No, the infamous Reliant Robin was not the only three-wheeled, British microcar. About 25 years before the Robin, there was the Bond Minicar. Today’s feature car is the best of that breed – at least in terms of being a complete car – the Mark G. It also represents the end of a nearly twenty-year run.
The Mark G is a fully-enclosed car, vs. some of the very early versions. It is also the only variety to feature a twin-cylinder engine – double the cylinder count of earlier versions! Of course, it’s still a 250cc, two-stroke engine putting out a whopping 12 horsepower (give or take).
The big news with the Minicar was the combined engine and front wheel unit, which means the engine steered with the wheel. The seller has included a video which beautifully illustrates this, as well as the resultant turning radius, which is quite amazing!
This Bond appears to be in great overall condition and this is certainly a rare find in the US. We hope it goes to a great home!
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$5,755 with 42 bids (!), reserve not met and 3.5 days to go
Granite Falls, WA, USA
Viewed in profile, this design is an odd combination of unique in front and pretty typical for the period in the rear. Of course, the bizarre front proportions are dictated by the odd front wheel layout.
The actual front end and grill fit well with the classic rear design.
You know this is a later one, given the 50s fin design. This was designed around the same time that Sunbeam included American fins in its Alpine design.
The Minicar features a large hatch opening with a relatively small cargo area. However, we suspect the rear seat folds, which would open up quite a bit of space.
Front doors are front-hinged and, of course, the layout is left-hand drive.
Interior is simple and, apparently, the top is fiberglass.
Again…simple.
Here’s the Bond money shot – the engine mounted atop the front wheel. Yes, that whole mass turns.
Chain drive is always a great car feature! Note that the exhaust “exits” in the front. We recommend making sure the firewall is well sealed and/or driving with windows open for good venting!
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Very unusual and very rare especially here in the USA is this Bond Minicar. It’s in very nice running and driving condition and has an extremely unusual drive train arrangement.
This car features a 2 stroke 2 cylinder 250cc villiers engine that drives the front wheel through a chain. The entire drivetrain including the exhaust turns with the steering. It can turn nearly 90 degrees each way making it turn extremely sharp.
The frame is in great condition and the fiberglass body and paint are also in very good shape. There are minor imperfections here and there but overall it presents extremely well. The glass is all in good shape. Some of the window moldings look quite old and dry rotted but still working. It currently has a plastic back window fitted but the original glass window is included (would need new seal to install).
This car features a dynastart combination starter and generator which works very well. It starts easily and runs great. The brakes work well although the pedal travels a bit far. The front brake is hydraulic and the rear brakes are mechanical. All the electrics work good including the horn although the horn button is missing.
The Interior is quite nice with no rips or splits in the seats.
The original fuel tap had failed so it currently has a modern tap that you have to open the hood to turn on and off. You also access the fuel tank from under the hood.
Driving the car is quite a different experience. It features a column shift that ratchets through the gears by moving up and down. Although it is quite slow we did manage to get it up to 45mph on a level road.
It has a clear Pennsylvania title.
Buyer is responsible for all shipping costs and arrangements.
I highly recommend and encourage a personal inspection.
The Bond can be viewed by appointment in Granite Falls Wa (near Seattle).
I reserve the right to end the auction at any time.
Must be picked up within 30 days after end of auction.
Please feel free to ask any questions and be sure to watch the video of this car in action: