Bond Minicar

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Bond Minicar

1956 Bond Minicar Mark D De luxe Family Safety
Overview
Manufacturer Sharp's Commercials Ltd
Production 1949–1966
24,482 made[2]
Assembly Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Body and chassis
Class Microcar
Layout FF layout

Bond Minicar is the name given to a series of economical three-wheeled cars manufactured by Sharp's Commercials Ltd (The company was renamed Bond Cars Limited in 1964), in Preston, Lancashire between 1949 and 1966.[3]

The basic concept for the minicar was derived from a prototype built by Lawrence "Lawrie" Bond an engineer from Preston.[4] During the war, Bond had worked as an aeronautical designer for the Blackburn Aircraft Company[5] before setting up a small engineering business in Blackpool, manufacturing aircraft and vehicle components for the government. After the war he moved his company to Longridge where he built a series of small, innovative racing cars, which raced with a modest amount of success.[4] In the early part of 1948, he revealed the prototype of what was described as a new minicar to the press.[6]

Described as a "short radius runabout, for the purpose of shopping and calls within a 20-30-mile radius", the prototype was demonstrated climbing a 25% gradient with driver and passenger on board. It was reported to have a 125 cc (8 cu in) Villiers two-stroke engine with a three-speed gearbox, a dry weight of 195 pounds (88 kg)[7] and a cruising speed of around 30 mph (48 km/h). At the time of the report (May 1948), it was stated that production was "expected to start in three months' time".[8] The prototype was built at Bond's premises in Berry Lane, Longridge where it is now commemorated with a blue plaque.[9]

Sharp's Commercials was a company contracted by the Ministry of Supply to rebuild military vehicles.[10] Knowing that the Ministry were ending their contract in 1948, and recognising the limitations of his existing works as a base for mass production, Bond approached the Managing Director of Sharp's, Lt. Col. Charles Reginald 'Reg' Gray, to ask if he could rent the factory to build his car. Gray refused, but said that instead, Sharp's could manufacture the car for Bond and the two entered into an agreement on this basis.[11] Bond carried out some further development work on the Minicar, but once mass production was underway, left the project and sold the design and rights to Sharp's.[12]

The car proved popular in the UK market, where its three-wheel configuration meant that it qualified for a lower rate of purchase tax, lower vehicle excise duty and lower cost insurance than comparable four-wheel cars. The three-wheel configuration, low weight and lack of a reverse gear also meant that it could be driven on a motor cycle license.[13]

The engine bay of a 1959 Minicar Mark F. Note the kick start on the left of the engine. These were fitted for emergency use although all Minicars were started from the drivers seat.[1]

The prototype and early cars utilised stressed skin aluminium bodywork, though later models incorporated chassis members of steel.[1] The Minicar was amongst the first British cars to use fibreglass body panels.[14]

Though retaining much of Lawrie Bonds original concept of a simple, lightweight, economical vehicle, the Minicar was gradually developed by Sharp's through several different incarnations. The majority of cars were convertibles, though later, hardtop models were offered, along with van and estate versions. Minicars were generally available either in standard or deluxe form, though the distinction between the two was generally one of mechanical detail rather than luxury. The cars were powered initially by a single-cylinder two-stroke Villiers engine of 122 cc (7 cu in). In December 1949 [2] this was upgraded to a 197 cc (12 cu in) unit. The engine was further upgraded in 1958, first to a single-cylinder 247 cc (15 cu in) and then to a 247 cc (15 cu in) twin-cylinder Villiers 4T. These air-cooled engines were developed principally as motorcycle units and therefore had no reverse gear. However, this was a minimal inconvenience, because the engine, gearbox and front wheel were mounted as a single unit and could be turned by the steering wheel up to 90 degrees either side of the straight-ahead position, enabling the car to turn within its own length. A method of reversing the car was offered on later models via a reversible Dynastart unit. The Dynastart unit, which doubled as both starter motor and alternator on these models incorporated a built in reversing solenoid switch. After stopping the engine and operating this switch, the Dynastart and consequently the engine, would rotate in the opposite direction.[15]

In April 1962, the purchase tax rate of 55% which had been applied to all four-wheeled cars sold in the UK since the war was reduced to 45%.[16] In November 1962, it was reduced by another 20% to 25% - the same rate as that applied to three-wheelers. This rapid change meant that at the point of sale, some three-wheelers became more expensive than four-wheeled cars like the Mini. In response, Tom Gratrix, head of Sharp's sent a telegram to the Chancellor warning that unless a similar tax cut were given to the purchase tax rate for three-wheelers, there would be 300 redundancies and possibly the closure of the Sharp's factory.[17] No cut was forthcoming, sales of Minicars declined rapidly from this point and the final Minicar was produced in 1966.[18] At the end of production 24,482 had been made.[19]

Minicar 1949–1951

Bond Minicar

1951 Bond Minicar De luxe Tourer
Overview
Also called Bond Minicar Mark A
Production 1949–1951
1,973 made[2]
Body and chassis
Body style Convertible
Powertrain
Engine Villiers 10D 122 cc (7 cu in) or Villiers 6E 197 cc (12 cu in) Single cylinder 2 stroke
Transmission 3-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 5 ft 5 in (1,650 mm)
Length 8 ft 10 in (2,690 mm)
Width 4 ft 7 in (1,400 mm)
Height 3 ft 6 in (1,070 mm)
Kerb weight 310 lb (140 kg)
Chronology
Successor Bond Minicar Mark B

Sold as the Bond Minicar (the Mark A epithet being added only after the Mark B was introduced),[20] the car was advertised as the world's most economical car.[21] It was austere and simple in design, without luxuries.[1] Production began in January 1949,[2] although 90% of initial production was said to be allocated to the overseas market.[22]

As with the prototype, a large proportion of the Minicar is made from different aluminium alloys. The main body is a very simple construction of 18 swg sheet with a 14 swg main bulkhead.[23] The integrity of the main stressed skin structure is enhanced by the absence of doors, the bodysides being deemed low enough to be stepped over without major inconvenience unless you are wearing a skirt.[24] Most of the bodywork panels are flat or very simple curves and the compound curves of the bonnet and rear mudguard arches are pressed out as separate panels. The windscreen is made from Perspex.[2] The car was said to weigh only 308 pounds (140 kg) “all-in”[23] or 285 pounds (129 kg) dry[25] and its light weight was regularly demonstrated by one person lifting the entire rear end of the car off the ground unaided.[26][27] A test run between Preston and London at an average speed of 22.8 mph (36.7 km/h) gave an average fuel consumption of 97 mpg-imp (2.9 L/100 km; 81 mpg-US) for the journey.[25]

The car has a single bench seat with a small open compartment behind suitable for luggage. There is also a removable fold-down hood with detachable sidescreens.[24] Headlights are separate units mounted on the side of the car,[28] though of such low output, they have been described as providing "more of a glimmer than a beam".[29] At the rear there is a tiny, single centrally mounted lamp.[30]

The air-cooled Villiers 10D 122 cc (7 cu in) engine has a unit three-speed manual gearbox without reverse.[2] The engine has a claimed output of 5 bhp (4 kW; 5 PS) at 4,400 rpm which the manufacturers claimed gave a power-to-weight ratio of 49 bhp (37 kW; 50 PS) per ton unladen.[30] The engine unit sits in an alloy cradle ahead of the front wheel, together forming part of its support. Both front wheel and engine are sprung as part of the trailing link front suspension system, which is fitted with a single coil spring and an Andre Hartford friction shock absorber.[23] The rear wheels are rigidly mounted to the body on stub axles with all rear suspension provided by low pressure "balloon" type tyres.[1] The engine is started by a pull handle under the dash, connected by cable to a modified kick-start lever.[2] The steering system comprises a system of pulleys and a cable usually referred to as a "bobbin and cable"[1] system, connecting a conventional steering wheel to the front steering unit. The bobbin and cable steering system was replaced by a rack and pinion system in October 1950.[2] Brakes are provided on only the rear wheels; they are conventional drum brakes operated by a system of cables and rods.[23] Early on, Sharp's adopted a policy of continual gradual upgrading of the Minicars, either to simplify or reduce maintenance, to redress noted failings or to improve some aspect of performance. Such changes were usually made available as kits to enable existing owners to upgrade their own cars retrospectively.[30]

In December 1949, a De luxe version was added to the range. This has a Villiers 6E 197 cc (12 cu in) engine, which had an increased output of 8 bhp (6 kW; 8 PS)and a power-to-weight ratio of 51 bhp (38 kW; 52 PS) per ton.[31] There are also a number of modest refinements including a spare wheel and a single wing mirror.[2] The manually operated windscreen wiper fitted on the standard car was upgraded to an electric one. This was found to damage the original perspex windscreen[30] and subsequently in October 1950 the perspex windscreen on the De luxe models was replaced by a Triplex glass windscreen.[2]

A Bond Minicar De luxe tested by The Motor magazine in 1949 and carrying only the driver had a top speed of 43.3 mph (69.7 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-30 mph (48 km/h) in 13.6 seconds. A fuel consumption of 72 mpg-imp (3.9 L/100 km; 60 mpg-US) was recorded. The test car cost £262 including taxes.[24]

Towards the end of 1950 an optional mechanical reversing device was introduced which comprised a long lever with a ratchet on the end which fitted onto the drivers side rear wheel hub. This device could be operated from the driving seat and allowed the car to be cranked backwards by hand by the driver to assist with maneuvering.[30]

Minicar Mark B 1951–1952

Bond Minicar Mark B

1951 Bond Minicar Mark B 2/3 seater Tourer
Overview
Production 1951–1952
1,414 made[2]
Body and chassis
Body style Convertible
Powertrain
Engine Villiers 6E 197 cc (12 cu in) Single cylinder 2 stroke
Transmission 3-speed manual
Dimensions
Length 9 ft 1 in (2,770 mm)
Width 5 ft 0 in (1,520 mm)
Height 3 ft 9 in (1,140 mm)
Kerb weight 420 lb (190 kg)
Chronology
Successor Bond Minicar Mark C

Progressive development of the Minicar and Minicar De luxe continued until the more significant introduction of coil sprung independent rear suspension. This provided an ideal opportunity to relaunch the car as the Bond Minicar (Mark B) in July 1951.[32]

Much of the design work for the Mark B, in particular the rear suspension, was carried out by the engineer Granville Bradshaw. Bradshaw had become involved with the Minicar at the invitation of his brother Ewart Bradshaw, the owner of Loxhams and Bradshaws Group of which Sharp's Commercials was a subsidiary.[33]

The rear suspension system was of the sliding pillar type, a block carrying the stub axle rode up and down on two guide pillars mounted on a solid casting bolted to the side of the body. The block's vertical movement was controlled by coil springs. The front suspension was upgraded with a hydraulic shock absorber

Externally, the difference between the Mark A and Mark B Minicar were very subtle. The rear mudguards were slightly smaller but wider to accommodate the wheel movement whilst the storage area behind the rear seats was also enlarged, increasing the cars overall length slightly and changing its rear profile.[1] Beneath the bodywork, there were improvements to the electrics and to the braking system. The hood was also redesigned to provide more head room inside the car.

Only one version of the Mark B Tourer was produced, and all production cars had the Villiers 6E engine and triplex glass windscreens.[34]

Sharp's Commercials 1951-1952

At the motorcycle show in November 1951, Sharp's announced what they described as "a revolutionary design in the field of commercial vehicles".[35] The Sharp's Commercial 3 Cwt, took the concept of the Minicar's light, three-wheeled, utilitarian design, and adapted it as the basis for an open-top lightweight industrial vehicle. The prototype at the show was powered by an Indian Brave[33] 250 cc (15 cu in) four-stroke engine, mounted in a cradle ahead and above the front wheel. Though described as "constructed on the stressed-skin principle", large cut outs to allow easy access from either side of the vehicle required much additional strengthening to the floor, with a central steel backbone girder, a cross member between the rear wheels and further triangular bracing. The single seat was located centrally as was the steering wheel. Steering was by worm and sector, and flared side panels allowed the single front wheel to turn a full 180°, making the vehicle extremely manoeuvrable. The entire engine, drive-train and steering unit could be removed by undoing four bolts to allow for easy servicing. Unlike the Minicar, there were brakes on all three wheels and there was a wooden-slatted floor behind the driver.[36] Though the Sharp's Commercial never entered production,[37] it served as a forerunner to van and pickup versions of the Mark B which appeared in 1952.[28]

The Sharp's Minitruck, (initially, they were referred to as Utility in the production records) was the pickup version, which outwardly was very similar to the Mark B Tourer, but included an extension of the bodywork behind the rear wheel. It also replaced the Tourer's bench seat with a single seat for the driver although unlike the Commercial, this was conventionally placed on the right. The extended goods compartment and space alongside the driver provided a claimed load capacity of 3 long cwt (150 kg) and 24 cu ft (0.68 m3). The open-top vehicle had a folding hood with a roll-up flap at the back of the car to assist loading.[34]

The Sharp's Minivan, was introduced around 11 June 1952 alongside the Minitruck.[38] It had the same load capacity and also shared the same extended length of the pick-up, but had an enclosed aluminium compartment behind the drivers seat with a side hinged rear door. A short fabric roof covered the gap between the van compartment and the windscreen.[34]

A further final development based on the Minivan was the Bond Family Safety Saloon. Additional side windows were fitted to the rear compartment of the van and two small hammock type seats were added either side of the rear door facing inwards. With the bench seat of the tourer replacing the single front seat of the van and pickup, this gave enough room for two children and two adults.[39] It's not known how many Safety Saloons were produced as factory records do not distinguish between the saloon and the Minivan.[34]

Total production for the Mark B was 1414 vehicles[18] including 240 Minitrucks / Utilities and 84 Minivan (& "Safety Saloons") .[39]

Minicar Mark C 1952–1956

Bond Minicar Mark C

1956 Bond Minicar Mark C De luxe Tourer with later Type II grille
Overview
Production 1952–1956
6,399 made[2]
Body and chassis
Body style Convertible
Powertrain
Engine Villiers 6E & 8E 197 cc (12 cu in) Single cylinder 2 stroke
Transmission 3-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 5 ft 6 in (1,680 mm)
Length 9 ft 10 in (3,000 mm)
Width 4 ft 9 in (1,450 mm)
Height 4 ft 2 in (1,270 mm)
Kerb weight 460 lb (210 kg)
Chronology
Successor Bond Minicar Mark D

Around the same time as the Mark B was launched, work had begun on what was referred to subsequently as a "streamlined version" of the Minicar.[40] Badged as the 'ESC' (England's Smallest Car), this prototype utilised the main body and rear suspension of the Mark B, but added mock front wings, a passenger side door and a valance beneath its oval-shaped grill.[34]

By the time of the Earl's Court Cycle and Motor Cycle Show in November 1951, several pre-production Mark Cs were on show.[41] On these the front wings had become longer and less triangular in profile than the 'ESC', the grill was also lower and more rounded and the front valance was now a more defined bumper shape.[42] The new Minicar design was very well received,[43] and was due to go on sale in early 1952.[44] By July however, "owing to supply difficulties" it was still unavailable,[45] and the earliest production cars were not recorded as being built until October 1952.[46] Four of the cars were on display at that year's show along with a Sharp's Minivan.[47]

The change in the body style from the Mark B was both functional and aesthetic. The Mark C utilised the same 180° steering lock and worm and sector steering system that was seen in the prototype Commercial and the front wings allowed for ample clearance at full lock. They also addressed a demand from customers for a "greater smoothness of line",[42] and allowed a more robust location for the mounting of the front lights.[48] Other improvements included rod and cable operated brakes on all three wheels,[42] which "appreciably shortens stopping distances."[49]

During development, the Mark C had utilised the same sliding pillar suspension on the rear as the Mark B, but by September 1952, this had been changed for Flexitor suspension units produced by George Spencer Moulton & Co. Ltd.[50] The Flexitor units were a type of lever arm shock absorber which used bonded rubber in torsion as the shock absorber. On these units a stub axle is mounted upon a trailing-arm with the pivot point being a steel rod. This rod is bonded inside a rubber tube which runs through and is also bonded to an external steel housing. The housing is bolted to the underside of the car. The units provide about 3 in (76 mm) of vertical movement to each independent rear axle.[40]

The engine mounting was substantially different. Instead of being suspended from an alloy cradle as on the Mark A and B, the engine now sat in a steel cradle bolted to a steeply inclined steel tube that pivoted directly behind the engine through an alloy steering head bracket. This bracket, holding the engine and front wheel unit is bolted to a cast alloy bulkhead which forms a major structural component of the car.[51] The engine mounting was said to have been a regular source of failures on both the Mark A and the Mark B, and this new design was again the work of Granville Bradshaw.[33]

The single side door, which had been introduced to around 6 1/2% of Mark B production vehicles after November 1951,[34] became a standard fixture on the Mark C.[51] Because the car's monocoque construction depended principally upon its skin for rigidity, the size of door was severely limited and to overcome the resulting decrease in structural rigidity, vertical steel strengthening brackets were fitted either side and along the bottom edge of the door aperture.

By January 1953, some cars were being fitted with fibreglass rear wings.[52] Bonnets in fibreglass followed soon after,[53] but these were not used on production vehicles until December 1954.[46] The production cost of the fibreglass parts was said to be about the same as those of aluminium, but the parts were said to be both lighter and stronger.[53]

A 1955 Bond Minicar Mark C Family Safety Model with earlier Type I grille
Initially, the Mark C was available only as either the Standard Tourer or the De luxe Tourer with a single bench seat, seating two or three people. The De luxe version included an electric starter along with rear bumpers. The range was expanded in March 1954, when the Family Safety Standard and Family Safety De luxe versions were added. On these models the bodywork was extended behind the front seat and, like the earlier Bond Family Safety Saloon, two child-size inward facing hammock-style seats were added in the gap. Factory advertising material resurrected the Safety label as part of this model's name, but it was generally dropped elsewhere.

The Sharp’s Minitruck continued in production but now incorporated all the new Mark C styling and mechanical features. The last one was made in March 1956.[46]

Attempts were made to penetrate the American market in 1953-54 where the car was marketed by Craven and Hedrick of New York and renamed the Sharp's Bear Cub.[54] However it appears it made little impact and the arrangement was short-lived.

As with previous Minicars, the Mark C was improved and developed over time with numerous minor changes. Most notably, Villiers replaced the 6E engine with the 8E version in June 1953. This had the same overall capacity,[1] but slightly increased performance, now 9 bhp (7 kW; 9 PS).[55] In October 1953 a new Triplex windscreen and surround was introduced, the dash board glove box was removed, a two-roll seat replaced the earlier round top variety and the old gearchange and steering shaft u/j's were eliminated. Steel was sometimes used for rear wings when supplies of aluminium became difficult to obtain.[46] The following October's updates redesigned the braking system, introduced rear bumpers on the Tourer models and front bumpers for all De luxes. Several more minor changes in October 1955 were marked by a much more notable change to the shape of the front grille from the familiar oval to a more angular design (designated Type II).[46]

Minicar Mark D 1956–1958

Bond Minicar Mark D

1956 Bond Minicar Mark D De luxe Tourer
Overview
Production 1956–1958
3,761 made[2]
Body and chassis
Body style Convertible
Powertrain
Engine Villiers 9E 197 cc (12 cu in) Single cylinder 2 stroke
Transmission 3-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 5 ft 6 in (1,680 mm)
Length 9 ft 10 in (3,000 mm)
Width 4 ft 9 in (1,450 mm)
Height 4 ft 2 in (1,270 mm)
Kerb weight

520 lb (240 kg) Family,

470 lb (210 kg) Tourer
Chronology
Successor Bond Minicar Mark F

In May 1956, the Mark C was discontinued and the Mark D introduced.[56] The changes between the last Mark C's and the Mark D are, like those between the final Mark A's and the Mark B, almost entirely hidden from view and the cars are externally identical. Beneath the Mark D bonnet however, Villiers had substantially upgraded the 197 cc (12 cu in) engine, which now became the Mark 9E. The main changes were a 4-plate clutch, a heavier final drive chain with simplified adjustment and a higher top-gear ratio.[57] The 9E was said to produce a 12.5% increase in power over the 8E,[58] providing a claimed 8.4 bhp (6 kW; 9 PS) at 4,000 rpm. This increased the cruising speed to around 45 mph (72 km/h), with a top speed of 51 mph (82 km/h).[59] Electrics are upgraded from 6 volt to 12 volt allowing more powerful headlights with separate side-lights within the headlamp units. All De luxe models include the SIBA Dynastart.[57] Other changes which had been gradually introduced onto Mark C's over the years, were carried over to the Mark D. This included items such as strengthened rear suspension, chrome side flashes on the front wings of De luxe models and larger rear lights with integrated rear reflectors.[56] As well as the slight weight increase, Sharp's also noted that ground clearance on the Mark D was now only 6.5 in (170 mm) compared to the Mark C's 7 in (180 mm).[60]

Four versions of the car were offered by the factory, the two/three seater Standard Tourer and De luxe Tourer and the four seat (two adult front seats and two child-size inward facing hammock-style seats) Standard Family Safety and De luxe Family Safety. The two/three seater models were also available directly from Sharps with a detachable fibreglass hardtop.[56] Similar aftermarket hardtops had been introduced earlier in the year for every type of Minicar from the Mark A to the Mark C Family by the Sharples Engineering Company, who were also based in Preston.[61]

The revised engine was reported to give the Mark D notably better acceleration, better climbing ability and lower fuel consumption in direct comparison with its predecessor.[59] Reverse via the Dynastart unit became an option from October 1956 on the De luxe models.[62]

With the introduction of the Mark E in December 1957, the two/three seater Mark D's were dropped from the range as were the hardtops and the Standard version of the Family Safety.[56] The De luxe Family Safety continued in production alongside the Mark E and by August 1958 still accounted for about 25 per cent of production.[63]

A four speed gearbox replaced the three speed version in October 1958 and the model was renamed the Family Tourer.[56]

A final version of the Mark D, the Family Four Saloon was shown at the 1958 Motorcycle show. This car had a lengthened rear wings and tail section and a built in hardtop with side windows and wrap around rear screen.[64] This version never entered production and only one is believed to have been produced.[62] Production of all versions of the Mark D ended in November 1958,[56] although the Family Tourer remained listed as available until the 1960 range was announced.[65]

Minicar Mark E 1956–1958

Bond Minicar Mark E

1956 Bond Minicar Mark E Prototype (Experimental 12)[2]
Overview
Production 1956–1958
1,189 made[2]
Body and chassis
Body style Convertible and Saloon Coupe
Powertrain
Engine Villiers 9E 197 cc (12 cu in) Single cylinder 2 stroke
Transmission 4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 5 ft 6 in (1,680 mm)
Length 11 ft 0 in (3,350 mm)
Width 5 ft 0 in (1,520 mm)
Height 4 ft 0 in (1,220 mm)
Kerb weight 672 lb (305 kg) Tourer & Saloon Coupe
Chronology
Successor Bond Minicar Mark F

Announced on 31 October 1956 as a late addition to the 1957 range,[66] the Mark E was radically different in design from any previous Minicar.

A deliberate attempt to introduce "modern car lines",[67] the Mark E introduced semi-monocoque construction, both to improve the resilience of the car and to allow full height doors to be fitted on both sides.[66] As announced, the prototype car was completely flat-sided and as with previous models used light alloy for all exterior panels. Beneath the skin, there were two main steel frames, one which made up the principle support for the floor, rear suspension and doors and a second which carried the steering assembly and engine. This second frame was described as "semi-floating" to allow the damping out of engine vibrations and to prevent fractures.[67] Further strength was obtained by separating the bonnet from the front grill, allowing the grill frame to add rigidity to the front of the car.[66] Track and overall width of the car were the same as the Mark D, but the wheelbase was extended by 12 in (300 mm).[67] Though not appreciated at the time, this fundamentally affected the car's stability and made it liable to overturn.[68] Weather protection was more sophisticated, the hood now including a front section that could be rolled back as a sunroof while the detachable side screens incorporate sliding windows. The seat was still a single bench, but the backrest was now split, one third allowing for adjustment to suit driver comfort, whilst the remainder hinged forward to allow access to the boot. Lighting was improved with larger headlamps, flashing indicators and rear number plate light.[66] The fuel tank was increased in size to 3.5 imp gal (16 l), but the car retained the Villiers 9E/3 engine with three speed gearbox. Deliveries of the new car were expected to begin in May 1957.[67]

As things turned out, demand for the Mark D Minicar was such that a decision was made to delay the introduction of the Mark E until later.[68] Despite one of the prototypes being used for an extensive European tour in the summer of 1957 by one magazine,[69] it was not until other pre-production cars were tested by the factory immediately prior to full production that issues with the car's handling were revealed.[68]

The Mark E Tourer was eventually put on the market in December 1957 alongside the Mark D. In production, the Mark E was notably different from its prototype with a shorter wheelbase and wider track to correct the stability issues. Rather than widen the entire car to retain the flat sides of the prototype, the extra track width was accommodated by making the bottom part of the rear wings protrude outwards. The rear wheels were also moved forward by about 12 in (305 mm). Inside the car, there were changes to the shape of the fibreglass dashboard and the engine was upgraded to the Villiers 9E/4S with four-speed gearbox. Externally, the overriders seen on the pre-production vehicles were removed from both front and rear bumpers and the car now included two windscreen wipers.[70] The maximum speed was now around 50 mph (80 km/h).[28]

In May 1958, a second version of the Mark E became available, the Mark E Saloon Coupe. Externally, because the roof was longer than that on the tourer, this gave the impression that the car was a 2+2, but internally it was the same size, and simply replaced the convertibles soft top with a full length fibreglass roof. Though not described as a detachable hardtop, the roof could be removed quite easily in one piece.[71]

In a publicity stunt for Sharp's, three Bond Minicar Mark E's, two Saloons and a Tourer were the first cars to drive along Britain's first Motorway, the Preston By-pass when it opened in December 1958. The plan was for the second and third cars (driven by Alan Pounder and Doug Ferriera) to 'deliberately' slow down the traffic whilst the lead car, driven by John Woods the Production Manager and fitted with one of the new Villiers 247 cc engines, would shoot off into the lead and be photographed by the BBC. Unfortunately, the plan back-fired because the Bond beat the camera crew to the bridge where the shot was to take place! Consequently, the evening news only showed the second and third Bonds amongst the traffic on the opening day. Now part of the M6, this event was recreated for the motorways 50th anniversary by the BBC's Inside Out programme in 2008.[72]

Mark E production ended in November 1958.[56]

Minicar Mark F 1958–1963

Bond Minicar Mark F

1959 Bond Minicar Mark F Family Saloon
Overview
Production 1958–1963
6,493 made[2]
Body and chassis
Body style Convertible, Saloon Coupe, 4 seater Family Saloon and Ranger Van
Powertrain
Engine Villiers 31A 247 cc (15 cu in) Single cylinder 2 stroke
Transmission 4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 5 ft 6 in (1,680 mm)
Length 11 ft 0 in (3,350 mm)
Width 5 ft 0 in (1,520 mm)
Height 4 ft 0 in (1,220 mm)
Kerb weight 672 lb (305 kg) for all models
Chronology
Successor Bond Minicar Mark G

The 1958 London Motorcycle show was used to launch the Minicar Mark F.[73] As with the change from the Mark C to D, the designation was primarily to denote significant mechanical progression from the Mark E rather than any notable difference in the cars external appearance. Three versions of the new model were shown, the Mark F Tourer, the Mark F Saloon Coupe and the Mark F 4-Seater Family Saloon. The Tourer and Coupe were identical to the Mark E versions but the 197 cc (12 cu in) Villiers 9E engine was replaced by a 247 cc (15 cu in) Villiers 31A.[73] Though this engine boasted 12 bhp (9 kW; 12 PS) at 4,500 rpm (an increase of 3.6 bhp (3 kW; 4 PS)), the fuel consumption, dimensions and weight of the unit were almost identical to the 9E. Tests during the summer of 1958 included climbing a 28% gradient "without a struggle" and stop and restart tests two-up on the same slope. Top speed was given as 55 mph (89 km/h) with an average fuel consumption of 60 mpg-imp (4.7 L/100 km; 50 mpg-US).[74] The 4-Seater Family Saloon was identical to the Coupe from the outside, but inside, the rear deck was cut back to allow space for a forwards facing hammock style rear seat, just big enough for two children. Unlike the similar seats in the Mark D Family, this could be completely detached for load carrying.[65] All three models offered optional reverse gear.[28]

A fourth model, the Bond Ranger light van was introduced in March 1960. This utilised the body with the cut out behind the front seats from the Family Saloon and married it with a similar hardtop roof without side windows, but with the addition of an opening flap around the rear window. Very much an economy model, in standard form it came finished in primer with topcoat as an optional extra.[75] A few cars of this type were recorded on factory production records as a Van rather than a Ranger. This is believed to denote that they were only fitted with a single front seat to increase load capacity,[76] much like the 1952 Minitruck. UK law at the time also meant that this type of lightweight, single-seat three-wheeler could be driven unaccompanied on learner L-plates without the need to pass a driving test.[77]

Minicar Mark G 1961–1966

Bond Minicar 250 G

1962 Bond Minicar 250 G Estate
Overview
Production 1961–1966
3,253 made[2]
Body and chassis
Body style Saloon, Estate, Ranger Van and Tourer
Powertrain
Engine Villiers 35A 247 cc (15 cu in) Single cylinder 2 stroke or Villiers 4T 247 cc (15 cu in) Twin cylinder engine
Transmission 4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 5 ft 6 in (1,680 mm)
Length 11 ft 0 in (3,350 mm)
Width 5 ft 2 in (1,570 mm)
Height 4 ft 7 in (1,400 mm)
Kerb weight 826 lb (375 kg) for single cylinder models or 856 lb (388 kg) for twin cyclinder models
Chronology
Successor Bond 875

Billed extensively as the 'new-line' Minicar,[78] the final evolution of the Bond Minicar was still based to a large extent on the bodyshell of the Mark F.[16] Nevertheless, a revised shape fibreglass roof, new doors, new windscreen with opening quarter lights and bigger wheels largely transformed the cars appearance.[78] However, although the car was similar in layout to the Mark F, almost everything mechanically about the Mark G was different with very few components carried over.[79]

Steel supports around the quarter lights allowed the windscreen to be both more steeply raked and moved forwards to provide more interior room. This also allowed a properly sprung bench-type rear seat to be fitted capable of seating two adults. The front seats were adjustable for position and the passenger side now folded much further forward than on previous models to allow easier access to the rear,[79] though the doors were still felt to be too narrow for easy entry.[80] Controls were similar to the Mark F, but the fuel tap was now moved from beneath the bonnet to under the dash.[1] Doors were now lockable and included wind up windows.[79]

Production of the Mark G began in August 1961[81] and initially the Bond 250 G Minicar was the only version available.[79] The new style roof offered several inches more headroom and incorporated a backward-slanted rear window of the type popularised in the UK by the Ford Anglia.[16] This was initially mirrored by nominal fibreglass tailfins inserted into the aluminium rear wings before the wings became entirely made from fibreglass.[81]

Under the bonnet, the car utilised the new Villiers Mk 35A unit designed specifically for the car. A development of the 9E, this incorporated numerous mechanical refinements to improve strength and reliability albeit slightly to the cost of overall power, now rated at 11.5 bhp (9 kW; 12 PS) at 4,500 rpm. Rear suspension was completely revised, with trailing arm units controlled by Armstrong dampers. The rod and cable brake systems of previous cars was also replaced by Lockheed hydraulic brakes acting on all three wheels.[79] Two further models were added to the range in 1962, the Bond 250 G Estate and the Bond 250 G Ranger.[81] The estate featured a large hatchback, hinged at the roof. Inside, the rear seats could be folded flat reversed (so the passengers faced the rear or removed entirely.[82] On the Ranger version the rear seats and rear side windows were omitted.

Although public response at the 1962 Motorcycle show remained encouraging, the changes to purchase tax meant there was now a much less significant price difference between the Minicar and other small cars and in November production was scaled back with consequential job losses.[16]

Despite this, development continued and a choice of engines was offered on all models from March 1963.[81] Villiers modified and developed their 249 cc (15 cu in) 2T twin cylinder engine unit specifically for Bond and this new engine was designated the 4T. It produced (14.6 bhp (11 kW; 15 PS)) at 5,500 rpm[83] and top speed was now said to be "just over" 60 mph (97 km/h) with an average fuel consumption of 58 mpg-imp (4.9 L/100 km; 48 mpg-US). Saloon models were fitted with an opening boot from April 1964.[81]

In a bid to stem declining sales, a 2-seat economy version of the Minicar was introduced in October 1964, the Bond 250 G Tourer. This basically used the saloon car body, but with a larger rear deck incorporating an opening boot lid, a folding hood, new fibreglass bonnet, plain door panels, no chrome side trim and non-opening quarter lights. In standard form it came with the 35A engine, but the side trim and 4T engine were available as an option.[16]

Saloon and Tourer production ceased in late 1965, whilst production of the Ranger and the Estate ended in the spring of 1966.[81]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Warring, R.H. (1968). The Book of the Bond Minicar. Pitman's Motorist's Library (3rd ed.). London: Pitman & Sons. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 "Vehicle Modifications By Chassis Number". The Bond Owners Club. The Bond Owners Club. 2001. Retrieved 27 September 2012. 
  3. ↑ "A brief history of the Bond Company". The Bond Owners Club. The Bond Owners Club. 2001. Retrieved 9 August 2011. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Lawrence "Lawrie" Bond". Lancashire Lantern: Lancashire Pioneers. Lancashire County Council. Retrieved 10 August 2011. 
  5. ↑ Bobbitt, Malcolm (2003). "Post war Austerity". Three Wheelers. Veloce Publishing Ltd. p. 20. ISBN 1-903706-81-5. 
  6. ↑ "Produce Prototype Of New British "Minicar"". Automotive industries (Chilton Co) 99: 20. 1948. 
  7. ↑ "Programme Parade - the 1/8-Litre Bond Shopping Car". Light Car (Temple Press): 304. July 1948. 
  8. ↑ "News: New Runabout At Under £200". The Motor (Temple Press Ltd) 93 (2420): 418. 26 May 1948. 
  9. ↑ "43 Berry Lane (currently occupied by the Youth and Community Centre)". Longridge Heritage Plaques. Ribble Valley Borough Council. 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011. 
  10. ↑ Worthington-Williams, Michael (February 2008). "The Post-War Three Wheeler". The Automobile (Cranleigh: Enthusiast Publishing Ltd) 25 (12): 50. ISSN 0955-1328. 
  11. ↑ Uden Associates (Production Company), Temple, Magnus(Producer), Gibbon, Johanna (Director) Peel, John(Narrator) (23 March 1999). "Small Wonders". Classic British Cars. Channel Four. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyqs5pPBA4U&t=5m38s.
  12. ↑ Wotherspoon, Nick (1993). 'Lawrie' Bond The Man & The Marque (1 ed.). Minister Lovell, Oxfordshire: Bookmarque Publishing. p. 25. ISBN 1-870519-16-7. 
  13. ↑ Main-Smith, Bruce (October 1985). "Where did all the Three-Wheelers go?". The Classic Motor cycle (Peterborough: EMAP National Publications Ltd) 7 (6): 46. ISSN 0263-0850. 
  14. ↑ Journal of the Society of Glass Technology (The Society) 39: 37. 1955. 
  15. ↑ "Siba Dyanstart maintenance and overhaul". Maintenance Manual - Norton Villiers Engines. Wolverhampton: Norton Villiers Ltd. 1965. pp. 49 59. 
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 Wotherspoon, Nick (1993). 'Lawrie' Bond The Man & The Marque (1 ed.). Minister Lovell, Oxfordshire: Bookmarque Publishing. pp. 90–99. ISBN 1-870519-16-7. 
  17. ↑ "Three wheeler Plea". The Times (London). 7 November 1962. p. 6. 
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 "Production Statistics And Vehicle Modifications By Chassis Number". The Bond Owners Club. The Bond Owners Club. 2001. Retrieved 16 August 2011. 
  19. ↑ Georgano, N. (2000). Beaulieu Encyclopedia of the Automobile. London: HMSO. ISBN 1-57958-293-1. 
  20. ↑ Wotherspoon, Nick. "The Bond Minicar Mark A". The Bond Car Site. Retrieved 12 August 2011. 
  21. ↑ "Economy Plus (Sharps Commercials Ltd advertisement)". The Motor Cycle. 13 April 1950. "The World's Most Economical Car - The Bond Minicar De luxe" 
  22. ↑ "Small British Car". Mechanical engineering, (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) 71: 512. June 1949. 
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 23.3 Read, C.P. (May 1949). "A Real Lightweight - Reviewing the Make-up and Performance of a New Small Car". Light metals (Temple Press Limited.) 12: 232–234. 
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 "The BOND MINICAR De luxe (197 cc)". The Motor (Specialist & Professional Press) 97 (2525): 552. 31 May 1950. 
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 "The Bond". Light Car (London: Temple Press). April 1949. 
  26. ↑ Francis, Devon (July 1950). "What's different about British Cars". Popular Science. p. 127. Retrieved 12 August 2011. 
  27. ↑ Bolster, John (2 May 1952). "John Bolster Tests The Bond Minicar". Autosport (London: Haymarket Media) 4 (18). 
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 28.3 Robson, Graham (2000). A to Z of British Cars 1945-1980. Devon, UK: Herridge. ISBN 0-9541063-9-3. 
  29. ↑ Marshall, Tony (1999). "2". Microcars. Stroud: Sutton Publishing Limited. p. 29. ISBN 0-7509-2082-3. 
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 30.2 30.3 30.4 Wotherspoon, Nick (1993). 'Lawrie' Bond The Man & The Marque (1 ed.). Minister Lovell, Oxfordshire: Bookmarque Publishing. pp. 56–60. ISBN 1-870519-16-7. 
  31. ↑ Read, C.P. "The "Minicar" Grows Up". Motor Cycling (London: Temple Press Ltd) 81 (2099): 426. 
  32. ↑ "The Bond Minicar (Mark B)" (Press release). Sharps Commercials Ltd. 1 July 1951. 
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 33.2 Jones, Barry. M. (2008). Granville Bradshaw: A Flawed Genius?. Panther Publishing Ltd. ISBN 0-9556595-4-X. 
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 34.2 34.3 34.4 34.5 "Mark B - April 1951 to November 1952 Vehicle Modifications By Chassis Number". The Bond Owners Club. The Bond Owners Club. 2001. Retrieved 11 September 2011. 
  35. ↑ "The Sharp's Commercial 3 Cwt." (Press release). Sharp's Commercials Ltd. November 1951. 
  36. ↑ "Chassisless 3-Cwt Three-Wheeler". Commercial Motor (London: Temple Press Ltd) 94: 422. 16 November 1951. 
  37. ↑ "Sharp's Commercial 3 cwt.". The Bond Owners Club. The Bond Owners Club. 2001. Retrieved 20 December 2011. 
  38. ↑ The Motor (Temple Press Ltd.): 664. 18 June 1952. OCLC 436659712. 
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 Wotherspoon, Nick (1993). 'Lawrie' Bond The Man & The Marque (1 ed.). Minister Lovell, Oxfordshire: Bookmarque Publishing. p. 66. ISBN 1-870519-16-7. 
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 "Four Bond Minicars". The Motor Cycle (London: Iliffe & Sons) 89 (2581): 345. 25 September 1952. "This streamlined version of the Mark B model" 
  41. ↑ "The 1951 Show Reviewed". Motor Cycling (London: Temple Press Ltd) 85 (2181): 66. 15 November 1951. 
  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 42.2 "Two New Three-Wheelers". The Light Car (London: Temple Press Ltd): 612. December 1951. 
  43. ↑ Wotherspoon, Nick (1993). 'Lawrie' Bond The Man & The Marque (1 ed.). Minister Lovell, Oxfordshire: Bookmarque Publishing. p. 67. ISBN 1-870519-16-7. 
  44. ↑ "Buyers' Guide". The Motor Cycle (London: Iliffe & sons Ltd) 88 (2556): 358. 3 April 1952. 
  45. ↑ Taylor, Ashley (July 1952). "All About The Bond". The Light Car (London: Temple Press Ltd). "Successor to the current model will be the Mk.C which is progressing towards the production stage but which, owing to supply difficulties, is not expected to be manufactured for some months and then only for export." 
  46. ↑ 46.0 46.1 46.2 46.3 46.4 "Mark C - October 1952 to May 1956". Production Statistics And Vehicle Modifications By Chassis Number. The Bond Owners Club. 2001. Retrieved 27 February 2012. 
  47. ↑ "Earls Court 1952". Classic Images Earls Court Shows. Horncastle, Lincolnshire: Mortons Motorcycle Media. 2001. pp. 40–42. ISBN 0-9538357-4-X. 
  48. ↑ Marshall, Tony (1999). "2". Microcars. Sutton Photographic History of Transport. Stroud, Gloucestershire: Sutton Publishing Ltd. p. 32. ISBN 0-7509-2082-3. 
  49. ↑ Bolster, John (1 April 1955). "The 1955 Bond Minicar". Autosport (London: Haymarket Media). 
  50. ↑ "George Spencer Moulton & Co Ltd. Advertisement". Motor Cycling (London: Temple Press Ltd) 86 (2235): 30. 29 November 1952. 
  51. ↑ 51.0 51.1 "Mark-C is the Bond for '53". The Light Car (London: Temple Press Ltd): 440–441. October 1952. 
  52. ↑ "In The News - Glass-Winged Minicars". Motor Cycling (London: Temple Press Ltd) 87 (2241): 299. 8 January 1953. 
  53. ↑ 53.0 53.1 "Overseas experiments in body materials". The Advertiser (Adelaide: News Limited). 10 March 1953. p. 10. 
  54. ↑ "There's a Surprise Under This Hood". Popular Science (Bonnier Corporation) 163 (2): 97. August 1953. ISSN 0161-7370. 
  55. ↑ "Bond Minicar". Motor Cycling (London: Temple Press Ltd) 90 (2330): 650. 23 September 1954. 
  56. ↑ 56.0 56.1 56.2 56.3 56.4 56.5 56.6 Glass's Motor Cycle Check Book. Weybridge, Surrey: William Glass Limited. 1960. 
  57. ↑ 57.0 57.1 "Many Improvements". The Motor Cycle (London: Iliffe & Sons Ltd) 97 (2785): 280. 30 August 1956. 
  58. ↑ "Bond Minicars for 1957". Motor Cycling (London: Temple Press Ltd) 94 (2429). 4 October 1956. 
  59. ↑ 59.0 59.1 "The 197cc Mk D "Minicar" Bond Three Wheeler". Motor Cycling (London: Temple Press Ltd) 94 (2431): 826–827. 18 October 1956. 
  60. ↑ The Bond minicar Mark D Instruction book. Preston, Lancashire: Sharp's Commercials Ltd. 1956. p. 7. 
  61. ↑ "Sharples Advert". The Motor Cycle (London: Iliffe & Sons Ltd) 96 (2765): 22. 12 April 1956. 
  62. ↑ 62.0 62.1 Grogan, Paul; Mander, James. "Mark D - May 1956 to November 1958 Vehicle Modifications By Chassis Number". Bond Owners Club. Retrieved 19 June 2012. 
  63. ↑ "Bondage in Preston". Motorcycle Illustrated (Hemel Hempstead: Model & Allied Publications Ltd). August 1958. 
  64. ↑ Motor Cycling (Temple Press Limited) 99 (2540). 20 November 1958. 
  65. ↑ 65.0 65.1 "Restyled Bond Scooters". The Motor Cycle (London: Iliffe and Sons Ltd) 103 (2942): 410. 29 October 1959. 
  66. ↑ 66.0 66.1 66.2 66.3 "The Bond "Minicar" Restyled". Motor Cycling (London: Temple Press Ltd) 95 (2433): 24–25. 1 November 1956. 
  67. ↑ 67.0 67.1 67.2 67.3 "New-look Bond Minicar". The Motor Cycle (London: Iliffe & Sons Ltd) 97 (2794): 540. 1 November 1956. 
  68. ↑ 68.0 68.1 68.2 Wotherspoon, Nick (1993). 'Lawrie' Bond The Man & The Marque (1 ed.). Minister Lovell, Oxfordshire: Bookmarque Publishing. p. 78. ISBN 1-870519-16-7. 
  69. ↑ Read, C.P. (9 January 1958). ""Minicar" Mille Miglia". Motor Cycling (London: Temple Press Ltd) 97 (2495): 282–284. 
  70. ↑ "Luxury Minicar". The Motor Cycle (London: Iliffe & Sons Ltd) 100 (2856): 42. 
  71. ↑ "Bond Programmes for 1959". Motor Cycling (London: Temple Press Ltd) 98 (2530): 609, 626–627. 
  72. ↑ "Bond Cars". BBC - Inside Out - North West. bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 16 July 2012. 
  73. ↑ 73.0 73.1 "On Display The Motor-cycle, Sidecar and Three-wheeler stands". The Motor Cycle (London: Iliffe and Sons Ltd) 101 (2900): 602. 13 November 1958. 
  74. ↑ "197cc or 250cc three-Wheeler?". Motor Cycling (London: Temple Press Ltd) 99 (2547): 312. 8 January 1959. 
  75. ↑ "New Bond Van". The Motor Cycle (London: Iliffe and Sons Ltd) 105 (2983): 188. 11 August 1960. 
  76. ↑ Grogan, Paul; Mander, James. "Mark F - November 1958 to January 1963 Vehicle Modifications By Chassis Number". Bond Owners Club. Retrieved 4 August 2012. 
  77. ↑ Wotherspoon, Nick (1993). 'Lawrie' Bond The Man & The Marque (1 ed.). Minister Lovell, Oxfordshire: Bookmarque Publishing. p. 88. ISBN 1-870519-16-7. 
  78. ↑ 78.0 78.1 "The Bond 250 G." (Press release). Sharp's Commercials Ltd. 1961. 
  79. ↑ 79.0 79.1 79.2 79.3 79.4 "The 'New-Line Minicar'". Motor Cycling (London: Temple Press Ltd): 674–675. 28 September 1961. 
  80. ↑ "Bond 250 G Estate Car". Autocar (London: Iliffe and Sons Ltd). 9 November 1962. 
  81. ↑ 81.0 81.1 81.2 81.3 81.4 81.5 Grogan, Paul; Mander, James. "Mark G - August 1961 to December 1966 Vehicle Modifications By Chassis Number". Bond Owners Club. Retrieved 4 August 2012. 
  82. ↑ "Bond with a back door". Motor Cycle (London: Iliffe Specialist Publications Ltd) 108 (3081): 852. 28 June 1962. 
  83. ↑ Cox, Bruce (June 1963). "New Mini-car Engine". Motorcycle Mechanics (London: Mercury House Publications Ltd) 5 (9): 58. 

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