Cars

The return of the Dune Buggy

In 1968, Steve McQueen raced through the dunes of Massachusetts in a Meyers Manx in "The Thomas Crown Affair" – and finally made the buggy an icon. Now car manufacturer Brado is bringing the idea back onto the road: uncompromisingly analogue and made of full carbon fibre.

Text
Verena Stuhlinger
Photos
Brado

The 1968 film "The Thomas Crown Affair" was not only remembered for its multi-dynamic image technology, the longest film kiss at the time (55 seconds) or Steve McQueen's extremely tight jeans shorts. Above all, the Meyers Manx Dune Buggy, in which Thomas Crown chased through the dunes of Massachusetts, became an icon.

Now the new car manufacturer Brado from Bologna is reviving the cult objectas a carbon buggy. The vehicle combines a full carbon monocoque with a "zero electronics" philosophy and striking design. An air-cooled 1.8-litre boxer engine with 85 hp is fitted in the rear as standard, while a 2.0-litre version with 110 hp is available as an option. The concept consistently follows the dialogue between man, machine and road: a combustion engine and no electronic aids whatsoever.

1/4

The design language is consistently based on the famous model from the 1960s, especially in the side graphics, with some modern touches such as the rear view with the narrow tail lights.

Which brings us to the question: Who is behind Brado and the Carbon Buggy?

Firstly, there is founder Matias Mussetta. In his own words, he is an "automotive developer and composites engineer with Italian roots and an Argentinian heart". He has worked for the Formula 1 team Scuderia Toro Rosso, Lamborghini and Dallara. He was also involved in the development and construction of the Ferrari 499P hypercar and was part of the winning team at the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans. Today, he dedicates himself to the conservative restoration and preparation of classic cars for prestigious Concours d'Elegance such as Villa d'Este, Pebble Beach and Amelia Island.

Andrea Mazzuca, who has been synonymous with Italian luxury and international brand communication for fifteen years, is responsible for the strategic direction. As managing partner of Maked and co-founder of Outlierman, he recognised early on the desire of a global collector scene that is no longer just looking for a car, but for an iconic instrument of freedom.

"We have created a dream car that can tackle roads that are literally impassable for most cars. An emotional driving experience that for us epitomises the excellence of Made in Italy."

Andrea Mazzuca

The design comes from Juan Manuel Diaz. In his career, he has been responsible for icons such as the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, the MiTo, the Audi R8 Spyder and the Audi RSQ e-tron Dakar. And now, with the Dune Buggy, the chapter of automotive light-heartedness is being added to the sharpened sports car design

→ bradocars.com

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The return of the Dune Buggy

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