GA1 Series 1982 -
1982 Bogliq Highwayman
The finalised Highwayman prototype alonside the original FSO proof of concept mock-up
In 1978, just after the conclusion of the Soviet Garcian conflict, the Garcian chamber of commerce decided to hold a competition for Latin American companies to design a niche automotive product that could be used to lift productivity of Garcia via employment, local materials usage and local sales to sustain demand.
The winning entrant of this competition was little known design studio, FSO Hussar, headed by the talented Jan Sobieski. Their design for an ultra luxurious limousine was by far the best investment for financial return on offer, especially since big players like Bogliq would be unlikely to compete in this segment. Thus armed, the Garcian Commerce Guild approached Bogliq in order to secure supplies of their Boxer 4.
Bogliq made them a better offer. The unnamed limo would be sold to Bogliq and in return Bogliq would source the leather, wood inserts and steel to make the cars from Garcia. Bogliq then also finalised a deal with Garcian Steel LLC to cast the heads and blocks of the C Series inline 4 for use in future projects in Garcia and Latin America.
The main changes between the prototype and the production Highwayman were under the hood.
Bogliq USA engineers then proceeded to productionise the FSO prototype, adding compliant lighting, airflow and safety systems. It was at this stage that the engineers then decided to use the C Series engine in lieu of the G-One Boxer; this was because the inline four was cheaper to produce and required half the catalytic converters, mufflers and turbo’s than the boxer four did.
The result was a limo that was supremely comfortable, elegantly smooth and whisper quiet. The Highwayman would then be sold throughout the region as a hotel car service, corporate B team conveyance and wedding hire mainstay. Some were even imported to the USA (since they were legal) for private hire firms, who then used them as inexpensive fodder for prom nights, buck and hen’s nights and casino runs… Bogliq rolled the dice and, in this case, came up lucky sevens!
Highwayman Model Range
114CEO - $17,859 Driveaway, $447 p.a. servicing (4dr Sedan, 1.4L I4T, 69Kw, 179Km/h, 16.5s 0-100, 14.3L/100) Reliability: 55.4
@B4nditOo = Jan Sobieski
1986 Bogliq Highwayman Mk 2
By 1986 the Highwayman was being built in Mexico and had spawned a taxi variant!
It was immediately clear that viable production of the Highwayman would not be possible in Garcia; GMI had the best sites, priority with local suppliers and substantial goodwill amongst their workers. It was also a bad time to be foreign since the Gargian national pride had been hurt due to having to beg the USA to expel the Russian invasion.
So Bogliq looked for an alternative location in the region and Tampico, Mexico, was chosen. There was a large factory available, the port was suitable and nearby and the local populace was lawful and stable. The Mk 1 Highwayman was produced there since 1981 (for 1982 release) and there was to be a second line added to the Tampino factory for another joint venture, this time with GMI, ready for production in 1985, but the Mk 2 Highwayman wasn’t forgotten.
The Mk 2 range was simplified and modernised, in order to make production easier, with a new variant developed to provide a taxi for fleet buyers. The Highwayman continued to prove a wise investment for Bogliq USA, especially with another niche market strung to it’s bow…
Highwayman Mk 2 Model Range
114CEO - $21,619 Driveaway, $506 p.a. servicing (4dr Sedan, 1.4L I4T, 72Kw, 181Km/h, 16.7s 0-100, 14.1L/100) Reliability: 55.8
114TAXI - $8,129 Driveaway, $357 p.a. servicing (4dr Sedan, 1.4L I4T, 72Kw, 176Km/h, 16.1s 0-100, 13.6L/100) Reliability: 62.3