Bolwell
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1962 |
| Founder | Campbell Bolwell |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
Area served | Australia, global markets |
Key people | Vaughan Bolwell (leadership), Campbell Bolwell (design and production) |
| Products | Sports cars, kit cars |
Bolwell is an Australian manufacturer known for producing sports cars initially from 1962 until 1979, before resuming production in 2009 following the development of multiple concept and exhibition vehicles.
The company began by crafting fiberglass car bodies for various Australian firms but soon shifted focus to designing and manufacturing its own automobiles. Throughout its history, Bolwell introduced a range of models, with the Mk VIII Nagari standing out as its most renowned creation.
In total, Bolwell released five commercially available models, producing approximately 800 vehicles. The founder, Campbell Bolwell, continues to play an active role in design and production efforts, including the 2019 debut of the Nagari 500. This latest model incorporates a carbon/Kevlar chassis tub, a mid-mounted Chevrolet LS3 V8 engine, and an Audi 6-speed transaxle. Remaining a family-run enterprise under Vaughan Bolwell’s leadership, the company utilizes cutting-edge manufacturing techniques to target both local and global markets.
Mk IV
The Mk IV was offered as a kit car available in two variants: a coupe featuring gull-wing doors and an open sports model. Production exceeded 200 units between 1962 and 1964.
Mk V
From 1964 to 1966, seventy-five Mk V coupes were produced, mainly utilizing components sourced from Holden.
Mk VI
Known also as the SR6, the Mk VI was a unique mid-engine sports racing car constructed in 1968.
Mk VII
Between 1967 and 1971, approximately four hundred Mk VII coupes were produced, mostly as kits but also in fully assembled form. Starting around 1969, Kadala Cars manufactured kits on behalf of Bolwell. Later iterations incorporated Nagari-style dashboards, seating, pedal assemblies, and rear suspension linkages.
Mk VIII Nagari
The Mk VIII model, often called the Bolwell Nagari, was powered by a Ford V8 engine and produced from 1970 onward. Entirely built within Bolwell’s factory, it initially launched as a coupe with a convertible variant introduced in 1972. Production ceased in 1974 after completing 100 coupes and 18 convertibles.
Mk IX Ikara
Unveiled in 1979, the Mk IX Ikara was a mid-engine sports kit car equipped with a 1600cc Volkswagen Golf four-cylinder engine. It featured a space frame chassis combined with fiberglass body panels that lacked traditional doors. Only twelve examples were made; eleven remain today—with one unrestored and car number nine unaccounted for.
Mk X Nagari
The Mk X Nagari marked Bolwell’s return to high-performance sports car manufacturing when it was revealed at the Melbourne Motor Show in March 2008. Production commenced in 2009, reestablishing the company’s presence in this segment.
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