The more modern buggy
01/14/2021
While most buggies were based on the basic shape created by Bruce Meyers (Meyers Manx), some designers came up with new ideas, especially in the 1970s. One of them was Tom Tjaarda , who put a snappy design on paper for the AutoZodiaco company in Pianoro/Bologno.
At the end of 1971, the recreational vehicle christened "Damaca" was presented at the Turin Motor Show. AR editor Roger Gloor described the design in AR 51/1971:
" As a 'Dream Car', All-Cars AutoZodiaco exhibited a buggy-like vehicle designed by an American named Tom Tjaarda, whose unconventional doorless shape was more like a racing car than a conventional buggy. The engines of the VW 1600 or Porsche 912 could serve as the drive ..."
Depending on the engine, the car was over 170 km/h fast and not even expensive as a kit. Nevertheless, it did not really catch on, at least not in this country, which was perhaps also due to the less successful rear end.
