1970 Bovari (France) - AllCarIndex

Designed and built by Charles Bovari in Nice, the Bovari car was the realization of a dream. It featured a sleek, attractive design, although the chassis was borrowed from the Renault Caravelle. Bovari invested two thousand hours in the creation of this prototype, starting from the initial plaster model that outlined the car’s future dimensions, based on the Caravelle’s wheelbase and track. This model was used to create a polyester mold for the bodywork, which was then affixed to a reinforced shell. The rear hood lifted as a single unit, providing access to the powertrain.

Various components were sourced from different French brands. The steering and four-speed gearbox were original Renault Caravelle parts, while the rear window was borrowed from a Citroën DS, and the headlights came from an Ami 8. The interior was well-equipped, featuring a roll bar integrated into the roof, a functional dashboard, fire extinguishers, harnesses for safety, and two bucket seats for comfort. The entire electrical circuit was meticulously crafted by Bovari.

Initially, the Bovari was fitted with an 1100cc R8 Major engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 160 km/h. However, with its aerodynamic design and a 1600 Gordini engine, the prototype was projected to achieve speeds of up to 220 km/h. The car also featured a front-mounted water radiator for improved cooling and, later, an oil radiator along with front stabilizers to enhance road handling.