It’s a dune buggy, but not as you know it. This extraordinary machine is the LFG: carbon bodied, rally bred engine, four wheel drive and ready for just about any adventure you might want to throw at it. The LFG is a limited edition project combining the expertise of Californian dreamers Meyers Manx, inventors of the original dune buggy, and Oxfordshire’s Tuthill, renowned for their rally victories with the Porsche 911. Let dune jumping commence!
Looks might suggest that the LFG is built more for fun than fundamental off-roading. Specification tells the real story. Carbon fibre body is very much in the spirit of the classic Meyers Manx dune buggies of the 1960s, then based on a shortened VW Beetle chassis. Modified versions first won the formidable 'Mexican 100' race 50 years ago, and the LFG celebrates that achievement.
Just 100 will be crafted for their lucky owners, the first 20 of whom will have the opportunity to take part in a commemorative Baja tour, to mark the 50 year anniversary. Roof on, the LFG keeps out the inevitable flying dust and rocks. Roof off and you’re transported to the flowers in the hair 1960s, playground of the original Meyers Manx buggy. You’ll still be protected by super-tough rollover structures - and you’ll be better able to hear the distinctive roar of the rear-mounted, 911 based engine, fettled by the experts at Tuthill Porsche.
Tuthill’s pedigree is blue chip. Company founder Francis Tuthill won the super-tough London-Sydney rally back in 1993 in a 911. Son Richard, who now runs the company, won the British Junior Rally championship three years later. Their Oxfordshire company now specialises in bespoke race and rally builds as well as ultimate lightweight roadgoing 911s. Creation of your LFG is going to be in good hands.
LFG: An exclusive club
Every owner will buy into an exclusive club providing six years of bespoke events around the worlds, designed specifically for the LFG. Six speed sequential gear box is race and rally bred, three way limited slip differential will help make easy work of all and any rough terrain. Bumpy ride? Not at all, say the LFG’s creators, thanks to dampers adjustable five ways and fitted with hydraulic bump stops. Tall, wide tyres are BF Goodrich All-Terrain. It’s going to be fast. Luckily, roof on, you’ll be safely strapped inside an air conditioned cabin with full digital instrumentation. Seats are designed for long distance runs.
As we’ve said, just 100 are to be handmade, with each owner having a selection of modified 911 engines to choose from. Advice is to get on to Tuthill or Meyers Manx sharpish, because you won’t be alone in your need for this best of the best dune buggy. Pricing is still to be revealed. We suspect if you have to ask, then it might be better to attach your surfboard to your classic Beetle instead. See you at dune top for a cocktail.
Next up: Take a look at the original American dune buggy.
