The global magazine and marketplace for classic car enthusiasts, by enthusiasts.
The global magazine and marketplace for classic car enthusiasts, by enthusiasts.








One of the 500cc pioneers, Laurie Bond’s first tiny car upset many purists by its lack of amenities and by its agility. The Type C production version was similarly front-engined, but had the refinement of a suspension system, incorporating friction discs and rubber couplings. Another front-wheel-drive single-seater was offered when Formula Junior was fashionable.
This ingenious 3-wheeler was designed by Laurie Bond and featured a 122cc single-cylinder 2-stroke Villiers engine (later replaced by a similar 197cc unit), 3-speed motor cycle-type gearbox, unitary construction, and a chain-driven front wheel. Front springing was by vertical coil, rear suspension depending on the tyres. While most post-war cyclecars faded away, the Bond car grew up, with optional electric starter in 1952, front wheel brake and bonded-rubber rear suspension in 1953, and a reverse gear in 1957. Four-seater Bond versions were listed from 1954, and increasing use of fiberglass was made in the Bond car’s construction. A 246cc 4-speed version, still Villiers-powered, was listed in 1959, and this engine was standardized for the 1960 Bond models. The Minicar was still going strong as late as 1965, but in 1963 Bond had moved into the full-sized car market with a little Bond GT-coupé based on Triumph’s all-independently-sprung 1147cc Herald, and in 1965 they offered a bigger rear-engined 3-wheeler using the mechanical components of of the 875cc 4-cylinder Hillman Imp. An additional model for 1968 was the Bond Equipe 2-litre GT, a coupé powered by the 6-cylinder Triumph Vitesse engine. However, Reliant bought the company in 1969, closed the Preston works and abandoned the existing Bond range in favour of the Bug, a sporty 3-wheeler with single front wheel and swing-up cockpit canopy, powered by Reliant’s 700cc die-cast ohv 4-cylinder engine in 29bhp and 31bhp forms. Its capacity was increased to 750cc for 1973.
Source: Georgano, encyclopedia of motorcar; TRN, DF, MCS
The information is written with the greatest of care. However, if you have any suggested amendments please contact us at office@prewarcar.com
