Bond Cars Ltd
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Bond Cars Ltd was a British motor maker that was formed in Preston, Lancs in 1949. Initially called "Sharps Commercials Ltd", it changed its name to "Bond Cars Ltd" in 1965. The company was taken over by Reliant Motor Co Ltd, Tamworth, Staffs in 1971 until 1974.
Bond Cars began production of an economical three-wheeled car in 1949. It was called the "Minicar Mark A", and was powered by a single-cylinder two-stroke Villiers engine of 122 or 197 cc. Bodywork was mostly aluminium, though some models used fibreglass for parts of the car. It proved very popular at the time due to post-war economies.
The Minicar moved on through several different incarnations, culminating in the "Mark G" in 1964. Convertibles were offered, as were van and estate versions. The engine was upgraded, first to 250 cc single cylinder, and then to a 250 cc V-twin (optional on the Mark G). As the engines were essentially motor-cycle units they had no reverse gear. However, this was a minimal inconvenience because the cars had the ability to change direction within their own length. This was possible because the engine and front wheel were mounted as a single fixed unit which could be turned by the steering wheel in a 180 degree arc. If the unit was turned as far as possible to the left or right, the front wheel would be pointing at an angle of 90 degrees from the straight-ahead position. With the engine driving the front wheel, the car could then spin in a circle within its own length.
Reverse gear of a sort was offered on later models, but using this involved stopping the engine and starting it backwards. This was done by reversing the Dynastart unit, a device which doubled as both starter and generator. It operated as a starter motor when the starter button was pressed but when the engine was running it generated power instead and recharged the battery.
Other products produced by the company included:
- Equipe: 1963-1970: A sports car, based on the Triumph Herald chassis with the Triumph Spitfire 1150 cc (later 1300 cc) twin carburettor engine. In 1967 it changed to the six cylinder 2 litre Triumph Vitesse chassis and engine.
- 875: 1965-1970 :A three-wheeler with a four cylinder 875 cc four stroke rear-mounted Rootes Commer van engine.
- Bug: 1970-1974: Perhaps the most famous of the company's creations, this was, again, a three-wheeler but with a Reliant 700 cc four cylinder engine and a top speed of 75 mph. Most were finished in bright orange, and were a groovy fashion statement in the 1970s. Entry was gained by swinging the roof forwards on a front hinge.
- Motorscooters, a power ski, trailer tents, suitcases, etc.
External links
- [Bond Owners' Club]
- http://www.imps4ever.info/specials/bond.html
- http://www.amicale.com/spitfire/images/specials/bond1.htm
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