Mk.9 – Ikara (1979 – 1980)

The Bolwell Ikara was conceived in 1978 when the Bolwell engineering and design team set out to create a sports car that was fun to drive without any of the compromises of the motor industry’s safe, conventional and boring suburban “committee car”.

The Ikara was also conceived from the very start as a ‘world’ car with potential export opportunities. The chassis and fibreglass panels could certainly be exported or perhaps manufactured overseas under license; and although the Golf engine appeared to be the best choice for the Australian market and for many overseas markets, the engine/transmission/suspension unit from several other cars (eg Renault 5, Honda, Mazda 323, etc) could be readily substituted if necessary. Similarly there was a range of suitable alternatives to the Holden Gemini front suspension for overseas markets, and the steering could also be transferred to left-hand-drive quite simply.

Bolwell produced a remarkably detailed 128 page Construction Manual for the Ikara as well as a detailed price list which very clearly set out exactly what was required for the owner/builder to complete their Ikara, and offered discounted pricing on four product packages. The basic Stage 1 kit started at $4,890 (just under the magic $5,000 price-point) where-as the comprehensive Stage 4 kit cost $9,490 (just under the $10,000 price-point). To this the purchaser had to add the cost of Golf and Gemini parts, which could be new or second-hand, and around 150 hours of labour. For the more skilled or cash strapped prospective Ikara owner, Bolwell even provided details of ‘delete’ options from the standard pricing which would potentially allow an Ikara to be fully completed, with engine and transmission but obviously with some compromises on parts and quality, for a minimum of around $7,5000. At the other end of the spectrum Bolwell indicated that there were authorised Ikara constructors available around Australia for those owners who needed assistance putting their Ikara together.

Following a sneak preview to members of the Bolwell Car Club, the Bolwell Ikara was officially launched at a function at Melbourne’s Calder Park Raceway in November 1979. This was a professionally organised event featuring the first two Ikaras and attracted world-wide media interest and coverage, including a report on the ABC’s 7.00 pm news service. Official presentations were followed by a ‘Cavalcade of History’ featuring examples of all Bolwell models going back to the Mk4. After the media bit with journalists and TV crews, it was then left to the general public to go for a bit of a fun drive with John Latham, noted Bolwell Nagari racing driver, around the witches hats. For a reasonably small event, the Ikara launch certainly created considerable interest. The Ikara was available for sale from around January 1980 and by the end of 1980 Bolwell had built a total of 12 Ikaras