with one of four boasting 510-600 horsepower and come with the option for turbos that will give it an output of up to 1,200 horsepower. This explains why it is expensive compare to Tatum that comes with one engine option. But that’s what you pay for blistering insanity over any terrain.
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