Bond Microcars

Today in Motorcycle History

Bond Cars, Scooters and Motorcycles

Bond Cars Ltd of Ribbleton Lane, Preston was a car and motorcycle maker.

1949 The marque was created in Preston by Sharps Commercials. The machines were designed and produced by Lawrence Bond, who started out making three-wheeled cars.

1961 Listed as Sharp's Commercials Ltd. Employed 300 persons.

1971 The company was taken over by the Reliant Motor Co Ltd of Tamworth, Staffs in 1971.

Motorcycles

Bond built motorcycles from 1950 to 1953 and from 1958 to 1962. 1950 An odd-looking three-wheeled motorcycle appeared. It had an all-alloy frame consisting of a large tube rolled from sheet metal with the engine suspended. Most of each wheel was enclosed by a large mudgard. It had a two-speed, 99cc Villiers 1F engine, no suspension as such, 4- inch tyres and 16-inch wheels with split rims. During that year, telescopic forks appeared.

1951 A machine with a 125cc two-stroke JAP engine was launched, but supply problems hampered production. During that year Bond went on to design the BAC and manufacture went over to Ellis of Leeds.

1953 Production of the original machine ceased.

1955 Late that year Bond reappeared as a two-wheeler. This was the Sherpa scooter fitted with a 99cc Villiers 1F engine under glass-fibre bodywork. The style was typical of the period, and although it went on show at Earls Court it did not progress past the prototype stage.

1956-1957 The name continued on three-wheelers and the firm moved to Preston in Lancashire.

1959 The company returned to making two-wheelers and produced a scooter that was typical in style, if a little heavy. Powered by a 148cc Villiers 31C engine, it had three speeds and a Siba electric start. It was then joined by another model with a 197cc Villiers 9E and four speeds.

1960 Both those models were revised in style and ran on for two more years.

1962 After this year no more scooters or motorcycles were produced.

Sources: Graces Guide



05-Sep-2018
seebb7 at hotmail.com
1963 Bond Mini-car 250G Estate
The entire vehicle has been flooded in fresh water up to the dash, leaving the fuel tank unspoiled. I have drained the water from 4 "drain plugs" under the engine cases and wish to learn what oil ought to be replenished and into which areas. The 'crank-case' needs to be dried out, some suggest a product we have in the US, 'WD-40', as being excellent for water dispersal, and I'm wondering how I might introduce the product into the case to wash the 'needle' brngs and remove the water residue. Thanks you, Chris
Chris beebe
USofA

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