1954 Bond Minicar Mk D Family Model

Nowadays the name’ Bond’ conjures up images of dashing  people and exotic motor vehicles, so to say you own a Bond surely gives your ego a substantial boost? Unless perhaps you have this quirky little three wheeled convertible in your garage. For collectors of unusual, truly classic cars however, this charming product from Sharp’s Commercials Limited of Preston Lancashire is down -right desirable, if not a must- have. Renamed Bond Cars Limited in 1964 after the former aeronautical designer of the Blackburn Aircraft Co, this little car was designed for maximum economy and initially powered by a 125cc air cooled, single cylinder Villiers engine, later and in the case of this example, uprated to a dizzy 247cc. It delights in having no reverse gear (originally enabling the model to be driven on a motorcyclist’s licence), but by turning the steering wheel the whole front assembly comprising the single front wheel with engine attached, can be turned through 180 degrees (a manoeuvre known as ‘The Twirl’). Fun indeed for that trip to the supermarket, pub or maybe the golf course, the brochure describing it as ‘a short radius runabout’, but for goodness sake avoid the great Dorset potholes or you may never find it again.

The condition of this particular car is mind- blowingly lovely, being finished in British Racing Green with tan trim and hood. It was the subject of an older restoration and remains, we understand, in excellent condition.  This is technically a four-seater with a pair of diminutive seats facing crossways in the back. It was rebuilt (during an ownership that spanned the eighties and nineties) in the winter of 1981 – 82, and the restoration produced a super little sports car that has more recently formed part of a private collection of fifties cars in north Somerset.

The file contains history relating to the Bond, a local newspaper clipping from 2003, photographs, Bond Owners Club magazines, mechanical information, two Pitman’s books of the Bond Minicar, two copies of an original advert in The Motor 1957, and the V5C registration certificate.

SOLD