Bond Equipe 2+2 GT Mk I (1963-64)

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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