LR partners with Bowler to produce rally-raid models

[Oilworker]

And finally the very first Bowler EXR-S is ready, too.
It was actually finished late November and then presented to Land Rover, the customer, before christmas in December.

(Images courtesy of Bowler Motorsport / I appologize for the speckles in some of the images)

All you need now is a FIA Spec, flame resistant, Tuxedo and of you go!
550bhp, pretty lightweight and FIA Spec cage....I can´t wait to take that car up the Avenue Spelugues to the Casino :drool:

 

[David Harris]

Hay Haven, wasn't the Wildcat based off the Defender, Not the Disco???

I think the original Bowlers were Defender based, but then at that time all the Rovers shared the same basic chassis and drivetrain. Later ones definitely use the Disco II axles because they were wider and stronger than the Defender/RR/Disco ones. As far as the rest, it is probably a combination of different Rover and aftermarket parts.

 

[SteveMfr]

Axles? As in 'live'?
Methinks not...


Suspension – EXR

The EXR rally car uses fully independent suspension with geometry that has been designed and modeled to give specific competition handling characteristics. Combining the low centre of gravity, wide track and long wheelbase produces exceptional stability and driver comfort at all speeds, over all terrain.

The EXR rally has 3-way adjustable Donerre dampers, which include their patented fast rebound system, and hydraulic droop and bump stops. These dampers feature remote reservoirs that are positioned to benefit from cool air supplied by the bonnet ventures and side scoops, thus ensuring constant and reliable performance even in desert racing conditions.


http://www.bowlermotorsport.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EXR_PDF.pdf

 

[David Harris]

Axles? As in 'live'? Methinks not...

Suspension – EXR

The EXR rally car uses fully independent suspension with geometry that has been designed and modeled to give specific competition handling characteristics. Combining the low centre of gravity, wide track and long wheelbase produces exceptional stability and driver comfort at all speeds, over all terrain.

The EXR rally has 3-way adjustable Donerre dampers, which include their patented fast rebound system, and hydraulic droop and bump stops. These dampers feature remote reservoirs that are positioned to benefit from cool air supplied by the bonnet ventures and side scoops, thus ensuring constant and reliable performance even in desert racing conditions.


http://www.bowlermotorsport.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EXR_PDF.pdf

Right, not the latest which as you say are based on the latest Rover designs. Rovers have been successful rally contenders going all the way back to the Paris-Dakar winning Mark I Range Rover.

 

[Oilworker]

Well, it all started with an old 86" Series I, Drew and his brother found on the farm (where he´s build all cars ever since) and took racing.

A blacksmith by profession he mainly made these products before he started racing or, more precise, before he started building rally cars

The company started 1984 and it was soon after that they build the first customer car.

Drew, always pushing hard and trying to innovate with the products that were available to him, build the first ARC-spec car, combining Land Rover and Range Rover bits, thus creating the first coil sprung Land Rover (!)

1985 - Comp Safari (UK)

1986 - Customer Comp Safari car

1986 - Drew Bowler

2012 - The Bowler Story (from rear to front: EXR - Nemesis - Wildcat - Tomcat)

2012 - Drew Bowler with the very first EXR

Want any more images from the archives?

A great reportage about the Bowler history was published in Land Rover Monthly (December 2012).

 

[David Harris]

Nice shots! Thanks!

BTW: Are those official Bowler designed fireplace accessories? Lol. . .

 

[Oilworker]

Well they are made by Drew Bowler, so why not send him an email and ask him for a set. :ylsmoke:

 

[David Harris]

Well they are made by Drew Bowler, so why not send him an email and ask him for a set. :ylsmoke:

Might just do that. Love to have a set of those by my fireplace, preferably with Bowler logos.

 

[Oilworker]

 

[haven]

Autocar took a Bowler EXR-S to the track, and raced it against a Caterham Seven Supersport. The results are fun to watch in this 8 minute video.



Autocar reviewed the EXR-S last year
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/bowler/exr-s/first-drives/first-drive-review-bowler-exr-s

 

[LandyAndy]

Want any more images from the archives?

The wife worked at the the railway in Derby when the brothers did... she can clearly remember a blue Rangie with a blower through the hood they had, got a pic of that ?

 

[Storz]

My lottery vehicle :Wow1: