FEBRUARY 22, 2023

(Meyers Manx)
Meyers Manx has unveiled its first-ever Remastered Kit, which empowers enthusiasts to build and customize the world’s most iconic dune buggy according to their personalized specs. The all-new Meyers Manx Remastered kit benefits from modernized production techniques that leverage 3D scanning, digital design tools and CNC technology to deliver the most precise self-assembly set to date. The result is an easier-to-build kit boasting higher quality construction that honors Bruce Meyers’ groundbreaking creation while incorporating updates by legendary designer Freeman Thomas. The re-imagined kit introduces new features for the first time since 1970, including: An all-new, locking rear trunk; An easily-removable dash assembly; Integrated wiring tubes; New remastered classic kit colors, including a solid gel-coat and metal flake gel-coat hues, along with a UV clear coat that serves as an additional layer of protection.The kit includes key body, dashboard, and trim components. Additional parts are available separately. “It is a privilege to work on the Manx Dune buggy, which is such an iconic piece of California cultural history,” Thomas said. “The goal of the Remastered program was to preserve [founder] Bruce Meyers’ unmistakable design while incorporating modern touches that make full assembly accessible to more people.” Meyers Manx chairman and Trousdale Ventures founder Phillip Sarofim added that the most authentic and satisfying Manx experience involves building and customizing a buggy kit. “The 1960s were all about can-do spirit, from grassroots car customizers to the Space Program,” Sarofim said. “We’re bringing a taste of that era back with a modernized, easier-to-build version of the original dune buggy kit that launched an automotive cultural movement. The original Meyers Manx has been prolifically emulated but never duplicated, and this is an opportunity to build and drive an authentic legend.” The Remastered Kit has already stoked interest from Alois Ruf, founder of Ruf Automobile. “We’ve always loved how the classic Meyers Manx Buggy drives,” he said. “Knowing that at-home assembly has been a challenge for some, the Remastered Kit should make it easier for a new group of enthusiasts to build their dream cars at home.” Meyers Manx also recently announced that 2023 will mark the debut of the Meyers Manx 2.0, the electric version of the classic buggy. The company is expected to announce further production details soon. 

(I.C.E.)
Maserati continues its partnership with The I.C.E. St. Moritz – International Concours of Elegance – hosted in the glamorous setting of the frozen lake of St. Moritz, bringing together the best in classic cars, collectors and car enthusiasts from all over the world. Over the course of the two-day event, the lake will be the stage for an open-air exhibition, celebrating the classic cars as true artworks and allowing the public to admire their beauty and history, while collectors will be able to enjoy the unprecedented experience of driving their roaring cars on the snow-covered track carefully assessed by a prestigious jury. Maserati will bring some rare masterpieces from its past, including the Maserati 420M/58 Eldorado – a one-off single-seater race car purpose-built for the second edition of the 500 Miles of Monza in 1958. And a 3500 GT Vignale Coupé (below) as well as the legendary Mistral, which in 1963 inaugurated the brand’s tradition of naming its cars after famous winds.
(Maserati)

(Buick images)
Buick has unveiled the refreshed 2024 Encore GX, the first vehicle in North America to adopt the brand’s new "tri-shield" logo, as well as the first to present the new "face" of Buick. The front fascia design was first seen on the Buick Wildcat EV concept. New, signature winged LED headlamps are part of the new design, and new 18-inch and 19-inch wheel options will be available. The updated Encore GX will also offer the Avenir trim for the first time. In addition, the reimagined Sport Touring (ST) trim will now be an option for Encore GX buyers. The updated Encore GX interior is centered around Buick’s Virtual Cockpit System (VCS), the first Buick to adopt this technology. VCS features 19 diagonal inches of high-definition screens under one sheet of glass, comprising an 11-inch diagonal infotainment system — the largest infotainment screen in its segment — and a configurable 8-inch diagonal driver cluster screen, both angled toward the driver. Buick’s more luxurious Avenir trim will be available for the first time on the Encore GX. Standard power on the 2024 Encore GX comes from a 1.2L turbocharged engine with 137HP and 162 lb-ft of torque. An optional 1.3L turbocharged engine is also available with 155HP and 174 lb-ft of torque. AWD is available across all trims, with those models equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission. FWD models come standard with a CVT. How much? The Encore GX Preferred trim starts at $26,895, with the Sport Touring starting at $28,095. The Avenir will start at $33,195. Customers will be able to build and order a new Encore GX on Buick.com starting in May 2023.

The Buick Encore GX Sport Touring.

The AE Song of the Week:

You woman have heard of jalopies
You heard the noise they make
Let me introduce you to my Rocket '88
Yes, it's great, just won't wait
Everybody likes my Rocket '88
Baby, we'll will ride in style movin' all along

V-8 motor and this modern design
Black convertible top and the girls don't mind
Sportin' with me, ridin' all around town for joy
Blow your horn, rocket, blow your horn

Step in my rocket and don't be late
We're pullin' out about a half past eight
Goin' on the corner and havin' some fun
Takin' my rocket on a long, hot run
Ooh, goin' out, oozin' and cruisin' and havin' fun

Now that you've ridden in my Rocket '88
I'll be around every night about eight
You know it's great, don't be late
Everybody likes my Rocket '88
Girls will ride in style, movin' all along

"Rocket 88" from the album "Chicago Blues, Volume 2" (1951).* Written by Jackie Brenston. Publisher: Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Listen to it here. 

*In 1991, after a great deal of debate, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recognized this as the first rock and roll song ever recorded. Ike Turner was in jail at the time for cocaine possession, so his daughter accepted the award. The song is about a car. The Oldsmobile "Rocket 88" came out in 1949 and was the fastest car on the road at the time. A small car with a big, overhead valve V8 engine, it was one of the first muscle cars and dominated NASCAR races in the '50s. The car was advertised as having a V-8 "Rocket" engine, with the slogan, "Make a Date with a Rocket 88." This song was produced by Sam Phillips, who formed Sun Records in 1952. Phillips later became famous for recording Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis. Jackie Brenston, who was a member of Ike Turner's Rhythm Kings, sang lead. The single was credited to "Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats" because Phillips wanted to release a different record credited to Turner. This was a #1 R&B hit. There were no rock charts at the time. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)

Editor's Note: You can access previous issues of AE by clicking on "Next 1 Entries" below. - WG