Reflections

The checks and balances of one’s past cannot be ignored.  I suspect that mine are suspiciously close, forever near.  Those Kamikaze’s chased me into the sea only to have me return to the burned-out hulk that refused to sink.  Slowly the Bunker Hill limped back home having lost over half of her thirty-five hundred crew members.  The long and slow journey back home somehow etched its way into my subconscious.  Those weeks of rolling young shipmate's bodies from their bunks, their frantic, clawing figures from airshafts, the huddled bodies from closed lockers…unforgettably sad.  So compelling, so hideous to experience it, indelibly burned into me, creating a mission in life to enjoy every moment of this time on earth. 

My meanderings have led me to the phenomenon of the fiberglass dune buggy.

Seen in the automotive magazines of the world, one editor wrote, “A vehicle that was misleading by its own character, appearing to be something of a toy, not only set world records…but also became an icon for a new automotive era.”  With its look of rebellious audacity, smacking of adventure, it beckoned to the youth of those times and those still clinging to youth.  Its ultra-simple design defied all automotive convention, suggesting it should not be taken seriously.  The Meyers Manx was never taken seriously in racing, on or off-road until the dust settled.  Producing more smiles per mile and at a higher “fun per dollar” ratio than any car before or since, the Meyers Manx was, and still is, the granddaddy of all that excitement, energy, Hollywood celebrity and those records leaving an incredible, indelible skid mark on automotive history.  Today, the Meyers Manx brings you an unmatchable legacy that reflects the same honest design heritage, of form following function, that captivated yesterday’s fun-loving world.

When Winnie and I started the Manx Club, it was part of a three-part promise to my dear French friend, Jacky Morel.

                    Build a new Manx (Manxter 2+2)

                    Write a book

                    Start a Club (The Manx Club)

Jacky had shown me a true life-changing concept, the change of perception.  This was truly magic for me.  I had been angry at the world for the countless copiers of my creation, the Manx buggy.  He pointed out that being angry is a waste of energy, which will shorten one’s life.  Those I was angry at, were now probably dead, and those remaining could probably care less.  Instead of being angry, one should count the happy faces in each dune buggy, pointing out that I put them there.  Now, I know I started a world of happiness.  Let the Manx Club be a gathering place for all this happiness.  So, Winnie and I started the Club without a negative glance.  At first, it was tiny. We always thought positives as the negatives tend to erode things.  The Manx Club is a place of happiness. 

 - Bruce