ManOfYorkshire
Bond Minicar, London. 1950s
Bond Minicar is the name given to a series of economical three-wheeled cars manufactured by Sharp's Commercials Limited (The company was renamed Bond Cars Limited in 1964), in Preston, Lancashire between 1949 and 1966.
This model (In the photo) of Bond was produced between 1949 & 1951.
1973 were made.
It was a convertible
It had a Villiers 122cc 2 stroke Motorcycle engine with 3 gears.
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 per cent gradient with driver and passenger on board.
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 cheaper 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 licence.
A test run between Preston and London at an average speed of 22.8 mph gave an average fuel consumption of 97 mpg,]
The car had a single bench seat with a small open compartment behind suitable for luggage. There was also a fold-down hood with detachable sidescreens. The headlights were separate units mounted on the side of the car - though of such low output, they have been described as providing "more of a glimmer than a beam".
(Passing behind is a Morris walkthrough LD van).
Bond Minicar, London. 1950s
Bond Minicar is the name given to a series of economical three-wheeled cars manufactured by Sharp's Commercials Limited (The company was renamed Bond Cars Limited in 1964), in Preston, Lancashire between 1949 and 1966.
This model (In the photo) of Bond was produced between 1949 & 1951.
1973 were made.
It was a convertible
It had a Villiers 122cc 2 stroke Motorcycle engine with 3 gears.
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 per cent gradient with driver and passenger on board.
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 cheaper 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 licence.
A test run between Preston and London at an average speed of 22.8 mph gave an average fuel consumption of 97 mpg,]
The car had a single bench seat with a small open compartment behind suitable for luggage. There was also a fold-down hood with detachable sidescreens. The headlights were separate units mounted on the side of the car - though of such low output, they have been described as providing "more of a glimmer than a beam".
(Passing behind is a Morris walkthrough LD van).