View source for Bond Minicar

{{Infobox Automobile
| image          = [[Image:Bond Minicars.jpg|250px|]]
| name           = Bond Minicar
| manufacturer   = [[Bond Cars Ltd|Sharp's Commercials Limited]]
| assembly       = [[Preston, Lancashire]], [[United Kingdom]]
| production     = 1949&ndash;1966
| layout         = [[FF layout]]
| class          = [[Microcar]]
}}

'''Bond Minicar''' is the name given to a series of [[Economy car|economical]] [[three-wheeled car]]s manufactured by [[Bond Cars Ltd|Sharp's Commercials Limited]] (The company was renamed Bond Cars Limited in 1964), in [[Preston, Lancashire]] between 1949 and 1966.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bondownersclub.co.uk/bond.html|title=A brief history of the Bond Company|year=2001|work=The Bond Owners Club|publisher=The Bond Owners Club|accessdate=9 August 2011}}</ref>

The car was invented by [[Lawrence "Lawrie" Bond]] an [[engineer]] from Preston, Lancashire.<ref name="lawrie">{{cite web|url=http://www.lancashirepioneers.com/bond/minicar.asp|title=Lawrence "Lawrie" Bond|work=Lancashire Lantern: Lancashire Pioneers|publisher=Lancashire County Council|accessdate=10 August 2011}}</ref> During the war, Bond had worked as an aeronautical designer for the [[Blackburn Aircraft Company]]<ref>{{cite book|last=Bobbitt|first=Malcolm|title=Three Wheelers  |year=2003|publisher=Veloce Publishing Ltd|isbn=1903706815|page=20|chapter=Post war Austerity}}</ref> before setting up a small engineering business in Blackpool, manufacturing aircraft and vehicle components for the government. After the war he moved his company to [[Longridge]] where he built a series of small racing cars with a modest amount of success.<ref name="lawrie"></ref> In the early part of 1948, he revealed what was described as a new '''minicar''' to the press.<ref>{{cite journal|year=1948|title=Produce Prototype Of New British "Minicar"|journal=Automotive industries|publisher=Chilton Co|volume=99|page=20}}</ref>

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% gradient with driver and passenger on board. It was reported to have a {{convert|125|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}} [[Villiers Engineering|Villiers]] [[Two-stroke cycle|two-stroke]] engine, a weight of under {{convert|200|lb|kg}} and a cruising speed of around {{convert|30|mph|0|abbr=on}}. At the time of the report (May 1948), production was described as "expected to start in three months' time".<ref>{{cite journal|date=May 26 1948|title=News: New Runabout At Under £200|journal=The Motor|publisher=Temple Press Ltd|volume=93|issue=2420|page=418}}</ref>

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Sharp's Commercials were a company contracted by the [[Ministry of Supply]] to rebuild military vehicles.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Worthington-Williams|first=Michael|date=February 2008|title=The Post-War Three Wheeler|journal=The Automobile|publisher=Enthusiast Publiching Ltd|location=Cranleigh|volume=25|issue=12|page=50|issn=0955-1328}}</ref> Knowing that the Ministry were ending their contract in 1948, Bond approached the Managing Director of Sharp's, [[Lt Col C.R. Gray]], to ask if he could rent the factory to build his car. Gray refused, but said that instead, Sharp's could manufacture the car for Bond and the two entered into an agreement on this basis.<ref>{{cite episode| title= Small Wonders| url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyqs5pPBA4U&t=5m38s| series       = Classic British Cars| credits= Uden Associates (Production Company), Temple, Magnus(Producer), Gibbon, Johanna (Director) Peel, John(Narrator)|station = [[Channel Four]]| airdate = 23/03/1999}}</ref> 

The car proved popular in the UK market where it's three-wheel configuration meant that it qualified for lower [[Consumption tax|Purchase Tax]], lower [[vehicle excise duty]] and lower insurance. The three-wheel configuration, low weight and lack of a reverse gear also meant that it could be driven on a motor cycle license.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Main-Smith|first=Bruce|date=October 1985|title=Where did all the Three-Wheelers go?|journal=The Classic Motor cycle|publisher=EMAP National Publications Ltd|location=Peterborough|volume=7|issue=6|page=46|issn=0263-0850}}</ref>

[[Image:Bond minicar engine bay 1959.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The engine bay of a 1959 Minicar. Note the [[kick start]] on the left of the engine. These were fitted for emergency use although all Minicars were started from the drivers seat.<ref name="Pitman">{{cite book|last=Warring|first=R.H.|title=The Book of the Bond Minicar|edition=1st|series=Pitman's Motorist's Library|year=1961|publisher=Pitman & Sons|location=London}}</ref>]]
The prototype and early cars utilised [[stressed skin]] [[aluminium]] bodywork, though later models incorporated chassis members of steel.<ref name="Pitman"></ref> The Minicar was amongst the first British cars to use [[fibreglass]] body panels.<ref>{{cite journal|year=1955|journal=Journal of the Society of Glass Technology|publisher=The Society|volume=39|page=37}}</ref> 

Though retaining much of Lawrie Bonds original concept of a simple, lightweight, economical vehicle, the Minicar was gradually developed by Sharps through several different incarnations, [[Convertible]]s were offered, as were [[van]] and [[Station wagon|estate]] versions. The cars were powered initially by a single-[[Cylinder (engine)|cylinder]] [[Two-stroke cycle|two-stroke]] [[Villiers Engineering|Villiers]] engine of {{convert|122|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}}:  in 1950 the engine size was increased to {{convert|197|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name=AlleAutosder50er>{{cite book |last=Gloor |first=Roger |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Alle Autos der 50er Jahre 1945 - 1960|year=1. Auflage 2007 |publisher=Motorbuch Verlag |location=Stuttgart |isbn=978-3-613-02808-1}}</ref> The engine was further upgraded in 1958, first to a single-cylinder {{convert|247|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}} and then to a {{convert|247|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}} twin-cylinder Villiers 4T. The engines were developed principally as motorcycle units and therefore had no reverse gear. However, this was a minimal inconvenience, because the engine, gearbox and front wheel were mounted as a single unit and could be turned by the steering wheel up to 90 degrees either side of the straight-ahead position, enabling the car to turn within its own length.

A way to reverse was offered on later models by stopping the engine and starting it backwards. This was done by reversing the [[Dynastart]] unit, which doubled as both [[starter motor]] and [[alternator]] via a built in reversing solenoid switch.<ref>{{cite book|title=Maintenance Manual - Norton Villiers Engines|year=1965|publisher=Norton Villiers Ltd|location=Wolverhampton|pages=49 59|chapter=Siba Dyanstart maintenance and overhaul}}</ref>

In April 1962, the Purchase tax rate of 55% which had been applied to all four wheeled cars since the war was reduced to 45%.<ref name="NickW">{{cite book|last=Wotherspoon|first=Nick|title='Lawrie' Bond The Man & The Marque|edition=1|year=1993|publisher=Bookmarque Publishing|location=Minister Lovell, Oxfordshire|isbn=1870519167|page=92}}</ref> In November 1962, it was reduced by another 20% to 25% - the same rate as three wheelers. This rapid change meant that some three wheelers became more expensive than four wheeled cars like the [[Mini]]. In response, Thomas Gratrix, head of Sharps sent a [[telegram]] to the [[Chancellor of the Exchequer|Chancellor]] warning that unless a similar tax cut were given to three-wheelers, there would be 300 redundancies and possibly the closure of the Sharps factory.<ref>{{cite news|title=Three wheeler Plea|date=7 November 1962|work=The Times|page=6|accessdate=15 August 2011|location=London}}</ref> Sales of Minicars declined rapidly from this point.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bondownersclub.co.uk/stats/stats.html|title=Production Statistics And Vehicle Modifications By Chassis Number|year=2001|work=The Bond Owners Club|publisher=The Bond Owners Club|accessdate=16 August 2011}}</ref>

At the end of production 24,482 had been made.<ref name=Beaulieu/>
==Minicar Mark A 1949–1951==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Bond Minicar
| image = [[Image:1951Bond.JPG|250px|]]
| caption = 1951 Bond Minicar Mark A Tourer
| aka = Bond Minicar Mark A
| production = 1949&ndash;1951
| successor = Bond Minicar Mark B
| body_style = [[Convertible]]
| engine = [[Villiers]] 10D {{convert|122|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}} [[Single cylinder engine|Single cylinder 2 stroke]]
| transmission = 3-speed [[manual transmission|manual]]
| wheelbase = {{convert|5|ft|5|in|m|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|8|ft|10|in|m|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|4|ft|7|in|m|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|3|ft|6|in|m|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|310|lb|kg|abbr=on}}
| sp = uk
}}
Sold as '''The Bond Minicar''' (the Mark A epithet being added only after the Mark B was introduced),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bondcars.net/Minicar%20Mk%20A.htm|title=The Bond Minicar Mark A|last=Wotherspoon|first=Nick|work=The Bond Car Site|accessdate=12 August 2011}}</ref> the car was advertised as the world's most economical car.<ref>{{cite journal|date=13 April 1950|title=Economy Plus (Sharps Commercials Ltd advertisement)|journal=The Motor Cycle|quote=The World's Most Economical Car - The Bond Minicar De Luxe}}</ref> Austere and simple in design without luxuries.<ref name="Pitman"></ref> Production began in January 1949,<ref name="bond">{{cite web|url=http://www.bondownersclub.co.uk/stats/marka.html|title=Mark A - January 1949 to April 1951 Vehicle Modifications By Chassis Number|year=2001|work=The Bond Owners Club|publisher=The Bond Owners Club|accessdate=12 August 2011}}</ref> although 90% of initial production was said to be allocated to the overseas market.<ref>{{cite journal|date=June 1949|title=Small British Car|journal=Mechanical engineering,|publisher=American Society of Mechanical Engineers|volume=71|page=512}}</ref>

As with the prototype, a large proportion of the Minicar is made from [[aluminium alloy]]s. The main body is a very simple construction of 18[[Standard wire gauge|SWG]] sheet with a 14SWG main bulkhead.<ref name="lightmetal">{{cite journal|last=Read|first=C.P.|date=May 1949|title=A Real Lightweight - Reviewing the Make-up and Performance of a New Small Car|journal=Light metals|publisher=Temple Press Limited.|volume=12|pages=232–234}}</ref> The integrity of the main [[stressed skin]] structure is enhanced by the absence of doors, the bodysides being deemed low enough to stepped over without major inconvenience unless you were wearing a [[skirt]].<ref name="Motor50">{{cite journal|date=31 May 1950|title=The BOND MINICAR De-luxe (197 cc)|journal=The Motor|publisher=Specialist & Professional Press|volume=97|issue=2525|page=552}}</ref> Most of the bodywork panels are flat or very simple curves and the compound curves of the bonnet and rear mudguard arches being pressed out as separate panels. The windscreen is made from [[Perspex]].<ref name="bond"></ref> The car was said to weigh only {{convert|308|lb|kg|}} “all-in”<ref name="lightmetal"></ref> and it's light weight was regularly demonstrated by one person lifting the entire rear end of the car off the ground unaided.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=Qi0DAAAAMBAJ&lpg=RA1-PA126&dq=Bond%20Minicar&pg=RA1-PA126#v=onepage&q=Bond%20Minicar&f=false|title=What's different about British Cars|last=Francis|first=Devon|date=July 1950|work=Popular Science|page=127|accessdate=12 August 2011}}</ref>

The car has a single bench seat with a small open compartment behind suitable for luggage. There is also a removable fold-down [[Hood (soft top)|hood]] with detatchable sidescreens.<ref name="Motor50"></ref> Headlights are separate units mounted on stalks at the side of the car,<ref name=AtoZ>{{cite book |last=Robson |first=Graham |title=A to Z of British Cars 1945-1980 |year=2000 |publisher=Herridge |location=Devon, UK |isbn=0-9541063-9-3}}</ref> whilst at the rear there is a tiny, single centrally mounted lamp.<ref name="NickW"></ref> 

The air-cooled Villiers 10D {{convert|122|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}} engine has a unit three-speed [[manual gearbox]] without reverse.<ref name="bond"></ref> The engine has a claimed output is {{convert|5|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} at 4,400 rpm which the manufacturers claimed gave a power to weight ratio of {{convert|49|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} per [[long ton|ton]] unladen.<ref name="NickW"></ref> The engine unit sits in an alloy cradle ahead of the front wheel, together forming part of its support. Both front wheel and engine are sprung as part of the trailing link front suspension system, which is fitted with a single coil spring and an Hartford friction shock absorber.<ref name="lightmetal"></ref> The rear wheels are rigidly mounted to the body on stub axles with all rear suspension provided by low pressure "balloon" type tyres.<ref name="Pitman"></ref> The engine is started by a pull handle under the dash, connected by cable to a modified kick-start lever.<ref name="bond"></ref> The steering system comprises a system of pulleys and a cable usually referred to as a "bobbin and cable"<ref name="Pitman"></ref> system, connecting a conventional steering wheel to the front steering unit. The bobbin and cable steering system was replaced by a rack and pinion in October 1950.<ref name="bond"></ref> Brakes are only provided on the rear wheels, these are conventional [[drum brake]]s operated by a system of cables and rods.<ref name="lightmetal"></ref>
Early on, Sharps adopted a policy of continual gradual upgrading of the Minicars, either to simplify or reduce maintenance, to redress noted failings or to improve some aspect of performance. Such changes were usually made available as kits to enable existing owners to retrospectively upgrade their own cars.<ref name="NickW"></ref>

In December 1949, a De-luxe version was added to the range. This has a Villiers 6E {{convert|197|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}} engine along with a number of modest refinements including a spare wheel and a single [[wing mirror]].<ref name="bond"></ref> The manually operated windscreen wiper fitted on the standard car was upgraded to an electric one. This was found to damage the original perspex windscreen<ref name="NickW"></ref> and subsequently in October 1950 the perspex windscreen on the De-luxe models was replaced by a Triplex glass windscreen.<ref name="bond"></ref> 

A De-luxe version tested by [[The Motor (magazine)|The Motor]] magazine in 1949 and carrying only the driver had a top speed of {{convert|43.3|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and could accelerate from 0-{{convert|30|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in 13.6 seconds. A fuel consumption of {{convert|72|mpgimp|L/100 km mpgus|abbr=on}} was recorded. The test car cost £262 including taxes.<ref name="Motor50"></ref>

Towards the end of 1950 an optional mechanical device was introduced which comprised a long lever with a ratchet on the end which fitted onto the drivers side rear wheel hub. This device could be operated from the driving seat and allowed the car to be cranked backwards by hand by the driver to assist with maneuvering.<ref name="NickW"></ref>

==Minicar Mark B 1951–1952==
Progressive development of the Minicar and Minicar De-luxe continued until the more major introduction of coil sprung independent rear suspension for the car in the early part of 1951. This provided an ideal opportunity to relaunch the car as the '''Bond Minicar (Mark B)'''. Externally, the difference between the Mark A and Mark B was very subtle, the rear mudguards were slightly wider to accommodate the wheel movement and the storage area behind the rear seats was enlarged, increasing the cars overall length slightly.<ref name="Pitman"></ref> Beneath the bodywork, there were improvements to electrics, the front suspension and to the braking system. The hood was also redesigned. Also of note was the adoption of the Villiers 6E engine and triplex windscreen throughout the range.<ref name="bondB">{{cite web|url=http://www.bondownersclub.co.uk/stats/markb.html|title=Mark B - April 1951 to November 1952 Vehicle Modifications By Chassis Number|year=2001|work=The Bond Owners Club|publisher=The Bond Owners Club|accessdate=11 September 2011}}</ref>
As well as the open car, a commercial Minivan and Minitruck versions appeared in 1952.<ref name=AtoZ/> The '''Sharps Minitruck''' had a further extension of the bodywork behind the rear wheel and replaced the bench seat with a single seat for the driver providing a claimed load capacity of {{convert|3|long cwt|abbr=in|kg|abbr=on}} and {{convert|24|cuft|m3|abbr=on}}. The hood had a roll-up flap at the back of the car to assist loading.<ref name="bondB"></ref>

==Minicar Mark C 1952–1956==

The Mark C saw a completely new body style.  The headlights were now in the wings and a door was fitted but only on the passenger side of the car. An electric starter became an option on the {{convert|197|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}} villiers 8E engine.<ref name=Beaulieu>{{cite book |last=Georgano |first=N. |title=Beaulieu Encyclopedia of the Automobile |year=2000 |publisher=HMSO |location=London |isbn=1-57958-293-1}}</ref>
The steering lock was increased and a worm and sector mechanism fitted replacing the rack and pinion and this allowed the engine to turn through 180 degrees allowing the car to turn in its own length so reducing the handicap of not having a reverse gear. These were the models best years, with production rising to 100&nbsp;cars per week in 1955 and a total of 9,786 Mark A, Mark B and Mark C models produced by 1956.<ref name=AlleAutosder50er/>

==Minicar Mark D 1956–1958==
[[Image:Bond Minicar from ca 1956.jpg|thumb|250px|1956 Bond Minicar Mark D Tourer Deluxe]]
The Mark D was an upgrade over the mark C, gaining a Villiers 9E 197 cc engine and a 12-volt electrical system.

The Family version had small hammock type rear seats.

==Minicar Mark E 1957–1958==
The final versions of the Minicar were a completely new design. The body, still in aluminium, was mounted onto a steel chassis. Doors were now fitted to both sides of the body and the gear box became a 4-speed.

The body was offered in 2/3 seater Saloon Coupe and Tourer (convertible) versions.
The maximum speed was now around {{convert|50|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name=AtoZ/>

==Minicar Mark F 1958–1963==
[[Image:Bond Minicar red 1959.jpg|thumb|250px|A 1959 Bond Minicar Mark F Family Saloon]]
Similar to the Mark E, this model had an engine upgraded to {{convert|250|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|55|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}} top speed and optional reverse gear.<ref name=AtoZ/> Initially, three body options were available: 2 / 3 seater Saloon Coupe, 2 / 3 seater Tourer and a four seater Family Saloon. In March 1960, the Ranger Van version was introduced.

==Minicar Mark G 1961–1966==

The Mark G had a revised body with the windscreen moved forwards to give more interior room and a "reverse slope" rear window in the saloon models making the Minicar much more like a "proper car", there were even wind up windows and lockable doors. An estate car, Ranger van and a 2 / 3 seat tourer was added to the body line up and a choice of engines was offered on later mark G models – the 35A single cylinder unit (11.5&nbsp;bhp) or the 4T twin cylinder unit (14&nbsp;bhp). Semi hydraulic brakes replaced the old cable and rod operated system of the predecessors and the car was fitted with larger 10" wheels.

==Preservation==
add known surviving examples here

==Gallery==
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==See also==
* [[List of British car marques]]
* [[List of microcars by country of origin]]
* [[List of Vehicles by registration number]]
* [[Shows and Meets]]
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{commonscat|Bond Minicar}}
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* [http://www.bondownersclub.co.uk/ Official Bond Owners' Club website]

{{Bond cars range}}
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[[Category:Three-wheeled motor vehicles]]
[[Category:Microcars]]
[[Category:Bond vehicles|Minicar]]
[[Category:Vehicles introduced in 1949]]