What Is The Most Expensive Dune Buggy?
Curious about the fanciest dune buggies? We're here to spill the beans on two super special ones! These buggies are like the kings of off-road adventures. One is called the Gray Design Sidewinder, and the other is the 1967/68 Con-Ferr Meyers Manx. Hold tight, and let's dive into the world of these cool rides.
What Is The Most Expensive Dune Buggy?
There are two contenders for the title of "most expensive dune buggy," depending on whether you're looking at current production models or historical auction prices:
Gray Design Sidewinder
This Swedish-built buggy boasts a price tag of £157,000 (approximately €199,000 or $246,289), a luxurious interior, a top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h), and impressive off-road capabilities.
Main Features
The Gray Design Sidewinder is a luxurious, high-performance dune buggy designed for those who demand the best style and substance. Its salient features are as follows:
Powerful Engine
Powered by an LSX Bowtie big block engine, the Sidewinder produces 600 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque. This allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 150 km/h on sand.
Robust Suspension
The Sidewinder features a robust suspension system that handles the toughest off-road terrain. It includes front and rear boxed chromoly arms, front and rear anti-sway bars, and 3.0 KING bypass shock absorbers.
Luxurious Interior
The interior of the Sidewinder is just as impressive as its exterior. It features a full array of matching OLED infotainment and display screens, designed by Eduard Gray and delivered by Swedspot.
1967/68 Con-Ferr Meyers Manx
This iconic dune buggy sold for $456,000 (including premium) at the Bonhams Amelia Island auction in 2020. Its value is attributed to its rarity, history, and provenance, as it was one of the first original Meyers Manx buggies ever built.
Main Features
The 1967/68 Con-Ferr Meyers Manx was a unique and iconic dune buggy, famous for its appearance in the film "The Thomas Crown Affair" driven by Steve McQueen. Here are some of its main features:
Engine
Unlike most dune buggies, which used Volkswagen flat-four engines, this Manx was powered by a more powerful 2,683cc flat-six Chevrolet Corvair engine. This engine was estimated to produce over 140 horsepower, significantly more than the 40-125 horsepower typically found in Volkswagen-powered dune buggies.
Chassis and Suspension
The Con-Ferr Manx utilized a modified Volkswagen floor pan, chassis, and suspension. This combination provided a reliable and robust platform for the powerful Corvair engine.
Modified Body
This cool dune buggy, a Manx, got a makeover from Con-Ferr. They added a wraparound windshield, sunken headlights with cool covers, a luggage rack at the back, and hand-brake levers for cool sand slides. Inside, it got comfy seats and fancy trim by Tony Nancy.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – the Gray Design Sidewinder and the Con-Ferr Meyers Manx, two dune buggies with their own stories and styles. Whether you're into futuristic luxury or classic cool, the choice is yours.
These off-road rides are like a ticket to a desert adventure, and the best one for you depends on your taste and what you're looking for in a buggy.
What is the most expensive dune buggy in the world?
The most expensive dune buggy in the world depends on customizations, but high-end models from custom builders like SandRail can be pricey.
What is the best car to build a dune buggy?
The best car to build a dune buggy often starts with a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive vehicle, with popular choices being the Volkswagen Beetle or Subaru platforms.
Can you buy a dune buggy?
Yes, you can buy a dune buggy; they are available from various manufacturers and custom builders and sometimes in the used market.
Does anyone still make dune buggies?
Yes, dune buggies are still made by manufacturers specializing in off-road vehicles, and enthusiasts often build custom models.
