Bond Page Menu
Get The Complete Picture. If you are interested enough to read about classic cars you will be interested in the environment in which they were created.
Check out our Cost of Living pages indicated below to better understand the limitations of the period in which classic cars evolved.
Bond Bug (1970-74)
Overview: The **Bond Bug (1970-74)** was a bold and unconventional vehicle that marked the **final chapter** for Bond Cars Ltd before the company was fully absorbed by **Reliant**. It was designed to appeal to **young drivers** looking for a fun, affordable, and futuristic car, standing out with its **wedge-shaped body, lift-up canopy, and bright orange paint**.
Key Significance:
- **Aimed at Younger Buyers**: Reliant developed the Bond Bug to attract **younger drivers** to its three-wheeled range Review | Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/bond/bug-700e/history/).
- **Innovative Design**: Styled by **Tom Karen of Ogle Design**, the Bug embraced the **wedge-shaped aesthetic** that became popular in the 1970s Review | Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/bond/bug-700e/history/).
- **Reliant’s Takeover**: Bond Cars Ltd was acquired by **Reliant in 1969**, and the Bug was built using **Reliant Regal running gear** Review | Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/bond/bug-700e/history/).
- **Cult Classic Status**: Though production ended in **1974**, the Bond Bug remains a **beloved microcar**, known for its quirky design and fun driving experience.
Despite its **short production run**, the Bond Bug left a lasting impression, becoming one of the most **recognizable British microcars** of its era.
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Production Total: The **Bond Bug** had a total production run of **2,272 units** between **1970 and 1974**. It remains a **cult classic**, known for its quirky wedge-shaped design and fun driving experience.
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Price New: The **Bond Bug** was priced at **£629** when it was launched in the UK in **1970** - Auto Express](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/classic-cars/104923/bond-bug-buying-guide-and-review-1970-1974). Interestingly, this made it **£9 more expensive** than the more practical **Mini 850**, which may have contributed to its niche appeal rather than mainstream success.
Despite its quirky design and fun driving experience, the Bond Bug remained a **cult classic** rather than a mass-market vehicle.
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Rivals: In **1970 UK**, the **Bond Bug** was priced at **£629**, making it slightly more expensive than some of its rivals. Here’s how it compared to other small cars of the time:
- **Mini 850** – **£620**, a more practical and stable alternative.
- **Reliant Regal 3/30** – **£475**, another three-wheeler but less sporty.
- **Hillman Imp** – **£700**, a rear-engined compact with better refinement.
- **Austin 1100** – **£750**, a more conventional small family car.
The Bond Bug was aimed at **young drivers** looking for something fun and unique, but its price made it a niche choice rather than a mainstream success.
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Recorded in UK 2025
I couldn't find an exact number of **Bond Bugs** recorded in the UK in **2025**, but they remain a **rare and cherished classic** among enthusiasts. Given their **limited production run of 2,272 units**, only a fraction of them are likely still on the road today.
If you're looking for precise figures, checking with **DVLA records** or classic car registries might be the best approach. *****
Get The Complete Picture. If you are interested enough to read about classic cars you will be interested in the environment in which they were created.
Check out our Cost of Living pages indicated below to better understand the limitations of the period in which classic cars evolved.
Bond Equipe 2 Litre Mk 2 (1968-70)
Overview: The **Bond Equipe 2-litre Mark 2 (1968-70)** was a significant model for **Bond Cars Ltd**, as it represented the company’s **final evolution** of the Equipe series before Bond was acquired by **Reliant** in 1969.
Key Significance:
- **Performance Upgrade**: The Mark 2 featured a **Triumph Vitesse chassis** and a **2.0L six-cylinder engine**, increasing power to **104 bhp**, making it one of Bond’s most capable cars.
- **Improved Suspension**: It introduced **lower-wishbone rear suspension**, enhancing handling and ride quality.
- **Convertible Option**: A **convertible variant** was introduced alongside the coupe, broadening its appeal.
- **Final Bond Model**: The Equipe 2-litre Mark 2 was the **last car produced under the Bond name**, as Reliant shut down Bond’s factory in **1970**, marking the end of the brand.
Though Bond Cars Ltd was a **small-scale manufacturer**, the Equipe series—especially the **2-litre Mark 2**—showcased the company’s ability to produce **stylish, performance-oriented vehicles**. It remains a **cult classic** among British car enthusiasts.
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Production Total: The Bond Equipe 2-Litre Mark II had a total production run of **841 cars**, including both saloons and convertibles.
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Price New: The new price of a **Bond Equipe 2-litre Mk 2 convertible** in the UK in 1968 was approximately **£1,305**.
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Target Age Group: The **Bond Equipe 2-litre Mark 2 (1968-70)** was primarily targeted at **young professionals and driving enthusiasts** who wanted a stylish, performance-oriented British sports saloon. Bond Cars Ltd positioned it as a **sporty yet practical alternative** to mainstream sedans, appealing to those who valued **individuality and driving excitement**.
It was particularly popular among:
- **Motorsport fans** who appreciated its **Triumph Vitesse-derived chassis** and **six-cylinder engine**.
- **Young professionals** looking for a distinctive car that stood out from conventional models.
- **Classic British car enthusiasts** who wanted a blend of **performance and exclusivity**.
Though Bond Cars was a **small-scale manufacturer**, the Equipe series—especially the **2-litre Mark 2**—showcased the company’s ability to produce **stylish, performance-oriented vehicles**. It remains a **cult classic** among British car enthusiasts.
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Rivals: In 1968, the main rivals of the **Bond Equipe 2-litre Mk 2 convertible** in the UK included the **Crayford Cortina Convertible GT** and the **Triumph Vitesse 2-litre Mk2 convertible**.
Here are their approximate new prices:
**Crayford Cortina Convertible GT**: Around **£1,312**
**Triumph Vitesse 2-litre Mk2 convertible**: Around **£1,049**
These prices reflect the competitive landscape for sporty convertibles in the UK market at that time.
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Recorded in UK 2025
As of 2025, there are approximately **12 Bond Equipe 2-litre Mk 2 convertibles** recorded as licensed in the UK, with an additional **8** recorded as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification).
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Get The Complete Picture. If you are interested enough to read about classic cars you will be interested in the environment in which they were created.
Check out our Cost of Living pages indicated below to better understand the limitations of the period in which classic cars evolved.
Bond Equipe 2+2 GT Mk I (1963-64)
Overview: The **Bond Equipe 2+2 GT Mark 1 (1963-64)** was a significant model for **Bond Cars Ltd**, marking the company’s **first venture into four-wheeled sports cars**. Prior to this, Bond was primarily known for its **three-wheeled vehicles**, so the Equipe represented a bold step into a more mainstream market.
Key Significance:
- **Partnership with Standard-Triumph**: The Equipe was built using a **modified Triumph Herald chassis**, allowing Bond to leverage Triumph’s established engineering.
- **Sporty Design & Performance**: It featured **independent suspension, Girling front disc brakes, and a Triumph Spitfire engine**, making it a capable small sports coupe.
- **Brand Expansion**: The Equipe helped Bond **move beyond microcars**, appealing to buyers who wanted a stylish, affordable British sports car.
- **Motorsport & Publicity**: Bond entered the Equipe in events like the **Monte Carlo Rally (1964)** and endurance runs, boosting its reputation.
- **Short Production Run**: Despite its innovation, only **451 units** were produced, as Bond quickly realized the need for a more practical design.
The Equipe 2+2 GT Mark 1 laid the foundation for Bond’s later models, but its **limited practicality** led to the introduction of the **GT4S (1964)**, which addressed issues like rear headroom and boot access.
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Production Total: The Bond Equipe 2+2 GT Mk 1 had a total production run of **451 cars**, including 7 known pre-production vehicles.
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Price New: The new price of a **Bond Equipe 2+2 GT Mk 1** in the UK in 1963-64 was approximately **£875**.
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Target Age Group: The **Bond Equipe 2+2 GT Mark 1 (1963-64)** was primarily targeted at **young professionals and driving enthusiasts** who wanted a stylish, sporty British coupe. Bond Cars Ltd positioned it as a **compact yet performance-oriented alternative** to mainstream sedans, appealing to those who valued **individuality and driving excitement**.
It was particularly popular among:
- **Motorsport fans** who appreciated its **Triumph Spitfire-derived engine** and **lightweight fiberglass body**.
- **Young professionals** looking for a distinctive car that stood out from conventional models.
- **Classic British car enthusiasts** who wanted a blend of **performance and exclusivity**.
Though Bond Cars was a **small-scale manufacturer**, the Equipe series—especially the **2+2 GT Mark 1**—showcased the company’s ability to produce **stylish, performance-oriented vehicles**. It remains a **cult classic** among British car enthusiasts - Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/bond/gt-2plus2gt4sequipe/history/).
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Rivals: In 1963, the main rivals of the **Bond Equipe 2+2 GT Mk 1** in the UK included the **Triumph Spitfire**, **MG Midget**, and **Austin-Healey Sprite**.
Here are their approximate new prices:
**Triumph Spitfire**: Around **£641**
**MG Midget**: Around **£689**
**Austin-Healey Sprite**: Around **£669**
These prices reflect the competitive landscape for small, sporty cars in the UK market at that time.
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Recorded in UK 2025
As of 2025, there are approximately **5 Bond Equipe 2+2 GT Mk 1 (1963-1964)** vehicles recorded as licensed in the UK, with an additional **3** recorded as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification).
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