What is a Buggy?
When we talk about a Dune Buggy, we’re referring to an off-road vehicle. Specifically, it’s a type of car particularly suited to racing on sand, thanks to its minimalist chassis and low-pressure tyres. With two seats, no doors, no boot, and no fixed roof, this vehicle remains a favourite for lovers of sporty, lively driving.
When and where was it born?
This off-roader has American origins: the first prototypes appeared in the 1920s when, along the USA coasts, people began combining parts of agricultural machinery with old Ford T models destined for scrap.
Later, with the growth of the automotive market, spare parts became more readily available. Instead of the wooden barrels used as wheels in the earliest models, tyres and powerful engines were added to new builds.
When the Volkswagen Beetle finally arrived in America, Buggies began to be built directly from these cars—stripping the bodywork and keeping only the chassis.
However, we owe the dominant aesthetic of these vehicles today to one man: Bruce Meyers. In 1964, he decided to add bodywork to rudimentary Buggies, creating the iconic doorless, hoodless design with a covered engine, oversized tyres, and external headlights. Thus, the famous Meyers Manx was born, revolutionising the 1970s market.
Around the same time, in the late 1960s, the Buggy spread across Europe, especially in England and Italy, where assembly kits began being sold in Bologna.
Later, with the growth of the automotive market, spare parts became more readily available. Instead of the wooden barrels used as wheels in the earliest models, tyres and powerful engines were added to new builds.
When the Volkswagen Beetle finally arrived in America, Buggies began to be built directly from these cars—stripping the bodywork and keeping only the chassis.
However, we owe the dominant aesthetic of these vehicles today to one man: Bruce Meyers. In 1964, he decided to add bodywork to rudimentary Buggies, creating the iconic doorless, hoodless design with a covered engine, oversized tyres, and external headlights. Thus, the famous Meyers Manx was born, revolutionising the 1970s market.
Around the same time, in the late 1960s, the Buggy spread across Europe, especially in England and Italy, where assembly kits began being sold in Bologna.
How many types of Buggy are there?
There are two main types of Buggy:
- Fibreglass vehicles: Designed for recreational use, they’re perfect for speeding along beaches or even deserts, created by modifying existing vehicles;
- Sand Rails: Also ideal for sandy dunes, these are built from scratch using paddle tyres and an open chassis—features that prevent them from sinking in soft sand.
Dune Buggies are raced in desert competitions worldwide, from Qatar to Africa and North America.
Where can I drive a Buggy in Italy?
First, let’s clarify: to drive this vehicle, you must be over 18 and hold one of the following licences: A, A1, or B.
Italy, with its countless stunning beaches, is the perfect place to take the wheel of this fun vehicle. Whether you want to share an adrenaline rush with friends, spice up summer coastal rides, or try off-roading for the first time, renting a Buggy won’t disappoint!
If you’re in wild and wonderful Sardinia, don’t miss the tours organised by Dune Buggy Sardinia across the Cagliari area. For routes near the capital, trust the pros at Quad Adventure near Cerveteri. Or, to tear across Sicily’s incredible beaches, we recommend the Segesta safaris by Segesta Tour 4x4.
In short, you can drive a Buggy almost anywhere on the peninsula—just find the nearest rental and gear up for pure adrenaline-fuelled fun!
Italy, with its countless stunning beaches, is the perfect place to take the wheel of this fun vehicle. Whether you want to share an adrenaline rush with friends, spice up summer coastal rides, or try off-roading for the first time, renting a Buggy won’t disappoint!
If you’re in wild and wonderful Sardinia, don’t miss the tours organised by Dune Buggy Sardinia across the Cagliari area. For routes near the capital, trust the pros at Quad Adventure near Cerveteri. Or, to tear across Sicily’s incredible beaches, we recommend the Segesta safaris by Segesta Tour 4x4.
In short, you can drive a Buggy almost anywhere on the peninsula—just find the nearest rental and gear up for pure adrenaline-fuelled fun!
