IDRIVEACLASSIC reviews: Bond Bug
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- Опубликовано: 5 окт 2024
- Today's video is on the cool AF Bond Bug!
The car is currently for sale with Dolan Classics. Give them a shout on dolanclassics@yahoo.com
www.dolanclassics.co.uk
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The Bond Bug
The Bond Bug came at an interesting time. Reliant had just taken over Bond and design agency Ogle had been tasked with producing a sporty 3 wheeler for a new and growing demographic: the younger generation.
The brains behind the design was Tom Karen, the managing director of Ogle who had overseen the Rayleigh Chopper and also oversaw Reliant’s Scimitar GTE amongst other products.
The Bond Bug was billed as something new and Reliant sent it out into the world with the strapline ‘A fun car that does a serious job’. This plucky three wheeler could be driven on a motorcycle license and taxed for only £10 a year. For reference, you were looking at £25 a year to tax a car. And also, it was going to turn heads like no other car out there; which was absolutely used as a selling point for the car.
Although it was meant to be new and exciting, a degree of tried and tested was applied to the vehicle. The mechanics were from the Regal including the 700cc engine which were paired with a new chassis which was later used on the Robin. It was hydraulic drum brakes on all wheels and the suspension was leading arm front suspension with coil spring and telescopic damper and coil spring to rear; slightly different to what you were getting on the Regal.
At the time of this vehicle being sold, the buying public could choose from the 700, 700E and 700ES. The ES, which is what this is, had various extra bits not found on the 700 but also had a higher compression engine. The 700 and 700E were listed as 29bhp but the ES was listed as 31.
Although this is stickered otherwise, it’s a 700ES. This is also a good time to mention TJ’s first job is getting rid of the union flag on the roof.
Made from 1970 to 1974, it’s a car which most of us will recognise without having to be told what it is; although it was never a massive seller. Less than 2,500 were made across the four years of production.
Although some people dismiss the Bug as a gimmicky little product of the 70s, the words gimmicky and quirky do it a real disservice to what it brought to market for the budget conscious driver.
Not only was it well priced and cheap to tax, it provided value for money motoring and was vaguely practical. It averaged 200 miles between fill ups, boasted a reasonable 42mpg and did zero to 60 in 14.4 seconds and did a top speed over 70 miles per hour.
There were some cut backs though. Although the seat belts were standard fitment in all models at base price, the spare wheel was an optional extra unless you went for the top spec of 71, the ES model.
It’s worth noting the purchase price on these Bugs was £629, which made it incredibly competitive in the market, although it was chipped by the Mini 850 which was £9 cheaper.
Reliant badged the car as the Bond Bug, but all the literature from 71 onwards signposts buyers to the Reliant Motor Company in Tamworth, which is where this vehicle was made, although I have been led to believe that the early production cars were made in Preston, which is where the old Bond factory was.
The sales brochure tweaked the famous Henry Ford quote of ‘any colour as long as its black’ to a new strapline befitting the bug of ‘any colour you like as long as it’s Tangerine!’ Which is almost true, because aside from a few Bugs which were produced in white for Rothmans cigarettes as branded vehicles, they were indeed all this orange you see today.
There was never a car directly brought in to replace the Bond, but for the discerning three wheeler driver, there was always the Robin…which was still cool but never quite as cool as the Bond Bug.
I had one of these in the early 80s. It was brilliant fun except for the engine on mine, being a bit knackered, belched smoke into the passenger compartment. I swapped it out for a Regal engine and also fitted an SU carb like the one shown here. I also fitted sealed cell foam to the interior of the engine comparment which made it much quieter. I had special windows made with Velcro panels that could be rolled down - very effective. I did manage to turn mine over, but not going forward. Very embarrassingly some kids who were playing nearby ran over and pushed the car back onto its wheels! Happy days! I gave it to a mate when I bought my 850 Mini and left for university.
These are funky little things. Those indicators relay noises where most commonly heard on coach and bus indicator units.
Couple of things I noticed: I heard the horn and immediately thought of the song "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell. I'd also probably have to install a pull strap as I don't think my short little T-Rex arms would be able to reach it. Finally, I was having fun watching the exterior mirror to see what was lined up to pass that orange beastie. I think I'd get run over by retirees in their stupid SUV's. But OMG if I had one of these things here in Florida... I'd drive it and people would lose their minds!
BTW Steph, the results are definitely noticeable and I hope that you are happy. I dated a lady who had shed a great deal through medical means and she swore that it changed her life, so I hope you experience that same kind of happiness that she did. Your reviews have always been fun to watch, and I look forward to many more. Have you ever driven a Bristol? My wife allowed me to name our daughter after a car as long as it wasn't awful, so we went with Bristol. Left to my own devices, I probably would have chosen Invicta, and no doubt my wife and daughter would have hated me for the rest of my short life.
I'd love the four wheel version that was built by a small company called, I believe, Webster.
My Science teacher had one of these back in the 80's
I recently got mine on the road after a two and a half year full restoration. So much fun to drive and the reaction you get from everyone who sees it is priceless!
That totally isn’t an original 1971 gear knob. That’s a later add on, probably taken from a scrap yard Metro!
A very interesting and likable little car. I normally think its corny having the union flag on the roof of a car but I like it on this one.
When I worked at Lotus Hethel in 1969/1970 they were trying a Bug out on the track to test the performance.
I saw those two naughty drivers going over the chevrons in the middle of the road to overtake you Steph!
Wow. What a very clean car. Looks like it is in showroom condition. It was good to learn that drivers in the UK appear to be similar to drivers in the US. The only time the speed limit matters is when there is a police car around.
I owned a 750ES 1971 from 1973 to 1975 and drove everywhere, as a 18/19 year old, in the South of England in it from Margate to Lands End, it was my drive to work car, it was my fun car, I absolutely loved the little orange wedge, often photographed in carparks and often caused interest from other motorists.
Over the last 30 odd years I’ve owned 6 Bond Bug and always found them great fun to drive
have yuh?!!!! gees!!!! choice!!!!!
ibishu wigeon
They are so cool. Well done for getting the hang of it, I can't imagine it's the easiest thing in the world to drive. But does look enjoyable and scary in equal measure.
I've had loads to do with Robbins and have a ton of respect for them. I have towed trailers with them moved house using one with a trailer to move all the flat pack furniture. I have repaired most things on them too.
A guy who lived round the corner when I was a kid (early 70's) had one of these. It sounded like a beach buggy and he drove it flat out everywhere! To me it looked like the most fun you could have fully clothed! Of course, the physics will take some getting used to but if you want good, clean, cheap fun that's waaay different to anything else, the Bond Bug could just be the one.
The thing is... these aren't cheap any more!
@@Darwinion the Robins and Rialtos still are though
@@John-ci2sd Good point. And they're nearly the same underneath.
@@paulbennell3313 Thanks. They are also quite practical
@@John-ci2sd I'd love one! Mate of mine had a Robin a long time ago. It was a right laugh! Suprisingly quick too.
I had one in the late 70's. It was great fun, I wish I still have it. I went miles in it.
I know what you meant by “heart rate from 0 to 100”, but I had a good chuckle imagining this car reviving a dead person and giving them 100BPM!
I knew a bit about these, but I never looked into them. Never realised Reliant built them, though it’s not in the least bit surprising.
Great little car, always wanted one as a kid, lived across the road from a guy who owned one. My dad had a Sprint at the time. Worth good money now.
Great video, and a vehicle that never refuses to make me smile. From what I recall, quite simple mechanically, but canopy issues can be a real pain. Top marks Steph for hair matching the car. That's real commitment.
A very modern looking car. Something "out of the world" Would have blown them away back in 1971. It looks like a proto type to the 1980s Honda Civic or the "future cars" used in the 1989 movie "Total Recall" When you first featured the car I thought, for a moment, this was a recent model that never made it to production. Amazing.
They produced Reliant cars at Shenstone in Staffordshire too, just up the road from where I lived at Stonnall as a kid. I was accepted to become a trainee draughtsman (At Reliant) after leaving school but alas it never happed as my parents split up and I moved to Norfolk. I never thought back then in 1971 as a 16 year old that I'd finish up living in Perth, Western Australia. I like your channel Steph and your great attention to detail.
They assembled the Ford RS200's in that very building.
Another brilliant video Stef
I wanted to see inside the small boot/storage at the back, but that's because I'm a bit of a geek 😂😂😂
Me too! I saw one at a car show (coincidentally at Steph’s old workplace) with the boot open and you could get a bit of shopping or a few tools/bits and bobs in, but not much more. Wouldn’t fancy going on a fortnight’s holiday for two!
There was a kit car 4 wheeler version of the Bug by Webster Motor Company available in 1990, although few were sold.
Thanks, I did not know that. While I was watching video, was thinking that a 4 wheel Bug would probably appeal to me more.
Lovely little bugs these were. When they came out it was motorcycle performance in a car and just so cool. You really felt a part of it, and I guess in reality your skeleton was indeed a major safety feature lol. A great teacher of ours, Mr Tucky, from Clacton had one and took us up the A12 regularly. it was great.
Great review, as always 👏 the Metro didn't come out until 1980 so maybe it borrowed parts from the Bond Bug😄
My first car, it was also K reg and was fab. For info the steering wheel on the original car was smaller, much better looking and the gear lever looks non standard too. I got pulled over for speeding on the M60/62 apparently doing 85mph. I drove it from Manchester to Baglan Bay every weekend for 2 years. Wish I still had it 🙂
I had 2 and they would do 85. They would cruise all day at 70.
That's a brilliant little car. I can't believe how many times you were overtaken, if I came across that on the road I'd make a point of staying behind just for the novelty haha
I'm really impressed with the matching hair and dress to go with this great looking 70's fun car Steph. I remember the first time I went to deliver a Reliant Robin, those trucks were towering above me and that was scary.
I particularly admire how the previous owner configured the fuel lines to rest on the top of the engine! I mean, that's not dangerous!
Ahh but the fuel will only leak once it’s rolled over on the first gentle curve, and it’ll drip harmlessly onto the bonnet, until a passer by rolls it back on its wheels, and then the fuel catches fire on the hot manifold. The hood will of course now be jammed due to the roll over and the occupant rapidly roasted.
YAAAY Bond Bug I had one early 80's and it was GREAT!! My first introduction to "Threewheelorating" and I'm still a "Threewheelorator" to this day, (now with a Lomax) You see driving these type of totally quirky cars is simply a totally different experience. Simply put they make everybody Smile. I'm putting petrol in, and people look and smile, kids pressing their noses on windows and pointing. I park up and before I even climb out someone will come up and chat. Little kids are enthralled when I say they can sit in her if they like, and when they do their faces are a picture all beaming and wide eyed. Oh yes I can thoroughly recommend a quirky car, the smiles per miles are priceless. And it all started for Me with My £80 Bond Bug in 1980. RIP Buggy ; - )
Always loved these cars.. Had a go in one and was drawn to how easy to handle and nippy it was, not fast fast, but nippy enough.. Would love one nowadays, but who wouldn't.! They get cooler with age..
Corgi made em back in the day,I wish I kept it and I do wish the lotto would come up and I would get a real one!
On my driving bucket list ever since I passed my test.
Firstly Steph, I hope this isn't too personal but you are looking so well just now and it seems that the op has been well worth the struggles recovering. I do love your reviews because its obvious the effort and research you do for each video. The Bond Bug has always been a big attraction at shows compared to vastly more expensive classics, I saw one sell at Matthewsons when I was there, they're so teeny lol
Steph's reviews ooze passion for the cars, her research / knowledge about them gives the channel an almost nerdish brilliance and her 60s old skool style just adds to the authenticity of her channel for me anyway. She really needs to hook up with Sal & Pops and do a car / Northern soul themed special 💯😎👌🤣
Was going to say same as well! But wasn’t sure if allowed anymore.
I would prefer this Bond Bug as a 3 wheela to the BMW of same type earlier on!!
You’ve been TANGOED Steph! Great vid , keep them coming .
The buzzer on the indicator was after market it was easy to forget you had them on, the steering became stiffer the faster you drove because of the wind pushing down on the front. Enjoyed the video.
When I was in my early teens the bond bug came out it was so different everybody loved them and there seemed to be a lot of them around i’m surprised they didn’t sell well it didn’t seem that way, fantastic colour and design that really made them stand out and of course the name Bond, 007 was a cool Association, looking at them now they still look really good and fresh, but my older head now thinks dangerous, thank you for the trip down memory lane and reminded me of these beautiful cars keep up the good work, & thank you
Brill review! Couple of points though: As well as the White ones, there was also a small number of Green ones, again for commercial promo. The speedo isn't shared with the Regal, the displayed scales are different, the ES also had a upgraded steering wheel.......and they're surprisingly difficult to roll.
Great to see you are well Steph and doing a great job of Showing people round the vehicles without one ounce of derision.
I've always loved the Bond Bug, especially since i had a ride in one a few years ago, even as a passenger they're so much fun! The best bit though is when you see people looking at it as you drive along with an expression that says "what the hell is that thing" haha😂
Great video as always😎👍
Lovely little car Steph! I drove one once, many years ago, but it was only a short burst up the road a little way!
And so nice to see you too, looking as beautiful as ever! And radiant! Love the new hair too!
Thanks for reviewing another one of my favourites Steph! I used to see one of these in Finefare carpark in Belper when I was about four of five, in the mid 80's, and I was always curious about it. Looks a lot of fun but shame there are so many idiots on the road these days that make driving a classic car more daunting. I get lots of grief from other road users for doing the speed limit in my 2 litre 1 Series if it's any consolation! Anyway awesome review and so nice to see all the details and learn the history about these quirky little cars.
Love the video. Never drove a bond bug but I used to own a Robin and my friend has always had reliants for over 40 years never having passed a car test. Regarding cars coming past regardless of speed,it's pretty much a case of can't be behind a small old car. My friend has had it for years but folk without knowledge of three wheelers don't realise they are capable motors not weighing much. Nippy off the line and can corner better than expected.
Thank you so much for this great upload; I've always loved Bond Bugs and love that 🍊 ❤
Another excellent review Steph! There is no way you could have got the beehive in that one,lol!
Brought back so many memories.
Once, when touring around Ireland many years ago, there was this little lad jumping with glee exclaiming ‘tis the most wondrous ting I’ve ever seen.’ :)
That was probably my brother and myself touring around Ireland also in a bond bug
How did we lose our cool & style? Went from small, individual & cheap to big, bland & expensive.
I honestly couldn't agree with you more, though in some places they still have small, individual and cheap
Three initials for you SUV.
Omg I love it. In the early 80’s I drove the wonderful blue three wheeler. What fun and bloody scary too
Great review, Steph. I remember seeing these in the early '70's in the Preston factory which was located on Ribbleton Lane, just around the corner from my grandads. Oh, anyone else notice the illegal overtake by the motorcyclist at 11:30?
Going the full nine yards with matching hair and outfit! ;-)
Having seen Ian do 70mph in TWK I can only imagine this is about 5% less terrifying.
As an American who was only familiar with the Bond Bug from the classic orange model made by Corgi in 1:43-scale and various enthusiast books, I was shocked to see one (and photograph!) in London driving on a quiet street near the Embankment several years ago. Not the type of classic one expects to see, especially "in the wild" (as opposed to a car show).
If you look carefully at Michael Caine's 1971 film "Get Carter", at about 0:48:10 you will see a Bond Bug parked in a street outside the baddy Cliff Brumby's house. Only a brief glimpse, but it's unmistakable! 😉
Great review. I remember seeing these when I was young in the 70s. I'd love to own one today. Amazingly poor standard of driving by many who overtook you, Steph, with disregard for solid white lines, hatching and speed limits. If you are doing the speed limit then NO ONE (other than emergency services) should ever overtake you, even if they don't like your car! Btw, you mention the source of front lights and other parts. To add to the list, the rear lights are ex-Hillman Hunter (also used on 1970s Aston Martin Vantages and the Clan Crusader).
70+ MPH in this little car would be a very exciting drive! Your channel always brings us something very different each time!. P.S. I love the way you have c-ordinated your outfit with the car!
Excellent review Steph! As a kid i first learned about the Bond Bug looking through British car magazines that were available at some news agents here in the United States. But then in the mid 1980s I was completely astounded to see a Bug just sitting at a mall parking lot near Chicago. It may have been the only one in the entire country at that time and it looked like a bright orange spaceship from the planet Cheese had landed.
Planet cheese, love it 🤣
Loved that Steph. Very impressed with your colour co-ordination. Never saw these in Australia so it would certainly draw a crowd if there was one at a show here. I guess we have all noticed that people seem to be hell bent on trying to pass you when you are driving a classic car, presuming, usually incorrectly, that you are going to be slow.
A friend of mine who was a lathe turner at Cammell lairds shipyard had one in the mid 70s . We all had minis but the Bond Bug really stood out in the pub car park . A really quirky vehicle in its day.
wonderful to see such a fun classic like the bond bug and it's a real shame that they never exported any around the world.
Excellent review. I remember being intrigued by this little vehicle when it first appeared on the roads. Not that there were many around as the Reliant Robin still dominated this particular market, but the Bond seemed a trendy little run around and stood out from the crowd.
Great review of a nice example, minus the flag. I've owned a Bond Bug for nearly 30 years. Rode a moped from Idle, Bradford to Emley, Huddersfield to see it which took ages. I have the same problems with some drivers who want to go faster than the speed limit. But generally it's a fun drive, once you've got used to it. According to a retired Reliant dealer I know who worked on mine. They weren't many seen in the 1970's.
Over the last 30 odd years I’ve owned 6 and there great fun to drive 👍
good one steph. and as always, you match the colours in ur clothing to the car.
i think like all 70's cars, 3doors, motorcycle engine etc, they are unfortunately lost in todays world. everything is too rush rush now. no one wants to get somewhere at a decent time. they need to get there b4 they have even left!
Fantastic review as always Steph. You’re so well researched and have a genuine enthusiasm and passion that shines through. It always puts a smile on my face when I see you have a new upload. I love the variety on your channel. It’s always a surprise to see what will be next. Great style of presentation.
Thanks again for the time and effort you put in to every upload. Love how often you pick your outfit to colour co-ordinate with the vehicle you’re reviewing. That’s taking preparation and attention to detail to a whole new level.
Take care, I can’t wait to see what you bring us next.
Never have Steph's words ' Drive safely' been more appropriate to her latest car, the Bond Bug! Terrifying being out on modern roads & in modern traffic in this!
That was never my experience when I had mine, very direct steering and easy to drive.
I was only think the other day "Steph ought to do a Bond Bug"., and my thoughts just came true. Well done my girl!
I had one of these in the 70s had it resprayed, metallic pop purple, loved it LAC 72L was the reg.
Glad you have the same feelings towards the Union Flag motif that I do. Never try making an already cool and fun car look cool and fun, it's just a daft tautology. And I'm not all that keen on jingoism either, but that's my problem. We had a friend with a Bug back in the 70's. We loved it. One of my abiding memories of it was him driving it around and around the pumps on a fuel station forecourt, the inside wheel high in the air and him giggling like a fool. If you're prepared to throw caution to the wind and poo poo risk aversion, the things actually handle.
Yeah the new mini's look ridiculous with their rear lights, unnecessary.
Jingoism?
The Union Flag could be worse. It could be a Confederate Battle Flag and the horn could play Dixie.
Ah- the Bond Bug. My parents friend had one back in the day. They still look amazing in my eyes. I recall there was a Hayabusa powered Bug a while ago which was rather scary.
It just cant get anymore 70's than a Bond Bug ! Added bonus you match the car !
The NACA style duct on the 'bonnet' always seemed optimistic to me!
It was not an ornament. It fed the radiator, the only airsource too
Thanks for another great video Steph. I would be afraid that the car would tip over when cornered too hard.
The only time I ever saw one of these (aside from a car show) was back in 1992 or thereabouts parked outside a tower block close to where I lived in Norwich. I was rather captivated by it.
I love those very 1970s 'Bond Bug' graphics. Also, there need to be more orange cars.
"The (right indicator) is a semitone HIGHER!!"--paraphrasing Basil Fawlty in the fire alarm episode...
Very different car Steph that I've always loved the design of but I imagine driving the thing is, as you say, s bit of an acquired taste.
Nearly nailed matching tangerine hair, Steph. Great video!
Great little car. So much character if a little terrifying! Also great to see you're colour coordinated your dress with the car Steph! 🙂
The body design and orange color is as 1970s as it gets. Would be a fun first car or economical city car. Enjoyed the review. 😃
With sensible driving I would get 70mpg. By sensible I mean just driving with the normal traffic flow.
I always loved these little cars in fact I looked at buying one in the early 70"s it was being sold in a motorbike shop. Nice one Steph.
Rest In Peace Tom Karen.
I remember, as a child, a dealer in Peterbotough had these and one was a “push-me-pull-me” version. Two bugs joined back to back. I wonder if that one still exists?
One was specially made by Reliant to get into the Earls Court motor show. They wouldn't allow three wheeled vehicles as "not a car" but they allowed that concept in.
Hi Steph, that was brilliant ! I can just imagine how difficult it is to get into, and out again, but looks great fun once you have mastered that process. I must say, you are looking really well now and diminishing before our very eyes - well done. Take special care X X
Excellent video Steph love hearing about a different vehicle & You look fabulous
Gosh that vlog takes me back! A Bug woud really have appealed to me back in the day, and as the owner of a Bond Mini as my first "car" the handling wouldn't have bothered me at all. Sadly I never got to try one and soon moved on to four wheels. Thanks for another good one Steph, and I like the new hair style! (more headroom now eh!). 😃
What a smashing little car, no wonder they didn’t sell if the 850 Mini was cheaper than it, pity, they look great, I would love one.
Fiat 500s were even cheaper.
Great fun cars - from a time when designers dared to be different - immediately distinctive and just so different - I remember well, seeing these on the roads and in their day, they were pretty cool. Loving the carb fuel feed on this particular one - apparently fitted by Stevie Wonder. Thanks Steph!
I had a teacher that had one of these back in the early 90s, he lived in Macclesfield too (same as the guy selling), we used to mess with him by picking it up and turning it around during the school day.
In the early 90's , ive been lucky enough to drive one, from a friend. Rather a thrill, but astonishing funny indeed. Regrettably we never could by one, in Belgium
Stephanie without beehive, thats new. But....happy to see the struggle on the rad to recovery , is over. Pardon me if i say. You look swinging marvelous girl!!!
You are much braver than me Steph, no way would I get behind the wheel of that it looks terrifying. Great review as always!
A friend had one years ago. I was too tall to fit in it. Great dash panel. Like something from Thunderbirds.
Well-coordinated. Some poor driving by others. Overtaking on a single solid line and hatches.
I love the fact you match your outfit with the car!
Great episode, Steph! I’ve read articles about the Bug and seen it in photos, but your video was an excellent way to see and hear the little contraption do its thing. It’s a fascinating little vehicle, though unseen here in the States… although I think there may be one at the Lane Museum in Nashville. I’d love to drive one! Thanks as always.
Great review, loved your colour coordination.
Really cool matching outfit to the car.
Some of those overtakes were dreadful. I don't know what those drivers were thinking about but it wasn't safety.
I remember these on the roads when I was a child in the 70s
Another car in amazing condition. That steering wheel upsets my ocd though, I would rotate it 120 degrees.
I'm pretty sure it's not the standard 700ES wheel.
@@mikemorley2797 I can confirm that. I had 2 in the mid 70s
Perhaps there's a magic in slightly fearing for one's life that makes driving a tiny car fun, especially when sporting a lovely colour. Exhaust note is louder than my coupe
I sat in a brand new one of these aged 11 in 1971 and thought it was really cool and aspirational, 5 years later I had a Sinclair Black Watch for my birthday; another really cool thing. I think it's hard to translate the feelings evoked by 70's innovative products to 2022 because microchips and digital weren't a part of life and an 11 year old now can't even imagine not having a games console and social networking
The Bug wasn't particularly innovative in any sense, most of the mechanical aspects being very 1950s. But as a teenager myself in 1971, I can concur it certainly looked futuristic, exciting and different!
Same here. IIRC they came out in 1970. I was eleven at the time and sat in one in Collins', the dealer in Truro. I'm sure I got any brochures I could lay my hands on too.
I've got two model Bugs which I bought soon after; a Corgi Whizzwheels, and an Airfix kit which I built. They were two of the last toy cars I bought. Most of my other models had been given away by then, but I've still got the Bugs.
The Bond Bug has to be one of the most recognisable vehicles ever built.
I imagine they must be noisy when out on the road but I'm sure in winter they were a big upgrade from two wheels.
I notice your hair was down for this one Steph, was that due to space in the cabin?
Like how you are colour coordinating with the car!
Fantastic video Stephen. I love these cars. Great sense of fun