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Details
1960 BOND MINICAR Mk F THREE WHEELER
Registration No. WHJ 166
Chassis No. L5126068RF
Engine No. 860B5105
Red with white stripe and roof, grey interior
Engine: twin cylinder two-stroke, 247cc; Gearbox: four-speed manual; Suspension: rear only, coil springs; Brakes: cable all round. Right hand drive.
The Bond had proven popular since its introduction in 1949, evolving with successive improvements until a complete design overhaul in 1957 bestowed it with a brand new body shape over a separate chassis. The new weight was countered by Villiers reboring the existing 197cc unit to 247cc which allowed a respectable 55mph top speed. Sharp's Commercials (makers of the Bond) were at pains to publicise the high potential of the Minicar as a realistic economical alternative to more conventional transport, and in March 1959 they organised a timed endurance run from Land's End to John O'Groats. This was completed in 23 hours and 40 minutes, and the Mk F recorded an average fuel consumption of around 60 miles to the gallon. The microcar market was a place of fierce competition throughout the Bond's life, illustrated by the rapid succession of improved versions; the Mk F was an immediate success and raised the production rate to around 100 a week, but the goalposts were about to be moved by BMC's interpretation of small economical transport, and production ceased in 1966.
This Mk F has clearly been well-used and well-loved before becoming one of the first exhibits in the museum. The red paint is complemented by the practical white hard top and white stripe; the body and paintwork, although original, are in average condition with some rust beginning to show, while the hard top has been repainted by hand. The original grey interior is tired but not damaged and is restorable, and benefits from the option of occasional seats in the rear. The last tax disc still adorns the windscreen; it expired in August 1977. This car is sold with its V5 document.
Registration No. WHJ 166
Chassis No. L5126068RF
Engine No. 860B5105
Red with white stripe and roof, grey interior
Engine: twin cylinder two-stroke, 247cc; Gearbox: four-speed manual; Suspension: rear only, coil springs; Brakes: cable all round. Right hand drive.
The Bond had proven popular since its introduction in 1949, evolving with successive improvements until a complete design overhaul in 1957 bestowed it with a brand new body shape over a separate chassis. The new weight was countered by Villiers reboring the existing 197cc unit to 247cc which allowed a respectable 55mph top speed. Sharp's Commercials (makers of the Bond) were at pains to publicise the high potential of the Minicar as a realistic economical alternative to more conventional transport, and in March 1959 they organised a timed endurance run from Land's End to John O'Groats. This was completed in 23 hours and 40 minutes, and the Mk F recorded an average fuel consumption of around 60 miles to the gallon. The microcar market was a place of fierce competition throughout the Bond's life, illustrated by the rapid succession of improved versions; the Mk F was an immediate success and raised the production rate to around 100 a week, but the goalposts were about to be moved by BMC's interpretation of small economical transport, and production ceased in 1966.
This Mk F has clearly been well-used and well-loved before becoming one of the first exhibits in the museum. The red paint is complemented by the practical white hard top and white stripe; the body and paintwork, although original, are in average condition with some rust beginning to show, while the hard top has been repainted by hand. The original grey interior is tired but not damaged and is restorable, and benefits from the option of occasional seats in the rear. The last tax disc still adorns the windscreen; it expired in August 1977. This car is sold with its V5 document.
Special notice
This lot is offered without reserve.
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.