Can't get enough Efijy.

Another Italia surfaces.

A few months ago Ian Webber in Queensland bought this car via Gumtree from a vendor who had no idea what it was. Ian didn't either, just knowing it was old and rare. Lots of research via Bollyblog and other sources revealed it to be a JWF Italia.

Rubbing part of the cowl back revealed many colours including green and Ian thought it may have been the green one in SA - not the case as the bodywork on that one was considerately modified and it's still alive and well over here.

As you can see, the car is in poor condition and actually has some damage on the front panel steelwork that fibreglassed to the under-bonnet area. Ian certainly has some work ahead of him. It has a Singer chassis (underslung) and an early Holden diff.

The Singer chassis must have been ideal as they are commonly found under Italias, Milanos, Buchanans and other Aussie specials. It must have significantly reduced the number of Singers around. There is no engine or gearbox but the engine mounts look like grey Holden ones turned sideways. The door handles appear to be FC Holden, and the front end seems to be Singer. It has a plywood floor with rubber underneath it where it mounted to the chassis. Fortunately, most of the other panels are with the car (just not in the pictures). Ian hasn't found any chassis numbers and has no history regarding registration. He would love to hear from any Italia owners or anyone else who has any info on them (icw.63@live.com). The windscreen is missing, he has read that it was a Morris Marshall screen. He also wants to know what the quarter glass was from. Some Italias had vents in the mudguards which rumour has it were Wolseley 24/80 front vents from either side of the grille. Ian has so many questions. Please help.

Grey stuff - 25

Making good progress.

Goodonya Greg.

With the hot stroked V8 almost ready, this is going to be a rocketship.

For those unsure, this is the ex-Maclurkin, ex-Gourlay, ex-Gac race car coming to life again.

Looks like a Moke to me.

In NQ.

This well travelled Mk.7 is ready to return to its former glory. Bolwell whip, Nanna Baz, will see to that (by remote control from Perth?).

Ron and Murray might be pleased to hear this.

Kapunda - week 90

Outside Mish's lolly shop.

Doing what they do best.

Bobby.

Rog.

Bernie.

What do Bolwell owners and J van owners have in common?

They always get a park near the beer tent.

Blast from the past.

The latest on the Bolwell book.

Bolwell Book Update August 2016

Dear Bolwell Club Members and Enthusiasts.

This is the current situation with the Bolwell Book.
We have completed and laid out 280 pages of a 256-page book .
That includes 30 reserve pages to allow for Bolwell Corporation reviews and changes, and  manipulation of texts and pictures in layouts still under review.
The main section of the book – around 210 pages has been finalised and approved by Campbell Bolwell.
The remaining pages mainly comprise Owner Profiles and pictures.
In October last year, Bolwell decided to stop production until the Board and Senior Management had reviewed everything in the book.
Even though Campbell had already approved and signed off on the areas of the book concerning Bolwell.
As a result, a new completion schedule and budget has been prepared for Bolwell.
Essentially, this involves getting sign-off from Bolwell on the now-completed book by end of August 2016 (6 weeks) .
This will enable production, print and shipping of books by end-October 2016.
Campbell has stated he is confident of achieving this.
We have been subjected to increases in costs of every aspect of production from Project commencement in 2011 to today.
As a result, there will be simplified production to a single ‘model’ (the premium version) and the Retail price will be $120.
Club members who have already paid in advance will not be surcharged.
Thanks to you all for your patience.
It has been a long and winding road for all of use, but we are near the chequered flag.
Regards
Rob and Nathan Luck”***********  

 

Early Mark 5s.

What were they thinking?
To each his own I suppose but here's the Mk.5 in the planning stages with the proposed back window marked out in Texta.

And here it is sitting on drums.

Obviously modelled on this Mazda van.

Finally happy with the results.

There were 11 or so Mk.5s produced like this.
The chassis seemed OK.

Time for a rethink and here's the mould for the new front

Road test around the block minus bonnet.

Here's the real Mk.5 out the back behind the dunny, a great improvement.

And here's one of the South Aussie ones.

The front page of the brochure.

And the back page.

All but one of the early style came back to be turned into the second style. I'd like to know where that one original one is.