OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories SCOTT BONNAR Models BOOKLET - Domestic Range - c1978

Hello ODK History Lovers
This 16-page booklet is a great historical record for Scott Bonnar's
domestic range for the 1977-1978 season - the 1978 Range.

Compared to the previous year's domestic range brochure, this one has
significant changes ...

In style and layout, this one presents a lot of SB models in their natural habitat -
the outdoors. There are great examples of glossy, professional photographs here.

The choice of human models and clothing is worth a mention. The front cover
presents a "balanced view" - female and male; reel and rotary (foreground); and
a binary opposite slogan, ...The great start to a great finish". Inside, the view is
less balanced ...

It's a period statement about gender and fashion. Scott Bonnar were deliberately
defining the stereotypical consumer demographics of the day - The younger crowd
going with the rotaries; the older folks for the reels. From flared denim jeans,
casual checked shirts, to overalls and wellies, to 'sensible', conservative jumpers
and fawn-coloured slacks. Hilarious!

Today, I see Eva Braun,macho men, crazy uncles, prison escapees, metrosexuals
and evil rocket scientists. You decide.



Most importantly, the Scott Bonnar model line-up was both consolidating and changing.
Such was the influence of New Zealand's Challenge Corporation, the then owners of this iconic brand.

TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART TWO - The Booklet
This booklet, from my collection, is in mint condition, but with punch
holes on each page. This booklet was part of a Victorian dealer's
catalogue inventory.

Of course, Scott Bonnar rotary models lead the way in this booklet.
The full-featured and robust Series 720 appears on pages 2 and 3.
The 520 Series introduces a new budget model, the Cobana.

Of interest are the new Nomad utility mowers and Multicut Mulching
mower - the steel chassis side-discharge lawnmowers from New
Zealand's Morrison.

The award-winning Model 590 reel follows, with its contentious and
controversial single clutch system. The Model 38 Power Edger follows.

The iconic Model 45 follows. The 14" model is way gone, having been
replaced by the Model 690 Morrison 14" and 16" reel mowers. The 24"
Morrison is in its second AUS year here.

The imported tiller models follow, and the hilarious Electro 35.
Note the GT striping. What were they thinking?