Bond (1948-1974)

Bond Cars were quirky, economical British vehicles manufactured from 1949 to 1974 by Sharp’s Commercials Ltd, later renamed Bond Cars Limited, based in Preston, Lancashire. The marque was founded by designer Laurence “Lawrie” Bond. He initially specialised in lightweight, minimalist microcars. Their most famous early creation was the Bond Minicar, a three-wheeled vehicle featuring an aluminium body and a single-cylinder Villiers motorcycle engine. Because it used a motorcycle engine setup, early models famously lacked a reverse gear.

These cheap, highly efficient microcars thrived in post-war Britain where tight budgets and strict rationing made low-cost transport essential.As consumer demands shifted, the company expanded into four-wheeled sports and family vehicles. They introduced models like the Bond Equipe, a stylish coupe built in partnership with Standard Triumph.

Later, the company was acquired by the Reliant Motor Company in 1969. Reliant continued using the famous brand name for the distinctively wedge-shaped, bright tangerine Bond Bug until production finally ceased in 1974. Today, these unusual microcars and sporty glass-fibre oddities remain beloved collector items across the United Kingdom.