Discussion
I'm considering getting / building a Tomcat from 'Tomcat Motorsport', it used to be built by Bowler before 2001 IIRC. Does anyone use one on the road? I've seen various versions, one with doors would be nice! Has anyone seen one with a TD5 fitted?
NB: If you don't know, a Tomcat is a Range Rover / Disco / Defender chassis based competition vehicle, looks a little (very little) like a Defender.
NB: If you don't know, a Tomcat is a Range Rover / Disco / Defender chassis based competition vehicle, looks a little (very little) like a Defender.
Edited by ajmac on Tuesday 28th July 13:11
Hi ajmac,
I have owned a 100" Bowler Tomcat for nearly 11 years now and average 10,000 miles a year in it using it primarily for greenlaning but also for commuting, towing a trailer to fetch and carry and for the odd whizz on tarmac. I reckon it must be one of the highest-milage Bowlers about.
I used to own a diesel Series One (nine years) and find the Bowler to be much much quicker (3.9 V8) and significantly more comfortable (better seats and suspension) BUT the heater isn't very good, it can mist up when it is rainy and it is quite thirsty (16 to 26mpg depending on use). However, I can't think what I would replace it with so it obviously suits me.
The question is what do you intend to use yours for?
There will be an article in a forthcoming issue of LRW magazine featuring my Bowler and a friend's Bowler...
If you want to see some pictures to give you an idea of internal space etc PM me.
TD5 could be fitted fairly easily as could any beam-axled Land Rover powertrain for that matter.
Hope that helps
100SRV
I have owned a 100" Bowler Tomcat for nearly 11 years now and average 10,000 miles a year in it using it primarily for greenlaning but also for commuting, towing a trailer to fetch and carry and for the odd whizz on tarmac. I reckon it must be one of the highest-milage Bowlers about.
I used to own a diesel Series One (nine years) and find the Bowler to be much much quicker (3.9 V8) and significantly more comfortable (better seats and suspension) BUT the heater isn't very good, it can mist up when it is rainy and it is quite thirsty (16 to 26mpg depending on use). However, I can't think what I would replace it with so it obviously suits me.
The question is what do you intend to use yours for?
There will be an article in a forthcoming issue of LRW magazine featuring my Bowler and a friend's Bowler...
If you want to see some pictures to give you an idea of internal space etc PM me.
TD5 could be fitted fairly easily as could any beam-axled Land Rover powertrain for that matter.
Hope that helps
100SRV
Tomcat and early Wildcats are mainly used for cross country racing.
Quite a few have been fitted with TD5 engines...some front and some rear. On the Scottish Hillrally a 250bhp stayed right up behind me on a road section up to 60mph ...and mine has a 4.8ltr V8 motor in it.
Most of the TD5 racers changed over to BMW 3 ltr engine when they found it could be cheaply bought and be tuned for loads of power!!
See Jeremy Fearn [diesel tuner] website... he has raced and tuned most of them.
http://www.jeremyjfearn.co.uk/
With the rear canopy on, reversing is a bit hit and miss as rear view is limited.
Do not under estimate the cost to build...no doubt you have read build one for £5000 ...but it helps if your a Land Rover service manager to do that.... otherwise you end up with a car full of mechanical mayhem !!
I use mine on the road every now and again...never had doors as restricts vision when racing... noisey / wet / uncomfortable... but wouldnt be without it !!
Tomcats are getting 'dated' and technology is moving on.... 3M 4x4 are doing an independent suspension Land rover looking vehicle... but to build a decent one will be £25-30k.
Look on AWDC website and Tomcats do come up for sale... which is the least painless way into Ownership.
I normally tow mine as well
Quite a few have been fitted with TD5 engines...some front and some rear. On the Scottish Hillrally a 250bhp stayed right up behind me on a road section up to 60mph ...and mine has a 4.8ltr V8 motor in it.
Most of the TD5 racers changed over to BMW 3 ltr engine when they found it could be cheaply bought and be tuned for loads of power!!
See Jeremy Fearn [diesel tuner] website... he has raced and tuned most of them.
http://www.jeremyjfearn.co.uk/
With the rear canopy on, reversing is a bit hit and miss as rear view is limited.
Do not under estimate the cost to build...no doubt you have read build one for £5000 ...but it helps if your a Land Rover service manager to do that.... otherwise you end up with a car full of mechanical mayhem !!
I use mine on the road every now and again...never had doors as restricts vision when racing... noisey / wet / uncomfortable... but wouldnt be without it !!
Tomcats are getting 'dated' and technology is moving on.... 3M 4x4 are doing an independent suspension Land rover looking vehicle... but to build a decent one will be £25-30k.
Look on AWDC website and Tomcats do come up for sale... which is the least painless way into Ownership.
I normally tow mine as well
Edited by budrover on Monday 3rd August 17:37
Edited by budrover on Monday 3rd August 17:38
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