Mon, Jun 8, 2020
Inspired by the creation of the Signature printed canvas by Kris Van Assche and this season’s Globe-Trotter luggage collaboration, Berluti has developed a beach buggy that pays homage to the rebellious and carefree lifestyle of 1960’s Southern California.
Invented in 1964 by Bruce F Meyers in Newport Beach, the original Meyers Manx was created to scour the local dunes and beaches in search for the perfect surf spot. Sold as a kit car and featuring an open-wheeled fiberglass bodyshell coupled with a Volkswagen Beetle flat-four air-cooled engine – often personalised to suit the tastes of each particular owner, it soon became a staple for unforgettable stunts in movies including Elvis Presley’s Live a Little, Love a Little and The Thomas Crown Affair. With the auction of the Meyers Manx driven by Steve McQueen in the 1968 film last March by Bonhams and the introduction of a new electric model by Volkswagen in the latest Geneva International Motor Show, the Buggy is undeniably back in style, as iconic and timeless as Berluti’s classics.
True to the original Meyers Manx, Berluti’s Buggy blends technical simplicity and artisanal know-how. Using a Volkswagen Beetle frame and motor, and a polyester shell reproducing the initial mould, the resulting vehicle is, at around 500 kg, exceptionally light. An air-cooled flat-four engine with 1600 cc, twin carburettor, and 90 HP are topped off with a rollover protection structure that doubles as a surfboard stand, making it the perfect off-roader.
Berluti’s distinctive touches are all-present, with a bespoke choice of leathers and patinas: the dashboard, steering wheel, gear lever and the two seats (handcrafted in Epernay, France, by Sellerie Duval) are covered in leather and complete with a Berluti logo and understated B on the wheel. Further bespoke details include a Signature print canvas soft-top, a removable luggage carrier encased in black leather and a palladium-finished brass Berluti logo on the hood.
Berluti’s Buggy is available through special order.
Berluti was established in Paris in 1895 and has been built by four generations of shoemakers. In 2005, fine leather goods were introduced and, in 2011, a complete clothing collection. A unique bespoke service from head to toe is now available through Berluti’s workshops in rue Marbeuf and rue de Sèvres. Berluti now has over 50 stores worldwide.
-
Into Love Mode
Winter 2023 -
For Your Eyes Only
Winter 2023 -
Ferrari Drives Pen
Winter 2023 -
$35.35m Saudi Cup draws entries from 22 nations
Thu, Jan 12, 2023 -
Saudi set for Prince Khalid Cup race
Thu, Jan 5, 2023 -
Lab-grown and Sparkling Bright
Autumn 2022 -
Messika’s New Boutique in Doha
Autumn 2022 -
Damac Offers New Mansions
Autumn 2022 -
Chopard Says it in Arabic
Autumn 2022 -
Loewe launches ‘Iconic’
Autumn 2022 -
Shining Ode to Africa
Autumn 2022 -
Creating Your Own Scent
Autumn 2022 -
35 designers at Arab Fashion Week
Wed, Sep 28, 2022 -
Amouage to develop frankincense heritage site
Wed, Sep 7, 2022 -
Michael Lombard opens flagship store in Dubai Mall
Wed, Aug 10, 2022