Bugformance Inc.

Bugformance Inc., based in Sunnyvale, Northern California, was a prominent manufacturer in the dune buggy industry from the late 1960s to the mid-1970s.

A promotion from 1970 that introduced the Thunderbug. The Thunderbug dune buggy, the flagship product of Bugformance Inc., was designed to improve upon the traditional Manx body. Known for its sturdy build, the Thunderbug was similar in dimensions to the Manx but featured thicker edges and partially hand-laid fiberglass, differing from the all-chopper gun fiberglass commonly used in other buggies at the time. The interior surfaces of the Thunderbug were textured, with molded tubes under the fenders for added strength and wire housing. The design also incorporated Squareback turn signals at the front and oval taillights at the back.

Throughout its production years, Bugformance Inc. manufactured and sold approximately 35-50 Thunderbug units. These vehicles were often sold as turnkey cars, fully assembled and ready for immediate use, catering to a robust clientele through a complete shop manned by five employees. However, due to the absence of serial numbering, the exact count of Thunderbugs produced remains uncertain.

Henrik Forss' Thunderbug Dune Buggy. In March of 2024, Henrik Forss interviewed Vierra about the Thunderbug, and he explained to him how it all happened; "Yeah, I was about 20 years old and had always been involved in hot rods, and was at the time working at Goodies Speed Shop in San Jose, California" At the shop, Vierra worked with Jim “Jungle Jim” Liebermann whom he also went to school with. "Then, one day, I read an article on Manx buggies, and I immediately got hooked.” Shortly after that he built a Manx buggy for himself. However, not long after that, he had an opportunity to buy The Manx House with Diekmann. They changed the name to Bugformance Inc.. The shop not only built dune buggies but was involved with anything VW-related and even built pure rail jobs for racing. Photo courtesy of Henrik Forss.

A Thunderbug Parts List from Tony Vierra's collection.

One of Vierra's old business cards. In 1970, Vierra bought out his partner Diekmann and subsequently hired Bill Brister as a manager. By 1975, Vierra sold the business to Brister, who then expanded the brand, licensing the name to four other stores and managing it successfully for about 35 years. Brister, noted for winning the Pikes Peak race four times, contributed significantly to the brand's reputation.

Buggies – New Generation of Street Roadsters! That's what Hot Rod Magazine said on the cover of their September 1970 issue, where three buggies were featured. This guide is made to showcase a style of buggies that has the authentic 1960s and 1970s look and style. Hopefully, the guide will spark an interest among all of you car aficionados for a snappy, fun open-air roadster. Street buggies are the main focus of this guide, rather than off-road buggies. No matter how you twist, wiggle, and turn things around. A dune buggy is a huge part of the California car culture, maybe even the biggest.

Bugformance Inc. was an influential American automotive company specializing in the manufacturing of dune buggies, particularly known for its iconic Thunderbug dune buggy model. Founded in the late 1960s in Sunnyvale, Northern California, by Tony Vierra and Clay Diekmann, Bugformance Inc. played a pivotal role in the evolution and popularization of dune buggies in the United States.

History

Originally, the business began as the Manx House, a small operation that dealt primarily with Manx buggies. Tony Vierra, an enthusiastic young entrepreneur with a deep interest in hot rods and automotive modification, was initially a customer and fan of Manx buggies. After reading an influential article about these vehicles, Vierra built his own Manx buggy and soon purchased the business with a partner. They renamed the operation Bugformance Inc., transitioning from a focus on retail to a more diversified approach that included manufacturing.

Thunderbug Dune Buggy

Bugformance Inc.'s major contribution to the automotive industry was the development of the Thunderbug dune buggy. Designed to improve upon the Manx model, the Thunderbug featured thicker edges and partially hand-laid fiberglass instead of the standard all-chopper gun fiberglass. This made the Thunderbug sturdier and of higher quality than many competitors' offerings at the time. The interior surfaces of the Thunderbug were textured, and the design included molded tubes under the fenders for enhanced strength and ease of wiring. Additionally, the buggy was designed with specific features such as Squareback turn signals at the front and oval taillights at the rear.

Operations and Legacy

Under the leadership of Vierra and Diekmann, and later solely by Vierra after he bought out Diekmann in 1970, Bugformance Inc. grew to encompass a complete shop with five employees. The company was successful in selling 35-50 Thunderbug units, many as turnkey cars, which were fully assembled and ready to use. Bugformance also engaged in various Volkswagen-related projects and racing applications, demonstrating a broad capacity in automotive manufacturing and innovation.

In 1975, Vierra sold Bugformance Inc. to Bill Brister, who successfully managed and expanded the company. Brister licensed the Bugformance name to four other stores and continued to build upon the brand’s reputation for quality and performance for approximately 35 years. Under his leadership, the company maintained its prominence in the dune buggy market and contributed to the broader automotive culture.

Conclusion

Bugformance Inc.'s influence on the automotive industry, particularly in the realm of recreational and off-road vehicles, remains significant. The company's dedication to quality, innovation, and the specific needs of dune buggy enthusiasts set a standard in the niche market. Though the original Thunderbug mold was unfortunately stolen around the time Vierra sold the company, the legacy of Bugformance Inc. endures.