1972 Bond Bug 700ES
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Notice: The correct location of the car is Greater Manchester
Highlights
• 1 of 99 on the UK roads
• Excellent example
• Well maintained
• Enthusiast owned
The Background
With a mixture of Reliant Regal parts, and the running gear designed for the Reliant Robin, a new chassis designed by John Crosthwaite and the Bond Bug body was the design of Tom Karen of Ogle Design, who had altered the design from the Reliant Rouge. The Rouge never made it to production as the management thought such a strangely designed vehicle would hurt the Reliant brand.
Launched in 1970, the Bond Bug was first fitted with a 700 cc engine capable of reaching 76mph ( on a private road of course). With its low seating position you were made to feel like you were actually going faster than you were, whilst still being enormous fun to drive.
The 700 ES, which is this particular model we have here, featured internally, more ergonomic seats, more padding over the engine cover, a spare wheel and an ashtray. Externally, were a rubber front bumper and twin mudflaps.
The History
The vendor has been the owner of the 70’s classic Bond Bug since 2012. Prior to the purchase, in the early 2000’s the car received an extensive restoration to the original specification to try and retain the originality.
There are photos which document the work carried out. In the vendor’s ownership time the Bug has been taken to local classic car rallies, picking up a couple of awards along the way.
Even though it's been owned for the past nine years, the seller has only managed to rack up an additional 300 miles since the purchase in 2012. A true enthusiast owned car, the vendor has made sure the classic has always been well maintained and taken for it’s yearly MOT test, which it has always passed with no advisories since 2009.
There are photos which document the work carried out. In the vendor’s ownership time the Bug has been taken to local classic car rallies, picking up a couple of awards along the way.
Even though it's been owned for the past nine years, the seller has only managed to rack up an additional 300 miles since the purchase in 2012. A true enthusiast owned car, the vendor has made sure the classic has always been well maintained and taken for it’s yearly MOT test, which it has always passed with no advisories since 2009.
All good things must come to an end and the seller has made the tough decision to part with his much loved Bug, mainly due to lack of use, and the space would come in handy.
The Paperwork
The V5 is present and shows 6 previous keepers for the Bond Bug.
Previous MOT certificates are plentiful with the current MOT expired on the 30th June 2018, the car is now MOT exempt.
There are a few invoices for various parts purchased, together with an owner’s handbook and Reliant Regal Haynes workshop manual (the Bond Bug is very similar). Photographs of the restoration are present, and there are some club magazines from The Micro Maniacs Club and The Bug Club Magazine.
The Interior
Inside, the Bond Bug is well presented and is as you would expect. The seats are the originals, with the Bond name embossed in the top part of the cover. There is some slight cracking to the passenger seat, which could be replaced easily enough.
The engine cover is nice and clean and free from any damage. To the centre is the speedometer which also holds the fuel and temperature gauge, and all are working as they should. The odometer is displaying a reading of 15,808 miles. The toggle switches for the lights are also working correctly.
The engine cover is nice and clean and free from any damage. To the centre is the speedometer which also holds the fuel and temperature gauge, and all are working as they should. The odometer is displaying a reading of 15,808 miles. The toggle switches for the lights are also working correctly.
The three spoke steering wheel is in generally good condition with just minimal wear to it. Look down towards the pedals and you will see an accurate electronic temperature gauge to keep your eye on the engine behaviour. There are rubber mats to either side which have kept the inside of the body nice and scuff free.
The canopy is held up by a single gas strut. The does have some slight distortion around where it mounts to the canopy thanks to an incorrect strut being fitted at some point in its life. The correct one is now fitted together with a strengthening plate.
The seller reports that since this was fitted over ten years ago, the distortion hasn't gotten any worse. The small boot houses the battery and spare wheel. There is also a battery isolator fitted for times of long storage.
The seller reports that since this was fitted over ten years ago, the distortion hasn't gotten any worse. The small boot houses the battery and spare wheel. There is also a battery isolator fitted for times of long storage.
The Exterior
Finished in the official colour of Tangerine, the Bug is in excellent condition.
The canopy shuts well and sits nice and even around all the edges. To the front of the vehicle, and the indicators are free from any cracks, there are an odd couple of small stone chips.
The headlights are nice and bright, again free from any chips. Moving further up, the windscreen does have a slight scratch going horizontally on the passenger side, but not in the line of vision.
The canopy shuts well and sits nice and even around all the edges. To the front of the vehicle, and the indicators are free from any cracks, there are an odd couple of small stone chips.
The headlights are nice and bright, again free from any chips. Moving further up, the windscreen does have a slight scratch going horizontally on the passenger side, but not in the line of vision.
Around to the sides of the micro machine and it comes fitted with doors that can be removed and stowed away if required. These have plastic for the windows which is in excellent order with no obvious scratches.
Onto the rear, and the glass window still retains the outline of the original dealer decal, and just below is the boot lid, which shuts and lines up as it should. The rear lights are free from any splits.
The alloy wheels to the rear are in good condition. There are a couple of areas on the black highlighting which have worn off, but that would be a nice weekend project to tackle. The tyres are excellent with plenty of tread remaining. The front wheel is steel which again has good tread remaining.
The Mechanics
Fitted with a 700cc engine, the Bond Bug runs lovely. It starts with the flick of the key and ticks over nicely. The seller reports that the car pulls well through the 4-speed gearbox and the change is smooth and precise.
On the rear are Spax coilover suspension units which help keep the bug stable in the corners, (just don't overdo it going into a corner as we know what can happen in a three wheel vehicle).
On the rear are Spax coilover suspension units which help keep the bug stable in the corners, (just don't overdo it going into a corner as we know what can happen in a three wheel vehicle).
A new ignition coil has recently been fitted along with a thermostat and housing, fuel pump,ignition switch and fan belt. The Bug does have the sought after Bond rocker cover and the alternator has been uprated.
Onto the brakes, and these stop the vehicle well, thanks to new brake shoes, cylinders and a handbrake cable.
The Appeal
Who didn’t love the 1970’s, and if you are too young to remember them then this lovely little 1972, 3 wheel classic Bond Bug will take you right back there. Bright Orange and unique styling, you won’t fail to be noticed scooting around town in this 70’s city car.
With a huge following, good sources for parts and plenty of enthusiasts willing to share their knowledge of the classic Bond Bug, it's sure to be around for a while longer.
The seller is also including various spares he has, one of which is a gearbox.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1972
- Make Bond
- Model Bug 700ES
- Colour Orange & Black
- Odometer 15,808 Miles
- Engine size 700
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Lancashire
- Country United Kingdom
25
bids
- St•••• £11,750 19/08/21
- Da•••• £11,500 19/08/21
- St•••• £11,250 19/08/21
- Da•••• £11,000 17/08/21
- ni•••• £10,250 16/08/21
- ni•••• £10,000 16/08/21
- ni•••• £9,000 16/08/21
- ni•••• £8,100 16/08/21
- ni•••• £7,750 16/08/21
- ri•••• £7,500 16/08/21
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