76BUG002 Oxford Diecast Bond Bug White

The 1970 Bond Bug emerges in pristine white with black masking, in sharp contrast to the bright orange 1:76 scale car which launched the series. The wedge-shaped three wheeler with its characteristic frog-eye headlights is enhanced with silver wheels and windscreen wipers; the BUG name is printed vertically on both sides of the car above the wheel arch, again in red on black across the rear and vertically down the front of the channelled bonnet. It is registered AME 193H from the first half of 1970. Our model is based on the Bond Bug 700ES which offered more ergonomic seats a well as more padding over the engine cowl, twin mud flaps, an ashtray and rubber front bumper and a spare wheel. 

Classed as a microcar and designed by Tom Karen of Ogle Design, the Bond Bug was a small British two-seater, three-wheeled vehicle manufactured by the Reliant Motor Company firstly at the Bond Cars Ltd factory but subsequently at Reliant’s Tamworth works.   It featured a wedge-shape and instead of doors, it had a lift-up canopy and side screens, earning it an unusual canopy door coupé title.  The engine comprised a Reliant 700 cc 14, later increased to 750 cc and it had a 4-speed manual gear box.  Length was 2,794 mm; width 1,397 mm; height 1,270 mm; wheelbase 1.956 mm. In addition, it only weighed 373 kg. 

This quirky car only lasted in production until 1974, with a mere 2270 being made – all orange with black masking, except for six white models specially made for Rothmans, the tobacco company and a couple in lime green for Roses Lime cordial.   At a price of £629, sadly there was fierce competition from the classic Mini which was slightly cheaper and arguably as much fun to drive.  The Bond Bug seating was so low that the driver experience was similar to that of driving a go-kart. Perhaps the particular attraction was being switched on by the thrill and exaggerated sense of speed when connected so close to the ground beneath!