2017 Bowler Bulldog NR1 5-Litre Supercharged V8 - 13,300 Miles

Since its inception in 1985, Bowler Motors has developed a worldwide reputation in the arena of design and construction of Land Rover-based off-road vehicles. Led by the company’s inspirational founder, Drew Bowler until his untimely death in 2016, the company grew from a nascent workforce of just eight to the present group of 35 highly skilled engineers. Initially focussing on the preparation of cars for British off-road events, the company’s ambitions expanded rapidly to encompass participation in events including the Dakar Rally, Morocco Desert Challenge and Spanish Baja and for the past two decades their cars have formed the backbone of many Rally Raid events across the globe.

In a significant departure from their previous practice of using production-based Land Rover chassis in the construction their vehicles, 2015 saw the introduction of Bowler’s own Cross Sector Platform (CSP) chassis. The two-seater Bulldog was originally developed as a prototype and test vehicle for the CSP, however its impressive performance on road and winning credentials in rally racing, coupled with its style, stability and rigour has earned it international appeal from both race and road car buyers.

Dating from 2017, Bulldog NR1 #009 is accompanied by its original specification which runs to several pages and is too long to list here, but a copy is in the car’s History File and can be sent to interested parties. Key points are listed below;

• 110" wheelbase, left-hand drive, MSA certified roll cage
• Powered (originally) by a mono turbo TDV6 without restrictor linked to a ZF 8-speed automatic, torque bias centre differential, limited-slip front and rear differential
• 225-litre fuel cell (FIA) offering an 800 mile range, exhaust EU emissions compliant with catalysts, ventilated discs front and rear, compomotive 18" wheels – Graphite, Cooper STT Pro 275/65xR18 tyres
• Two Bowler/Cobra racing seats with 6-point FIA racing harness, Motec dash display, Peltor intercom 12v supply, 12v auxiliary power supply box, permanent and ignition controlled supplies, Terratrip 303 GPS x 1 with signal input, air-conditioning 

At the time, the invoice price was listed as £90,000 plus VAT and a number of further options were selected including the remarkable purple/mauve paint finish which was £985. To this, our vendor chose to add the Desert Pack at a cost of £8,500-plus and again full details of this are available.

So far, so good but it doesn’t end there. It would appear that the 400bhp-plus generated by the JLR 3-litre 'Mono Turbo' TDV6 engine was simply not enough, so in February 2019 our vendor approached Bowler and explored the possibility of finding a bit more power. They suggested the installation of a suitably tweaked 5-litre Range Rover V8 and e-diff, terms were agreed and in early May 2019 they prepared and installed a 5-litre Range Rover SVR AJ133 V8 which, we understand, generates in excess of 600bhp. With the supercharger and manifolds, drive belts, V8 air boxes, exhaust kit, new front loom, polished inlet, and 124 hours labour, the account amounted to £ 28,771 + VAT. The E-Diff was fitted at the same time and with the Range Rover Sport steering wheel with paddles an additional £4,000 was added to the bill.

There are a further two invoices in the file, one from 5th September 2022 for £3,145 (including a recon gearbox) and £1,353 on 6th March 2024 (oil, fluids etc.). The current indicated mileage is 13,300 and the MOT is valid until 26th March 2026.

This is a remarkable piece of kit - ballistic performance, head-turning looks, desert-crossing ability, take it to Tesco's docility and all in a fabulous shade of sunset purple. Obviously specialised, however we imagine that whoever buys this will know exactly what they want to do with it. Very sensibly guided considering what it would cost to replicate.