Bowler Tomcat 100: PH Carpool
We've driven the latest Bowler; here's a PHer enjoying an older one
Car: Bowler Tomcat 100
Owned since: 1998
Previously owned: 1957 88" Land Rover diesel
Road ability helps in search for off-road fun
"I first read articles in a magazine about Drew's 88" Bowler and really liked the concept; the agilty and power of a Range Rover in something as compact and 'right' looking as a Series I. I never thought I would own one and persevered with my 88" Series I. But it was less and less suited to laning trips far from home - whilst capable off-tarmac it was slow and noisy on it so the hunt was on for a replacement.
"At that time [1997-8]) 90s were too expensive and Range Rovers were cheap but I perceived the generous bodywork would only get in the way when laning. Also they are a bit on the heavy side for self-recovery with a hi-lift if it was stuck. A couple of years previously I serviced for a local hill rally entrant [Paul Wood] who raced an 88" Bowler then upgraded to the then-new 100". That was it for me - if Drew would build a 100" frame with doors I would buy one."
What I wish I'd known:
"That the low compression ratio Rover V8 with Strombergs was a poor introduction to V8 motoring, poor as in low power... On the upside it allowed me to get used to the handling and making the car 'flow' on twisty roads rather than zooming on straights and wasting even more petrol. The 3.9 with EFi is much, much better.
Matt's Bowler gets out in all conditions
Things I love:
"The torque and noise, the ability on all surfaces whether mixing in the outside lane of the motorway or threading along a green lane."
Things I hate:
Demisting the windscreen when it is raining and keeping warm when it is very cold, although electrically heated seats help a lot."
Costs:
"Fuel economy ranges from 16mpg when green-laning with 26mpg possible on longer journeys. Insurance is very reasonable at less than £300 albeit with a limit of 6,000 miles a year - bearing in mind the cost of petrol I can live with that limit! Parts are readily available and cheap enough with it being a very easy car to work on."
French green laning among the many trips
"Green laning in Wales, the Welsh Marches with a few three-day explorations of Devonshire and the Lake district, covering 10,000 miles a year in the first 10 or so years of ownership which included commuting to and from work when too rainy to cycle.
"France, Normandy and Orne - first time to spectate at the Tout-Terrain Plains and Valleys rally in 1999 and last year where we used it as a runabout and to explore a few green lanes over there; great fun cruising around in the sunshine with engine burbling away."
What next?
"I won't sell it because there is nothing else available which has the breadth of ability. A Wildcat is tempting but I don't think it would look as good with a canvas roof. At the moment it is having a major refit - after 15 years there are a few things which I'd like to change. Details really but an opportunity to make it even more capable so I can rack up even more miles."
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Now where do 2nd hand Bowlers crop up or can I still get an old 88/90 converted?
http://www.tomcatmotorsport.co.uk/carsforsale.htm
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