Tony Vierra

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

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.

One of Vierra's old patches. Photo courtesy of Henrik Forss.

Another one of Vierra's old patches. Photo courtesy of Henrik Forss.

Another one of Vierra's old patches. Photo courtesy of Henrik Forss.

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.

Tony Vierra is an American entrepreneur and automotive enthusiast known for his significant contributions to the dune buggy industry in the United States, particularly through his co-founding of Bugformance Inc. and the creation of the Thunderbug dune buggy.

Early Life and Career

Tony Vierra grew up immersed in the culture of hot rods and automobiles. At around 20 years old, he was working at Goodies Speed Shop in San Jose, California, alongside notable figures such as Jim "Jungle Jim" Liebermann, a schoolmate of Vierra's. His interest in automotive design and modification deepened after he encountered an article about Manx buggies, which quickly led to his building a Manx buggy for personal use.

Bugformance Inc.

Vierra's passion for dune buggies transformed into a business venture when he and a friend acquired the Manx House, a company that they would later rename to Bugformance Inc. Located in Sunnyvale, Northern California, Bugformance specialized in dune buggies and other Volkswagen-related projects, including racing vehicles. Under Vierra's leadership, the company innovated the Thunderbug dune buggy, a model designed to be sturdier and of higher quality than its contemporaries. The Thunderbug maintained the dimensions of a Manx but featured enhancements such as thicker edges, partially hand-laid fiberglass, and improved interior and exterior design elements tailored for robustness and functionality.

Business Development and Legacy

Bugformance Inc. saw significant growth under Vierra's stewardship. The company was renowned for producing between 35 to 50 Thunderbug units, which were highly regarded in the dune buggy community. In 1970, Vierra took full ownership of the company by buying out his partner, Clay Diekmann. Five years later, he sold Bugformance Inc. to Bill Brister, who further expanded the company's reach.

After selling the company, Vierra continued his involvement in the automotive sector, participating in various capacities such as building and racing cars for off-road competitions, Pikes Peak, and Short Track. He also founded an Off-Road organization in the Bay Area and collaborated with well-known figures like Mickey Thompson.

Recent Developments

In March 2024, Vierra shared in an interview with Henrik Forss that he had recently discovered an unbuilt Thunderbug, which inspired him to revisit the project. He announced plans to build another Thunderbug, utilizing modern parts and technology while adhering to the original design principles that made the buggies famous.

Impact and Recognition

Tony Vierra's contributions to the automotive world, particularly in the niche of dune buggies, have been recognized for their innovation and lasting impact on the industry. His work with Bugformance Inc. and the development of the Thunderbug have cemented his reputation as a pioneer in automotive design and entrepreneurship.