Mail Designer 356: Uncovering the Mystery of the US Sandman Dune Buggy

The US Sandman Dune Buggy, a fascinating piece of automotive history, has left many enthusiasts scratching their heads with its obscure origins and limited information available. As we delve into the story behind this unique vehicle, we'll explore its connection to the Manx, its export to Europe, and the individuals involved in its production.

In 1968, Dutchman Hendrik Johan (Henk) de Ruiter stumbled upon the Sandman Dune Buggy while on a business trip in Texas. He was impressed by the buggy's design and saw an opportunity to bring it to his home country of the Netherlands. De Ruiter acquired a turnkey Sandman kit, model 'kit B', which was mounted on a shortened Volkswagen floorpan.

De Ruiter's vision was to produce the Sandman Dune Buggy in the Netherlands, but he needed a license to do so. After obtaining the necessary permits, he began assembling the buggy using inmates from a Texas prison. The finished product was shipped to the Netherlands, where it became an instant hit among beach-goers and enthusiasts.

The Sandman Sales Inc., located in Fort Worth, Texas, advertised the buggy in 1968 as the largest manufacturer of buggies east of California. However, little is known about the company's background or the individuals involved in its production. The same can be said for the design process, with no records available on who designed the Sandman Dune Buggy.

Despite the lack of information, one thing is clear: the US Sandman Dune Buggy left an indelible mark on the Netherlands' automotive scene. As Bruce Meyers so aptly put it, 'This buggy produces more smiles per mile than any other car.' With its unique design and fascinating history, it's no wonder that the Sandman Dune Buggy remains a topic of interest among enthusiasts to this day.

As we continue to uncover the mysteries surrounding the US Sandman Dune Buggy, one question remains: what secrets lie hidden in the dusty archives of Sandman Sales Inc. and its founders? Only time will tell if we'll ever uncover the truth behind this enigmatic vehicle.

Mail designer 356