Bond Bug (1970-74)
The Bond Bug, launched in 1970, was designed as a **fun, youthful, and affordable** three-wheeler aimed at a new generation of drivers. With its **striking wedge-shaped design** by Tom Karen and vibrant **tangerine paint**, it was expected to revolutionize personal transport. Reliant envisioned it as a stylish alternative to conventional small cars, offering **lightweight agility** and a **spirited driving experience**. While it didn’t achieve mass-market success, selling around **2,270 units**, it remains an iconic piece of British automotive history with a dedicated following today.
*****
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)
The Bond Equipe 2.0 Litre Mark 2, introduced in **1968**, was designed as a **sporty, fastback grand tourer**, offering improved **performance and refinement** over its predecessor. Built on the **Triumph Vitesse chassis**, it featured a **2.0-litre straight-six engine** with **104 bhp**, delivering a more spirited driving experience. With **enhanced suspension**, stylish **Rostyle wheel trims**, and a **sleek coupe and convertible design**, it was expected to appeal to enthusiasts seeking a distinctive British sports saloon. Though production ended in **1970**, it remains a **cult classic** among collectors today.
*****
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)
The Bond Equipe 2+2 GT Mk 1, launched in **1963**, was designed as a **sporty yet practical** coupe, offering a unique alternative to mainstream British saloons. Built in collaboration with **Standard-Triumph**, it utilized the **Triumph Herald chassis** and featured a **fiberglass fastback body**, blending **lightweight construction** with a distinctive design.
Equipped with the **1147cc Triumph Spitfire engine**, producing **63 bhp**, the Equipe was expected to deliver a spirited driving experience while remaining accessible to buyers seeking a stylish, affordable grand tourer. Its **independent suspension** and **Girling front disc brakes** provided respectable handling for its class.
While the Equipe 2+2 GT Mk 1 was aimed at **young professionals and enthusiasts**, its **limited rear headroom** and lack of an **opening boot lid** impacted practicality. Despite these drawbacks, it laid the foundation for later Bond Equipe models, evolving into more refined versions with increased power and improved design elements. Though production ended in **1964**, it remains a **cult classic** among collectors today.
*****
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.
