Bow-V-Car (United Kingdom) - AllCarIndex

Bow V was a British automobile manufacturer that operated briefly in the early 1920s. Founded in 1922 by Charles Beauvais, the company was initially established as The Plycar Co. Ltd. in Upper Norwood, London, before relocating to Luton, Bedfordshire, in the same year. The brand was known for its unique cyclecar, the Illis, which represented Beauvais's second venture in the automotive industry, following his earlier project, the C.F.B.

The Illis cyclecar featured an innovative design that incorporated an integral plywood body and chassis. It was powered by a rear-mounted 10 horsepower air-cooled V-twin Precision engine, which transmitted power through a Juckes 3-speed gearbox and chain to the rear axle. Notably, the vehicle employed a wire and bobbin steering mechanism, and it included a distinctive porthole in the side of the bonnet, allowing light from the side lamps to illuminate the dashboard. Despite its creative engineering, production numbers for the Illis were very limited, and the company ceased operations in 1923.

Charles Beauvais later gained recognition as a stylist for Avon Coachworks, where he designed the notable Avon Standards, marking a shift in his career from manufacturing to automotive design.