![]() ![]() Freeman also hints at a possible EV Meyers Manx.Īs for Bruce and Winnie Meyers, they aren't going anywhere. Meyers Manx will also invite a who's-who roster of visiting designers to design future ideas and create collections. This will create a global, youthful energy of fresh thinking that will be inspired by Bruce Meyers's lifelong creative brilliance. Something else he shares with us: The company will be inviting and sponsoring design competitions around the world at places like the legendary Art Center College of Design, Royal College of Art, Pforzheim School of Design and CCS. The storied brand has powerful name recognition and meaning. While he plans to also protect Bruce’s legacy of simplicity and intuitiveness in his original creations, Thomas readily admits that a new design will be developed. We surmise that Freeman, as a noted automobile designer, is ultimately in this to be the guy who designed an all-new Manx for the next generation of enthusiasts. “That will also be a priority led by exquisite design and execution,” he says. We next asked Thomas about merchandising potential with such an iconic brand. As a point of context, this author has built a Meyers Manx, and it is perhaps the easiest and most rewarding project he's ever attempted. That would mean streamlining the process even further. Thomas wants home builders to be the hero in their family. “The complete kits will come with easy-to-understand instructions-think IKEA/Apple-including all the correct hardware and making the Manx a fun, easy-to-build, do-it-yourself family project,” he explains. ![]() Affordable, undrilled bodies in your color of choice will also remain available for those that want to customize themselves, he continues. While some accessories and parts needed to build the Manx are currently available on the Meyers Manx website, Thomas says that his goal is to source and remanufacture rare, out-of-production parts for legacy Meyers Manxes. Thomas notes that he will also be developing a variety of simpler-to-assemble Manx kits that will still appeal to hardcore Manx fans. This is very near to Valley Center, where the Manx has been built for years. However, he tells us, the plan involves sharing his passion for building the classic Manx kits and related Manx products essentially as they have always been, especially during the ’60s and in support of the Manx Club.Ī 7500-square-foot R&D and operational facility, including a design studio which will be staffed by an international creative team, has been secured in Oceanside, California. When asked what plans he has for the company, Thomas comments that right now, it's too early to share. Photo courtesy Petersen Automotive Museum Phillip Sarofim becomes chairman, while Dave Lin will handle the financial side of things as CFO. Thomas, who started his design career at Porsche, had barely retired, but loved the Bruce Meyers legacy and the Manx so much that he decided to lead the purchase of the company. Thomas also co-created the original Irvine Cars and Coffee along with John Clinard, longtime West Coast Ford PR guru, kicking off the global C&C movement. Recently, he designed the new Ruf CTR and SCR. Even if you don’t know the name, you will know his work, which includes the Audi TT, the original VW New Beetle, the Chrysler 300 and the Tomahawk motorcycle. The name Freeman Thomas might ring a bell, as he is a well-known automotive designer. Automotive designer Freeman Thomas led the acquisition and was chosen as CEO and CCO to lead Meyers Manx and the future of the iconic brand. Meyers Manx, Inc., maker of the original dune buggy, has been sold by Bruce and Winnie Meyers to Trousdale Ventures, an investment house led by Phillip Sarofim. ![]()
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