The iconic Meyers Manx is one of those vehicles everyone recognizes, even if they don't quite know what it is. Developed in 1964 by Californian engineer, artist, boat builder, World War II veteran, and surfing enthusiast Bruce Meyers, the Manx became a popular way for people to convert ho-hum Volkswagen Beetles into truly capable dune buggies. It became an overnight success among those looking to dabble in off-road racing on the West Coast and was gradually embraced as a viable street rod. But it's probably best known for being America's de-facto fiberglass beach vehicle, ready for whatever kind of Surfin' Safari its owner had in mind.

The Meyers Manx has returned, only it isn’t technically a Manx. Volkswagen built it, it’s an EV, and it isn’t actually going on sale anywhere because it’s a concept car. Our apologies to any aged beach bums we just pulled the rug from beneath.

A lot of dune buggies (including the Manx) were adapted from old VW Beetles, but the manufacturer never built any of its own — at least none for public consumption. While we don’t see that changing anytime soon, Volkswagen certainly could move forward with the I.D. Buggy if it thought it profitable. After all, nobody thought we’d see the return of the Microbus, and yet the company is currently readying an all-electric Buzz that draws almost all of its inspiration from that vehicle. We think the Buggy would pair nicely with it, even though it exists far outside the mainstream.