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Bond Bug

The Bond Bug is a compact, two-seat, three-wheeled sports car produced by the Reliant Motor Company from 1970 to 1974, renowned for its futuristic wedge-shaped fiberglass body and innovative lift-up canopy that served as both roof and doors.^[1]^[2] Designed by Tom Karen of Ogle Design and initially conceived as the Reliant Rogue in the mid-1960s, it was launched in June 1970 following Reliant's acquisition of Bond Cars Ltd. in 1969, with production totaling 2,268 units before ceasing in May 1974 to make way for the Reliant Robin.^[3]^[1]^[4] Aimed primarily at younger drivers seeking an affordable and stylish alternative to conventional cars, the Bond Bug utilized running gear from the Reliant Regal, including a water-cooled 701 cc inline-four engine derived from the Austin Seven, delivering 29–32 bhp depending on the variant.^[2]^[1] It offered respectable performance for its era and class, with a top speed of 76 mph, 0–60 mph acceleration in 14.4 seconds, and fuel economy around 42 mpg, while its lightweight construction at 394 kg contributed to nimble handling despite the unconventional three-wheel layout.^[2]^[3] Available in several trims—starting with the basic 700 model and progressing to the deluxe 700E and sportier 700ES, followed by 1973 updates to 750E and 750ES variants with a larger 748 cc engine—the car was predominantly painted in vibrant tangerine orange, though promotional examples included white and lime green finishes.^[1]^[5] Its single front wheel and rear-mounted powertrain allowed it to be licensed as a motorcycle in the UK, reducing tax and insurance costs, which enhanced its appeal as an entry-level sports vehicle.^[3] Production began in Preston before shifting to Reliant's Tamworth facility in July 1970, reflecting the company's consolidation after the Bond takeover.^[1]^[6] Beyond its technical innovations, the Bond Bug left a cultural mark, inspiring the design of the X-34 landspeeder in the 1977 film Star Wars, and today approximately 150–200 examples remain road-legal worldwide, prized by collectors for their quirky aesthetics and rarity.^[3]^[2] In the 1990s, the Webster Motor Company revived elements of the design in a limited run of about 30 four-wheeled kit car versions, underscoring its enduring influence on unconventional automotive engineering.^[3]

Design

Concept and Styling

The Bond Bug's design embodied a bold, futuristic vision rooted in the late 1960s monospace trends, featuring a distinctive wedge-shaped fibreglass body crafted by Tom Karen at Ogle Design. This angular form prioritized a compact, aerodynamic silhouette that evoked spacecraft aesthetics, diverging from conventional four-wheeled sports cars to create an eye-catching, minimalist profile.^[7]^[8] Central to the vehicle's innovative styling was its single-piece lift-up canopy, which replaced traditional doors and provided the primary entry and exit mechanism for the two occupants. This cockpit-like enclosure hinged forward from the base of the windscreen, offering an immersive, aviation-inspired experience while incorporating side screens for weather protection. The arrangement enhanced the Bug's playful, accessible ergonomics, allowing users to step directly into the tandem seating without the bulk of side-hinged panels.^[9]^[10] The Bond Bug's compact dimensions underscored its angular, space-efficient proportions: a length of 2,794 mm, width of 1,397 mm, and height of 1,270 mm with the canopy closed. These measurements contributed to its agile, low-slung stance, amplifying the visual drama of its tapered wedge form. Production models predominantly featured a vibrant tangerine orange hue, accented by black trim, to amplify the sports-car flair, though a limited number were finished in alternative colors like white for special orders.^[7]^[11]^[7] Adopting a three-wheeled configuration with a single front wheel and rear-wheel drive, the Bond Bug leveraged Reliant's established expertise in three-wheelers to achieve enhanced stability through a lower center of gravity and cost-effective construction. This layout not only maintained the vehicle's nimble handling but also aligned with the era's emphasis on affordable, lightweight personal transport.^[12]^[7]

Technical Specifications

The Bond Bug was powered by a front-mounted, water-cooled inline-four engine of Reliant design, initially displacing 701 cc and producing 29 bhp (22 kW) at 5,000 rpm with 35 lb-ft (47 Nm) of torque at 3,000 rpm. The all-alloy, overhead-valve (OHV) engine, derived from earlier Reliant and Austin-derived units, featured a single carburetor, emphasizing reliability and economy over outright power in this lightweight three-wheeler.^[13]^[7] In 1973, this was upgraded to a 748 cc version delivering 32 bhp (24 kW) at 5,000 rpm and slightly improved low-end torque for better drivability in the new 750E and 750ES models; the earlier top-spec 700ES had used a higher-compression 701 cc variant with 31 bhp (23 kW). Power was delivered through a four-speed manual transmission with rear-wheel drive, where the single rear wheels handled propulsion via a live axle, contributing to the vehicle's simple and cost-effective mechanical layout.^[11] The chassis, a steel spaceframe construction designed by John Crosthwaite, weighed approximately 394 kg (868 lb) at kerb weight, enabling agile handling despite the unconventional three-wheeled configuration.^[13] This lightweight structure, combined with the wedge-shaped body for reduced aerodynamic drag, supported a top speed of 76 mph (122 km/h).^[2] Performance was modest by modern standards but adequate for urban and leisure use, with 0-60 mph acceleration in approximately 14.4 seconds for the 700 cc models, improving marginally with the 750 cc update due to enhanced torque.^[14]^[2] The suspension system featured independent front suspension with coil springs and wishbones for the single steered wheel, paired with a rigid rear axle on leaf springs, which optimized stability and ride quality for the three-wheeled layout's inherent dynamics.^[15] Braking was provided by drum units at all wheels, with the front drum handling the steered wheel. Fuel efficiency was a key selling point, rated at approximately 42 mpg (imperial) (6.7 L/100 km) under mixed conditions, supported by a 6.1 US gallon (23 L) fuel tank that allowed for practical range without frequent refills.^[16]^[2] This economy-focused engineering, rooted in the small-displacement engine and low curb weight, positioned the Bond Bug as an accessible alternative to four-wheeled economy cars of the era.^[2]

Development and Production

Origins and Company Acquisition

The origins of the Bond Bug trace back to a 1963 concept developed by industrial designer Tom Karen at Ogle Design, initially pitched to Reliant Motor Company as the "Rogue," a compact three-wheeled sports car prototype built on a shortened Reliant Robin chassis. This early design featured minimal body panels, pop-up headlights, and no boot, aiming to blend sporty aesthetics with the practicality of Reliant's three-wheeler heritage. However, Reliant rejected the Rogue for production, citing concerns that its bold, unconventional styling could conflict with the brand's established image of reliable, affordable utility vehicles.^[3]^[17] By the late 1960s, Bond Cars Ltd, founded in 1949 as a producer of economical three-wheelers like the Bond Minicar, faced severe financial difficulties following the sale of the company to the Dutton-Forshaw Group in 1968 and a subsequent failed management buyout attempt. In February 1969, Reliant Motor Company acquired Bond Cars for strategic expansion, particularly to access Triumph dealership networks and revive Bond as a sub-brand for innovative models. This takeover provided Reliant with Bond's Preston factory and engineering resources, setting the stage for new product development amid Bond's liquidation proceedings.^[17]^[18] Post-acquisition, Reliant commissioned Tom Karen at Ogle Design to reimagine the dormant Rogue concept into a production-ready vehicle, rebranded as the Bond Bug to appeal to young, style-conscious buyers seeking an affordable sports car alternative. Karen refined the design for simplicity, using fewer fiberglass panels and a striking single-color scheme to reduce manufacturing costs while retaining the wedge-shaped profile. The initial pricing strategy positioned the models at £548 for the 700, £579 for the 700E, and £629 for the 700ES, undercutting four-wheeled rivals like the Austin Mini while capitalizing on UK regulations classifying three-wheelers as motorized tricycles, which offered lower purchase tax, vehicle excise duty, and the ability to be driven on a motorcycle license.^[17]^[3]^[19]^[20]

Launch and Manufacturing

The Bond Bug was officially unveiled at Woburn Abbey on 21 May 1970. Reliant displayed a unique four-wheeled tandem version at the 1970 British International Motor Show in London to comply with the event's rules excluding three-wheelers.^[17] Production commenced shortly thereafter, with the first customer deliveries occurring later in 1970 from the Bond factory in Preston, Lancashire. Initial manufacturing took place at this facility until the end of June 1970, after which operations shifted to Reliant's plant in Tamworth, Staffordshire; the Preston site closed in December 1970.^[21]^[1] Over its production run from 1970 to 1974, a total of 2,268 Bond Bugs were built, with early models featuring a 700 cc Reliant engine until the introduction of the 750 cc upgrade in 1973 alongside the 750E and 750ES variants.^[22]^[17] The vehicles relied heavily on Reliant's supply chain for mechanical components, including the chassis derived from the Reliant Regal and a front-mounted inline-four engine, while the distinctive fibreglass bodies were hand-moulded in a single piece at Bond's facilities before the transfer to Tamworth.^[23] This construction process emphasized lightweight, futuristic styling with a reinforced steel frame, coil-spring rear suspension, and a lift-up canopy in place of conventional doors.^[1] Marketed as a playful, entry-level sports car targeted at a younger demographic under 25, the Bond Bug positioned itself as an affordable thrill for urban drivers, priced around £930 at launch.^[23] Despite its eye-catching wedge-shaped design and top speed of 76 mph, sales remained modest at just over 2,000 units annually at peak, hampered by its high relative cost compared to emerging cheaper imports like Japanese economy cars and the vehicle's limited practicality for everyday use.^[22]^[23] Production ceased in May 1974, with the Tamworth factory prioritizing the more commercially viable Reliant Robin three-wheeler amid declining demand for niche three-wheeled sports cars.^[1]^[24] This shift reflected broader market preferences moving toward more versatile four-wheeled vehicles during an era of economic pressures, including the 1973 oil crisis.^[23]

Variants and Discontinuation

Production of the Bond Bug ceased in May 1974 after a total of 2,268 units had been built, primarily to free up factory space at Reliant's Tamworth facility for the more commercially successful Reliant Robin model.^[1]^[7] This shift in priorities marked the end of the Bond marque's brief foray into sports car production following Reliant's acquisition of the company in 1970, as resources were redirected toward practical three-wheeled utility vehicles like the Robin.^[25] In the 1990s, Webster Motor Company produced a kit car variant known as the Webster Bug, which adapted the original Bond Bug chassis by adding a front axle and wheels to create a four-wheeled configuration while retaining the distinctive wedge-shaped body.^[6] Fewer than 30 kits were sold, with options for both three- and four-wheeled setups, including convertible styles, though production was limited by the company's short lifespan.^[26] Reliant attempted a revival in 1994 with the Reliant Sprint, a modernized four-wheeled successor featuring updated styling by original designer Tom Karen, including circular lamps and extended rear wheel arches, along with revised mechanics for improved performance.^[27] Only prototypes were constructed before the project was abandoned in 1998 due to financial difficulties under owner Avonex, preventing any series production.^[25] Today, approximately 180 Bond Bugs remain licensed for road use in the UK, with around 125 declared off-road (SORN), as of mid-2025, suggesting a robust preservation community despite the low original production run.^[28] Among the rarest are six white examples commissioned in 1970 for a Rothmans cigarette promotion, differing from the standard tangerine orange livery; only three of these promotional cars are known to exist.^[22] The Bond Bug's discontinuation underscored Reliant's pivot to enduring three-wheeler designs like the Robin, which became the company's bestseller and symbolized the transition away from Bond's experimental sports car legacy.^[29]

Cultural Impact

Popular Culture and Media

The Bond Bug gained prominence in popular culture through its adaptation as the chassis for the X-34 landspeeder in the 1977 film Star Wars: A New Hope, where it was modified with fiberglass body extensions to suit the desert planet Tatooine scenes, leveraging its compact three-wheeled platform for the vehicle's hovering illusion.^[30] This role cemented the car's futuristic aesthetic in cinematic history, transforming it from a niche British microcar into a symbol of 1970s sci-fi innovation. In television, the Bond Bug featured prominently in a 2017 episode of The Grand Tour as the "Pond Bug," an amphibious conversion by Jeremy Clarkson equipped with retractable wheels and a jet ski engine, which achieved a UK water speed record of 47.81 mph in the experimental amphibious unlimited class during filming at Coniston Water.^[31] It also appeared in the British soap opera Hollyoaks from 1996, as an orange 1972 model owned by the character Jambo Bolton.^[32] The stunt highlighted the vehicle's quirky versatility and enduring appeal among automotive enthusiasts. During the 1970s, the Bond Bug appeared in advertisements that capitalized on its bold, angular styling, notably a promotional campaign by Rothmans cigarettes featuring a fleet of six white-liveried examples (registrations AME191H to AME196H) for touring seaside resorts and distributing trading stamps.^[24] Its wedge-shaped design further amplified this futuristic allure in media portrayals, and its fame was bolstered by a distinctive die-cast toy model produced by Corgi Toys. The car has since been referenced in automotive literature and showcased at exhibitions, such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed, reinforcing its cult status among collectors.^[33] In contemporary media, the Bond Bug inspires ongoing enthusiast interest through custom builds and restoration projects documented in online videos, though it has not secured major new film roles.^[34]

Video Games and Simulations

The Bond Bug has found representation in video games primarily through physics-based driving simulations, where its unique three-wheeled design lends itself to exploring handling dynamics and crash behaviors. In BeamNG.drive, a soft-body physics simulator developed by BeamNG GmbH and released in 2015, the vehicle is fictionalized as the Ibishu Wigeon, a rear-wheel-drive subcompact coupe introduced in the game's 0.23 update in June 2021.^[35] This digital counterpart closely mirrors the Bond Bug's wedge-shaped styling and three-wheeled configuration, particularly the LX variant, enabling players to modify the car, test its stability on varied terrains, and simulate collisions that highlight the engineering challenges of 1970s three-wheelers.^[35] The Wigeon in BeamNG.drive emphasizes realistic deformation and vehicle physics, allowing users to experiment with the Bond Bug-inspired design's quirks, such as rear-wheel bias and lightweight construction, in scenarios ranging from everyday driving to extreme off-road or destruction tests. Community-created configurations and parts packs further extend this, incorporating enhancements like performance upgrades while preserving the original's compact form and approximate 700 cc engine characteristics for authenticity.^[36] These features have made it a popular choice among enthusiasts for demonstrating three-wheeler dynamics in a virtual environment. Beyond official inclusions, the Bond Bug appears in community mods for other simulation titles, such as a direct model in Teardown, a voxel-based destruction game where players can drive and demolish the vehicle in interactive scenarios.^[37] While not featured in major AAA racing series post-2020, ongoing modding support in platforms like BeamNG.drive sustains its presence in virtual automotive experiences, focusing on historical replication rather than competitive racing.

References

[1]
Bond Bug History - Reliant Motor Club
The vehicle came in three specifications; the 700, 700E and 700ES. The 700 was the standard model that featured none of the luxuries found on other models. This ...
[2]
Bond Bug: Buying guide and review (1970-1974) - Auto Express
Nov 5, 2018 · Bond Bug performance and specs ; Gearbox, Four-speed manual ; Dimensions and weight ; Wheelbase, 1956mm ; Length, 2794mm ; Width, 1397mm.
[3]
The Car The Star Wars Landspeeder Was Based On: The Bond Bug
Aug 14, 2021 · The car was designed by Tom Karen of Ogle Design for the Reliant Motor Company, who had bought Bond Cars Ltd in 1969. ... The Bond Bug – ...Missing: manufacturer | Show results with:manufacturer
[4]
Reliant history: 1935–2002 - Classics World
Jan 31, 2023 · Reliant's customer base had shrunk, and production numbers were in terminal decline. ... In their place came the new Bond Bug, based around ...
[5]
Bug | Bond Owners' Club
Similar to the 700ES but with the 7.5:1 compression ratio, 32 b.h.p., larger capacity 748cc Reliant engine. Bug pre-production (known) chassis numbers: 800001 & ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[6]
THE STORY OF THE WEBSTER MOTOR COMPANY AND THEIR ...
Feb 27, 2025 · When Reliant bought Bond Cars in 1969 they inherited the Dr Tom Karen-designed Bug development project. They made a few tweaks and launched it ...
[7]
Bond Bug: a fresh angle | Classic & Sports Car
Aug 19, 2025 · Sadly, a total of just 2270 production Bugs of all types were made, with most, but not quite all, being in Tangerine Orange. Six were finished ...Missing: acquisition | Show results with:acquisition
[8]
A Visual Journey Through the History of the Bond Bug
Designed by Tom Karen of Ogle Design for Reliant Motor Company, the Bond Bug is a three-wheeled microcar with two seats and a wedge shape.
[9]
1970 Bond Bug (Ogle) - Studios - Carstyling.ru
It was a wedge-shaped microcar, with a lift-up canopy and side screens instead of conventional doors. The Bond Bug was based on the Reliant Regal chassis and ...
[10]
1970s Bond Bug - Story Cars
May 23, 2021 · It was designed by Tom Karen (Ogle Design), who gave it this fantastic look and this saucer-inspired canopy. The car itself had better ...
[11]
1970 Bond Bug 700 ES (man. 4) - Automobile Catalog
The overall dimensions are 2794 mm / 110 in of length, 1397 mm / 55 in of width (without mirrors) and 1270 mm / 50 in of height. Check the tables below for ...
[12]
https://uk.airfix.com/community/blog-and-news/workbench/bond-bug-three-wheeled-charmer-bright-orange
[13]
1970 Bond Bug 700E - Carfolio.com
Length, 2794 mm, 110 inches. Width, 1397 mm, 55 inches. Height, 1270 mm, 50 inches. Ground clearance, 127 mm, 5 inches. length:wheelbase ratio, 1.43. Kerb ...
[14]
Full performance review of 1970 Bond Bug 700 E (man. 4) (model ...
According to ProfessCars™ estimation this Bond is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 20.1 sec, from 0 to 100 km/h in 22.5 sec and the quarter mile drag ...
[15]
[PDF] Untitled - BRA Cars
Bond Bug. These cars have two wheels aft but only one at the front. Corner ... The enduring feature of the car was its independent front suspension using a.
[16]
1970 Bond Bug full range specs - Automobile Catalog
gasoline (petrol) engine with displacement: 701 cm3 / 42.7 cui, advertised power: 21.5 kW / 29 hp / 29 PS ( SAE ), torque: 47 Nm / 35 lb-ft, more data: 1970 ...Missing: suspension | Show results with:suspension
[17]
Bond Bug: a fresh angle | Classic & Sports Car
### Bond Bug Summary
[18]
Reliant-Bond merger planned | 17th January 1969
The Reliant Motor Co. Ltd. and Bond Cars Ltd. announce that negotiations are in an advanced stage for the acquisition of Bond by Reliant.
[19]
This 150bhp bike-powered Bond Bug is bonkers | Hagerty UK
Oct 29, 2020 · When it went on sale in 1970, the Bug was £629 and you could buy a Mini for less, which had the benefit of two more seats and, well, one more ...Missing: initial price advantages
[20]
The Reliant Robin and nine other great British three-wheelers
Sep 23, 2016 · Three-wheelers have never got any groovier than the wedge-shaped Bond Bug. ... advantage of low tax rates as a motorised tricycle.
[21]
THE BOND BUG – A CELEBRATION - Lancaster Insurance
Sep 25, 2024 · Reliant attached two Bugs to a central section to create a four-wheeler for the 1970 London Motor Show, which did not display three-wheeled ...
[22]
Bond Bug buying guide, history and review - Octane Magazine
Jul 16, 2024 · Under the skin it made use of the alloy-block four-cylinder 701cc Regal engine and four-speed manual gearbox, all sitting in a slightly tweaked ...
[23]
Bond Company History - Bond Owners' Club
After an unsuccessful attempt by the Bond Management to buy the company, in February 1969 it was bought by the Reliant Motor Company at Tamworth who were also ...Missing: price | Show results with:price
[24]
Bond Bug an eye-catcher - Hagerty Media
Jan 19, 2013 · The total production run produced 2,270 examples. My research indicates that 117 are known to still be in use and on the roads in the UK ...
[25]
Bond Bug: the 70s style icon that stood the test of time - The Telegraph
Jan 4, 2023 · This tangerine, wedge-shaped three-wheeler was the best-known work of prolific designer Tom Karen, who has died.Missing: advantages | Show results with:advantages
[26]
Bond Bug, the bizarre three-wheeled micro sports car - La Escudería
May 14, 2023 · The outlandish Bond Bug is a microcar with three wheels, an unmistakable wedge-shaped silhouette and a striking orange colour.
[27]
4 wheeled Bond Bug - SlotForum
Aug 16, 2023 · It's a Webster Bug which was sold as a kit with less than 30 sold. The Pendle's slot car kit is the three wheel Bond (Reliant) bug.Missing: variant | Show results with:variant<|separator|>
[28]
Bond Bug Sprint Prototype - Pinterest
Jan 7, 2023 · In 1995, Reliant's new owner, Avonex, planned to relaunch the Bond Bug in updated form. However, financial problems scuppered the project ...Missing: 1994 successor
[29]
BOND (manufacturer) - How Many Left?
### Summary of Bond Bug Models, Licensed, and SORN Vehicles
[30]
The Bond Bug - once seen, never forgotten! - Classic Car Buyer
Sep 23, 2024 · In total, around 2,270 Bond Bugs were produced between 1970 and 1974, making it a relatively rare car even by 1970s standards.
[31]
'Star Wars' and the Reliant Robin Are Weirdly Connected
May 4, 2024 · It was a Bond Bug chassis that was used as the basis for the drivable X-38 Landspeeder, with two more more made as static props. The original ...
[32]
Jeremy Clarkson sets new water speed record when filming at ...
Oct 31, 2017 · Driving the specially modified Bond Bug Clarkson managed to reach 47.81mph - a record in the experimental amphibious unlimited class.Missing: Pond | Show results with:Pond
[33]
The Six Best Sci-Fi film cars | GRR - Goodwood
May 4, 2020 · Festival of Speed ... Fast forward six years and George Lucas was creating special effects with a very different vehicle, the Bond Bug.
[34]
Bond Bug - Icon of 70s Culture | Influx Magazine - Adrian Flux
The Bond Bug, a three-wheeler, was a 1970s icon of pop culture, designed by Tom Karen and released in 1970, and was a "lethal, orange harbinger of quirk".<|control11|><|separator|>
[35]
IGCD.net: Bond Bug in BeamNG.drive
1972 Bond Bug. Surname: Ibishu Wigeon Class: Three-wheeler. Origin: UK United ... A very strange addition to Beamng Drive, but a welcomed one nonetheless.
[36]
Steam Workshop::1970 Bond Bug
Sep 17, 2025 · Despite the slow image of the previous Reliants and Regals the Bond bug was capable of achieving speeds of excess of 70mph (up to 122km/h). Its ...
[37]
Steam Workshop::Reliant Bond Bug\Ibishu Wigeon
Oct 18, 2023 · Finally! You can now add the 3rd most rolled over British 3 wheeled car to Teardown! You can drive it, you can crash it, you can swim with ...