Lot Ended
Description
c.1973 Bond Bug
Barn find condition; looks
relatively complete and engine turns with a booster pack - very
exciting!
Bond Cars Ltd established
themselves in Preston, Lancashire in 1965, not as a new business, but the result
of re-naming Sharps Commercials Ltd, an earlier business formed by Lawrie Bond
in 1948 who had produced quirky three-wheeled micro cars in the 1950s under the
Bond banner.
The company was taken over by the
Reliant Motor Co of Tamworth in 1970 who quickly closed down the Preston factory
but continued to make cars under the Bond name, most notably the famous Bond Bug
three-wheeler which came about after Reliant commissioned Tom Karen of Ogle
Design to design a fun car.
Karen had worked with Reliant as early as
1963 for a modern three-wheeler to replace the popular Regal range, however his
design was considered too adventurous and nothing came of this initial
collaboration. By the late 1960s, attitudes had changed and Karen’s design was
dusted off and prepared for production, the first prototype appearing in 1968
and a second one following shortly after the Reliant
takeover.
The Bond Bug was sold as being fun to
drive, with the low seating position giving an exaggerated impression of
speed like a go-kart. The top speed was a hairy 76mph, slightly in excess
of the UK national speed limit and equal to that of the basic 850 Mini, with
42mpg economy.
The car enjoyed an upbeat
launch, at which Reliant's Ray Wiggin stated: "The fact it has three wheels is
quite incidental. It's a new form of transport”. This was quite evident
considering the Bug’s extraordinary ‘wedge’ styling and obligatory bright orange
paint! The Bug was, however, no cheaper than more practical cars, costing £629
while a basic 850 Mini was only £620. A total of 2,268 Bond Bugs were built
between 1970 and May 1974 and survivors are increasingly sought after
today.
This particular Bug is believed to date
from 1972/1973 and features the 700cc engine. It was found hiding in a barn
in West Wales. The vendor tell us
the engine turns when connected to a jump pack which is positive news. Looking
relatively complete bar some of the interior/seats it represents an exciting
opportunity to restore it to its former glory.
The odometer shows 70,141 suggesting it was used properly and as
intended for many years. How long
its has been off the road we don’t know. There are no documents present and
although the vendor has applied for a log-book from the DVLA, the
registration pictured does not link to any vehicle on Experian and nor does the
Vin# - assume that you will need to go through the usual channels to get an age
related plate put on the car post-restoration.
For more
information contact - will.daniels@brightwells.com
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