Bond [2] (United Kingdom) - AllCarIndex

Bond Cars was a British automobile manufacturer that operated from 1948 to 1974, primarily known for its three-wheeled vehicles. Founded by Lawrie Bond in Preston, Lancashire, the company initially operated under the name Sharp's Commercials Ltd. before becoming Bond Cars Ltd. in 1965. In 1970, it was acquired by Reliant Motor Company, which continued to produce some of its models until the brand was ultimately phased out.

The company's first notable product was the Bond Minicar, introduced in 1948. This vehicle featured a 122cc single-cylinder Villiers engine and a unique stressed-skin construction. The Minicar underwent several refinements over its production run, including an increase in engine capacity to 197cc, the addition of front wheel brakes, and the introduction of a reverse gear. By the time production ended in 1964, a total of 24,484 units had been manufactured, making it one of the most successful minimal motoring cars in Britain.

In 1965, Bond introduced the 875, a four-wheeled vehicle that utilized a rear-mounted Hillman Imp engine and a fibreglass monocoque body. This model was designed to compete with Reliant's own three-wheelers but was discontinued following Reliant's acquisition of Bond. The company also ventured into the four-wheeled market with the Equipe, a GT coupe based on the Triumph Herald chassis. The Equipe was produced in various iterations, including a larger 2-litre model, but production ceased after Reliant's takeover, with a total of 4,388 units made.

One of Bond's final models was the Bond Bug, a distinctive three-wheeled vehicle characterized by its radical design and vibrant tangerine color. Launched in 1970, the Bug was aimed at a younger audience and featured a 700cc engine, later increased to 750cc. A total of 1,620 units were produced before the brand was discontinued in 1974. The concept of the Bond Bug was later revived in the 1990s by Mike Webster, who introduced a four-wheeled version under the name WMC BUG.