Bolwell (Australia) - AllCarIndex

Bolwell Cars Pty Ltd was an Australian automotive manufacturer based in Mordialloc, Victoria, that operated from 1964 to 1982. The company was founded by brothers Campbell and Graeme Bolwell, who initially focused on creating sports specials before transitioning to kit cars. Their first commercial product, the Mk IV, was introduced in 1964 and was designed to accommodate four-cylinder engines. This was followed by the Mk V, which utilized six-cylinder Holden components, and the Mk VI, a mid-engined competition car, of which only one unit was produced.

The Mk VII, launched in 1967, gained popularity for its appealing design. It featured a backbone chassis and an integral fiberglass body that could house Holden mechanicals, leading to the sale of approximately 450 units until 1972. However, the introduction of stricter design regulations adversely affected the kit car market. In 1969, Bolwell released the Nagari (Mk VIII), a complete car that weighed 916 kg and was powered by a 4953 cc Ford V8 engine, producing 221 bhp. The Nagari was built on a 90-inch (2286 mm) wheelbase and featured a fiberglass coupe design with a backbone chassis. It included components from Ford and Austin, and was equipped with 14-inch alloy wheels designed by Bolwell.

Despite initial success, sales began to decline in 1974, leading to the company's decision to cease car production by the end of that year. The Bolwell brothers had aspirations for export sales, particularly to South Africa and the United States, but these plans were hindered by increasingly stringent design regulations. A total of 140 Nagaris, including 13 roadsters, were produced by 1975, after which the company shifted its focus to industrial fiberglass projects.

In 1979, Bolwell attempted to re-enter the market with the Ikara, a clubman-type vehicle built on a space frame with fiberglass bodywork. It was powered by a 1588 cc VW Golf engine and utilized components from the Holden-Isuzu Gemini. Despite its innovative design and lightweight construction, the Ikara received a lukewarm response, with only ten units sold. Reports in 1985 indicated that the project had been sold to Greece. The legacy of the Nagari continued to influence automotive enthusiasts, leading to subsequent attempts by others to revive its production.