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2014 Shannons Melbourne Late Summer Classic Auction
Lot
24

c1970 Bolwell Nagari Coupe

$55,000

Sold

Specifications

Engine V8, 302-cid
Gearbox 4-speed manual
Body Work Coupe
Colour Red
Interior Black
Trim Vinyl
Wheels Cast Alloy
Brakes Discs/Drums

Description

This lot is no longer available

The Bolwell is arguably one of the greatest Australian sports cars ever made and certainly the best known, with a reputation for good looks and fantastic performance. Brothers Graeme, Campbell and Winston Bolwell began building specials in the 1960s then progressed to more serious production with the Mark IV, a kit-car with Ford Cortina running gear that sold 55 units. Evolving through several incarnations, the Bolwell gradually matured into a serious sports car and the Mark VIII was the most resolved yet, retaining the stylish coupe bodywork of the Holden-powered Mark VII. Instead of the Holden six under the bonnet, the Nagari - as the Mark VIII was named - came with Ford 302-cid V8 power and Toploader gearbox and was produced at the Bolwell factory to turn-key condition for the first time. Although never officially sold as such, the Nagari was also available with Ford's more powerful 351-cid V8, making it a bone fide supercar. The bodywork was made from a single mould and other changes included bolt-on front and rear bumpers. In 1972 a convertible version was announced with a reinforced chassis to cope with any flexing. In total 127 coupes and 13 convertible Bolwells were made and few survive in original condition, those that have becoming increasingly sought after.