|
By
EWAN KENNEDY
31 December 2007
Nagari is one of the most famous of all Australian sports cars, though
it has to be admitted the fame is generally confined to motoring
enthusiasts. That’s because the on-again-off-again machine has been
missing from the scene for far too long.
That situation is about to be rectified with the introduction
of an all-new Bolwell Nagari at the 2008 Melbourne International
Motor Show.
Nagari, it’s aboriginal for flowing, an apt name for sports
machine with low sleek lines, was first seen in 1969. It was
designed by three Bolwell brothers, Campbell, Winston and Graeme
in their workshop in Mordialloc, Victoria. About 140 were built,
mainly closed coupes, though 13 convertibles also graced our
roads. Power came from mid-mounted Ford V8 engines, with
capacities of either 302 or 351 cubic inches (4.9 or 5.8 litres).
For the last couple of years there have been persistent rumours
that Campbell Bolwell has been working on a Nagari for the 21st
century. This has just culminated in an announcement from the
organisers of the Melbourne motor show that the new Bolwell Nagari
is to be unveiled to the public at the next show at 5pm on
February 29 2008.
Initial photographs taken in the Bolwell factory in Melbourne
show an extremely stylish machine with ultra-modern lines at the
front, but with strong cues to the original Nagari around the
rear. Particularly in the so-called ‘tunnel’ effect behind the
rear windscreen and over the engine cover.
Details of the mechanical makeup of the new Nagari are secret,
but the rumour mill says a Toyota V6 powerplant is hidden under
that sleek tail. Speculation is that it could be a close cousin to
the 241 kW supercharged unit introduced a few months ago in the
Toyota Aurion TRD. Stand by for further details…
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
|
