1973 Bond Bug

Bond Bug (Coupe), 1970-1974

The Bond Bug was in production from 1970-74. Styled by Tom Karen, it is a front-engine, rear wheel drive coupe seating two adults.

Reliant had been experimenting with the idea of a more youthful microcar since the launch of the Regal 3/25, but the proposed Reliant Rogue was abandoned out of fear that it would affect the Reliant brand adversely. But when it bought out its chief competitor Bond in 1969, Reliant suddenly had what to all intents and purposes was a sacrificial brand. With a stylish reworking by Tom Karen of Ogle Design the idea was resurrected, and the Bond Bug was born. Under the skin it shared much with the Regal, including its 700 and 750cc engines. But unlike the Regal, it was available in just one colour - bright orange - and with just two seats, ideal for any young and courting couple.

For the price of a Mini, Reliant and Bond were offering what they perceived to be nearer in concept to a sportscar - even though the top speed was scarcely higher than that of a Mini, the acceleration was better owing to its lighter weight. The Bug was generally an amusing car to drive, though the single steering wheel and the light weight did make emergency manoeuvres somewhat perilous. All Bugs at first used a 700CC engine in a choice of three specifications - base, E and ES. From 1973 a 750cc version was available, but fewer than 200 were sold before Bug production ceased completely in 1974. The demand for the more conventional Reliant Robin was high, and Reliant needed all the production capacity it had to meet orders. The Bug was not directly replaced, though its wedge shape was revived in more practical form for the Robin's replacement, the Reliant Rialto.

The competition for the Bug is slim. The MG Midget and Triumph Spitfire are more sporting, while the Robin is too sedate. Perhaps a Sinclair C5 would be right to bridge the gap? Though we feel that most would-be Bug owners would have bought used Mini 1275GTs in period - and would advocate this as the nearest rival for the cult classic today.