1973 Bond Bug 750 ES - Classic Motors For Sale

Vehicle Overview
Technical Specifications

As the Nineteen Sixties, progressed, Mini-inspired competition from mainstream manufacturers desecrated the already fiercely competitive microcar market. Bond was one of the most successful of the British marques, but even the popular Minicar succumbed to dwindling sales in 1966. In 1969 the company was bought by rival Reliant who closed the Preston works in 1970. Shortly afterwards, the Bond name emerged once more on The Bug. Instigated by Tom Karen at Ogle Design, the new car featured sharp looks and 75mph performance with the economy and practicality of a three wheeler. Its distinctly youthful focus was evident through the use of a striking one-piece canopy that lifted for access, and racing car style decals on the front and sides. There were two specifications: the basic E, or the better equipped ES, and, from October 1973, the Bug gained Reliant's new 748cc motor and became the 750E or ES.

The present owner bought the car during covid, having recovered it from a hedge where it languished for years. As a body shop owner and classic car enthusiast - the challenge was on to make this vehicle as pristine as possible and so he then proceeded to perform a complete nut and bolt restoration and a list of what was carried out is set out below:

Complete new chassis
Rebuild front king pin swivel
All new suspension bushes throughout
Rear axle rebuilt,
All new wheel bearings
New front screen
New old stock seat belts (rare find)
Engine full rebuild - Liners, pistons, bearings, cylinder head refurbed
Prop shaft refurbed
Carb rebuild
Charging system new
New stainless steel fuel tank - fabricated.
All new interior - made as close as possible to original
New wheels & tyres
Original Desmo new old stock mirrors
Stainless exhaust system front to back - new
Nothing has been left untouched, current mileage 59,000 (no miles have been done since refurb) and it comes with V5 Log book together with a photographic album showing the car from its hedgerow find to its present fabulous condition.

All these Bugs were clothed in Tangerine Orange glass-fibre bodies and this example, having just finished a complete restoration looks fabulous in every respect. It is powered by its original 748cc engine; this ES model features a higher-compression ratio than its counterpart, as well as luxuries including headrests. The black interior is immaculate as one would expect. Only 142 750E and ES models were produced before production ceased in May 1974 and so this is a rare model indeed. Featuring the highest specification available in a Bug, it surely represents a fantastic opportunity to any enthusiast or collector, particularly as this one looks 'brand new' having undergone the most meticulous of restorations. Fun, striking, rare and very desirable. Consigned by James Good

Lot details
Year: 1973
Make: Bond
Model: Bug 750 ES
Registration: SGN 599L
Chassis No: BB62080
Engine No: 8785
Odometer: 50,000

* Fully restored to show condition
* Photographic record of restoration

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