Bond Bug
| Bond 700ES | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Bond Cars Ltd/Reliant |
| Production | 1970-1974 2270 made[1] |
| Assembly | Tamworth, United Kingdom |
| Designer | Ogle Design |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Microcar |
| Body style | 1-door coupé |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Reliant 700 cc |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 77 in (1,956 mm)[2] |
| Length | 110 in (2,794 mm)[2] |
| Width | 55 in (1,397 mm)[2] |
| Curb weight | 868 lb (394 kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Bond 875 |
The Bond Bug was a small British two-seat, three-wheeled sports car of the 1970s. Following the purchase of Bond Cars Ltd, Reliant commissioned Tom Karen of Ogle Design to design a fun car. It was a wedge-shaped microcar, with a lift-up canopy and side screens instead of conventional doors. The Bond Bug was based on Chief Engineer John Crosthwaite's newly designed chassis[4][5] and some Reliant Regal running gear. The original concept was explored by chopping down a production Regal vehicle. This prototype could be seen, abandoned, in the yard at Tamworth, for many years later.
The engine was the front-mounted 700 cc (later uprated to 750 cc) Reliant light-alloy four-cylinder unit which protruded into the passenger cabin. At launch 29 bhp (22 kW; 29 PS) was claimed for the less expensive 700 and 700E models. The more up-market 700ES incorporated a redesigned cylinder head which permitted the compression ratio to be increased from 7.35:1 to a slightly less modest 8.4:1.[3] This provided a power increase to 31 bhp (23 kW; 31 PS) as well as improved torque for the then range topping 700ES.[3]
The Bond Bug 700ES also offered more supportive seats as well as more padding over the engine cowl, twin mudflaps, an ashtray, a rubber front bumper and a spare wheel.[3]
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. So now, in fact, we think it's going to appeal to a much wider section of the market than we originally envisaged.[3]"
The Bug was available in a bright orange tangerine colour, although six white Bugs were produced for a Rothmans cigarette promotion, one of which was also used in an advertisement for Cape fruit and at the moment a Dulux Bond Bug is said to be under commission. Its fame was helped along by a distinctive Corgi Toys die-cast toy car. Although it had a fairly short production run (1970–1974), it has a fanatical following today, is much sought after by collectors, and has an active and enthusiastic club.
In contrast to the stereotypical image of three-wheeled Reliants as being ridiculously slow, the Bond Bug was capable of some 78 mph (126 km/h). This compared favourably with a number of four-wheeled sports cars of the same era.[citation needed] The car was, however, not cheap. At £629 it cost more than a basic 850 cc Mini which was at the time £620. Throughout the new millennium the car has enjoyed an increased following through publicity with appearances from stars such as Robbie Williams in the Millennium promo and the infamous 118 guys.[1]
Popular culture
Tom Karen oversaw the design and production of Luke Skywalker's landspeeder from Star Wars: one of the models was built upon the chassis of a Bond Bug - the wheels hidden by mirrors at 45°to the ground.
The Wheeler Dealers Television program purchased and restored a 700ES Bond Bug and, after completion sold it on to make a profit. Since then the Bug has been on display at the 2011 NEC Classic Car Show in Birmingham, where Wheeler Dealers presenters Mike Brewer, Edd China and Mechanic/Technical Assistant Paul Brackley were reunited and signed the Bug.
References
- ^ a b Robson, Graham (2000). A to Z of British Cars 1945-1980. Devon, UK: Herridge. ISBN 0-9541063-9-3.
- ^ a b c Culshaw (1974). Complete Catalogue of British Cars. London: Macmillan. ISBN 0-333-16689-2.
{{cite book}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ a b c d e Harold Hastings (6 June 1970). "The Bug". Motor: page 28–38.
{{cite journal}}:|pages=has extra text (help) - ^ Autocar magazine 4th June 1970 (Bond Bug)
- ^ Hot VWs and Dune Buggies magazine Nov.1970 (Bond Bug review)
External links
