Bond Bug

If throughout Europe the theme of minicars subsided by the early 1960s, people began to live richer and preferred more spacious cars, then Britain has long been a leader in the production of minicars. Such a variety of similar cars were not found anywhere in the world. The specifics of British legislation and the mentality of local residents contributed to this phenomenon.

The coolest and most unusual British minicar was the Bond Bug 700. It was also the most beautiful, because all the other minicars had a very specific design.

The background to the appearance of this minicar is simple. Bond Motor Co. has been producing minicars since 1949. The cars sold well, and the company periodically attempted larger models, which resulted in losses. As a result, the company's affairs faltered, and it merged with Reliant Motor Co.

This company also produced minicars. As a result, all Bond minicars were discontinued. But the power needs to be loaded with something. It was decided to develop a fundamentally different minicar for Bond, one that would not interfere with Reliant Motor Co. products.

If Reliant minicars were purely utilitarian cars, designed for a respectable buyer, the new car was supposed to become more of a toy, a fashionable gadget for young people. A sort of pocket supercar. This idea, however, was not new, and such attempts had already been made, but Bond Bug became the most successful of them.

Design and Specifications

The car was designed by designer Tom Karen. And I must say, he tried his best. The Bond Bug's appearance had all the fashionable elements of sports car design from the early seventies. A very low silhouette, a large slope of the windshield to the vertical, a rising dome of the body. The body was made of plastic, which was also fashionable at that time.

Photo: "Bond Bugs" by kitmasterbloke

The filling of the car did not shine with novelty. The car was built in the same way as the ancient Bond minicars. Space frame made of profile. The rear suspension is lever-dependent. The engine was located at the front. British manufacturers have mastered the rear-engine layout.

Initially, the 43 cu in (700 cc) Bond Bug engine developed 29 hp; in more advanced versions, it was 31 hp. Which is not bad for a car weighing 395 kg. A touring motorcycle of that time weighed a little lighter.

Of the minicars, the Bug was the fastest. Could accelerate to 75 mph (121 kph). But the sensations, given the car’s design and dimensions, must have been very sharp. After all, the main thing is not how you drive; the main thing is how you feel the speed.

Production Numbers

The Bond Bug was produced from 1970 to 1974. It sold 2,268 cars. It's impossible to say that Bug was wildly popular back then. The price of the car was too high. The Bug cost £629, which is nine pounds more than a Mini car in its most basic configuration.

Moreover, the standard equipment of the Bug was not very rich. A radio, heater, and spare tire were optional. There was also a four-wheeled version of this car. For export to Europe.

Photo: "Bond Bug 4 wheeler" by andreboeni

Bond Bug in Pop-Culture

Given its dimensions and eccentricity, the Bond Bug, one would say, did not take advantage of the opportunity to become a pop-culture icon.

In movies, he most often appeared for a few seconds in certain scenes, such as in the 1971 film "Get Carter", then in the 1974 film "Diamonds on Wheels", as well as in the 1979 TV film "Charlie Muffin".

In the TV series, the Bond Bug had a somewhat more significant "role". These, more significant, roles were recorded in the TV series "The Chinese Detective" (ep. 2, first season) and "Hollyoaks" (ep. 96).

The wide audience, especially the music-oriented one, remembered the appearance in the video clip of the music mega-hit "Millennium" by Robbie Williams.

Today's Bugmania

And if, at one time, Bug did not become a bestseller, now Bugmania is gaining momentum. So far, this phenomenon is local and purely British, but the fact that it goes beyond the borders of Britain is certain.

For now, Bug can be bought for 5-7,000 pounds, but there is no doubt that the price will exceed 20,000 pounds. So there is no bad object for investment. Moreover, customs clearance of a car with a 43 ci (700 cc) engine is less expensive than an American full-size dreadnought.