1972 Bolwell Nagari 351 V8 Coupe

The Bolwell is perhaps the best of all the Australian sports cars, 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. Moving 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. 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.