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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COMMON FAULTS
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.
The Bond Equipe 2+2 GT Mk 1, like many classic cars, has its share of common faults. Here are a few issues that owners and enthusiasts often encounter:
1. **Chassis Corrosion**: The steel chassis can suffer from rust, particularly in the side ladder sections behind the sills Review](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/bond/gt-2plus2gt4sequipe/).
2. **Fiberglass Body**: The fiberglass body can develop cracks and imperfections over time.
3. **Electrical Issues**: As with many older cars, the electrical system can be prone to faults and may require rewiring.
4. **Suspension Wear**: The suspension components, especially those borrowed from other models like the Triumph Herald, can wear out and need replacement.
5. **Engine Problems**: The Triumph engines are generally reliable, but issues such as oil leaks, smoky exhausts, and cooling system problems can arise. These issues are typical for a car of its age and can be addressed with proper maintenance and restoration.
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Generations/Trim Levels
The Bond Equipe series had several generations, each with its own unique features and improvements. Here are the main generations:
1. **Bond Equipe GT 2+2**: Manufactured from May 1963 to October 1964.
2. **Bond Equipe GT4S**: Produced from September 1964 to January 1967.
3. **Bond Equipe GT4S 1300**: Manufactured from February 1967 to August 1970.
4. **Bond Equipe 2-Litre Mark I**: Produced from August 1967 to September 1968.
5. **Bond Equipe 2-Litre Mark II**: Manufactured from September 1968 to October 1970. Each generation brought enhancements in design, performance, and features, making the Bond Equipe a notable series in British automotive history.
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Engines
The Bond Equipe series featured a variety of engines throughout its production. Here are the main engines available:
1. **Bond Equipe GT 2+2**: - 1147 cc Triumph Spitfire engine, producing 63 bhp.
2. **Bond Equipe GT4S**: - 1147 cc Triumph Spitfire engine, producing 63 bhp (later increased to 67 bhp).
3. **Bond Equipe GT4S 1300**: - 1296 cc Triumph Spitfire engine, producing 75 bhp.
4. **Bond Equipe 2-Litre Mark I**: - 1998 cc Triumph Vitesse engine, producing 95 bhp.
5. **Bond Equipe 2-Litre Mark II**: - 1998 cc Triumph Vitesse engine, producing 104 bhp.
These engines provided a range of performance options, making the Bond Equipe a versatile and appealing choice for enthusiasts.
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Performance
Here's a breakdown of the expected performance for each version of the Bond Equipe:
Bond Equipe GT 2+2 (1963-1964) - **Engine**: 1147 cc Triumph Spitfire - **Power**: 63 bhp - **Top Speed**: Approximately 83 mph (134 km/h) - **0-60 mph (0-96 km/h)**: Around 17.6 seconds
Bond Equipe GT4S (1964-1967) - **Engine**: 1147 cc Triumph Spitfire (later increased to 1296 cc) - **Power**: 63 bhp (later increased to 67 bhp) - **Top Speed**: Approximately 90 mph (145 km/h) - **0-60 mph (0-96 km/h)**: Around 17.6 seconds - Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/bond/gt-2plus2gt4sequipe/)
Bond Equipe GT4S 1300 (1967-1970) - **Engine**: 1296 cc Triumph Spitfire - **Power**: 75 bhp - **Top Speed**: Approximately 90 mph (145 km/h) - **0-60 mph (0-96 km/h)**: Around 14 seconds - Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/bond/gt-2plus2gt4sequipe/)
Bond Equipe 2-Litre Mark I (1967-1968) - **Engine**: 1998 cc Triumph Vitesse - **Power**: 95 bhp - **Top Speed**: Approximately 100 mph (161 km/h) - **0-60 mph (0-96 km/h)**: Around 12 seconds
Bond Equipe 2-Litre Mark II (1968-1970) - **Engine**: 1998 cc Triumph Vitesse - **Power**: 104 bhp - **Top Speed**: Approximately 102 mph (164 km/h) - **0-60 mph (0-96 km/h)**: Around 11 seconds
These specifications highlight the evolution of the Bond Equipe series, with each version offering improved performance and features.
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Spares/Specialists NI
For locating spares for the Bond Equipe in the UK and Ireland, you have several options:
1. **Bond Owners Club**: They provide resources and support for Bond car owners, including spare parts and advice. You can find more details on their [website](https://www.bondownersclub.co.uk/equipe).
2. **eBay**: A wide range of Bond Equipe parts and service kits are available on [eBay](https://www.ebay.co.uk/b/bn_1262666).
3. **MorePartz**: This site offers a variety of Bond Equipe car parts, spares, and accessories. You can explore their offerings [here](https://www.morepartz.co.uk/car-parts/bond/equipe/).
As for garage services in Northern Ireland that cater to the Bond Equipe, here are a few options:
1. **Down Garage Equipment**: Located in Moneyreagh, they supply a wide range of garage equipment and offer servicing. You can contact them [here](https://www.downgarageequipment.co.uk/contact/).
2. **J McClimond Engineering**: Based in Newry, they provide a full range of garage equipment and services. More details can be found [here](https://www.garageequipmentni.co.uk/contact/).
3. **Thomson Local**: This directory lists various garage services in Northern Ireland. You can find more information [here](https://www.thomsonlocal.com/search/garage-services/northern-ireland).
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Racing
The Bond Equipe did see some action in motorsport, particularly in club racing and hill climbs. While it wasn't a dominant force in professional racing circuits, its lightweight fiberglass body and Triumph-based mechanicals made it a competitive choice for amateur racers and enthusiasts.
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Valuations
The value of a Bond Equipe 2+2 GT Mk 1 can vary depending on its condition, history, and specific model. Here are some recent examples:
1. A Bond Equipe GT was listed for around £787.
2. Another Bond Equipe 2-Litre GT 2+2 was listed for £3,995.
These values can fluctuate based on the car's condition, mileage, and any restoration work done. If you're looking to buy or sell one, it's a good idea to check with classic car auction houses or specialist dealers for the most up-to-date valuations.
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Clubs
There are owners' clubs for Bond vehicles in Northern Ireland. The [Bond Owners' Club](https://www.bondownersclub.co.uk/) is a notable one that caters to enthusiasts of Bond vehicles, including the famous three-wheeler Bond Minicars and other models. They organize various events and rallies throughout the year, which might be of interest to you. If you're looking for more specific information or local chapters, you might want to check out the [List of Vehicle Owners Clubs](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67b5a4d74a80c6718b55bf6b/v765-1-list-of-vehicle-owners-clubs.pdf) provided by the UK government. This list includes various vehicle owners' clubs, and you might find one that suits your interests.
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