Bond 875
Bond Ranger ( 1970)
The Bond 875 is a three-wheeled small car, the Bond Cars built in Preston ( Lancashire ) 1965-1970. From 1967 there was also a van on an equal basis, the Bond Ranger was called.
875 As early as 1963 it was announced. He had a four-cylinder in-line engine with 875 cc, which was supplied by the Rootes Group. Unlike other British three- wheeled vehicles, the engine was installed backwards. It was the same engine as the Hillman Imp, whose transmission, rear axle and rear wheels were also used basically. After the 875 wore a body made of fiberglass and aluminum doors, he weighed less than 400 kg, and its performance were good - better than the Imp The engine was the low compressed version ( 8.0:1 ), which when combined Imp named Hillman Husky and Commer Imp van was used. He could be operated with the cheapest gasoline with low octane.
The low weight of the car made it possible in the UK taxation as a motorcycle. Also, the three-wheeled car could be driven with a motorcycle license. Thus, the weight remained below the required limit, interior design and decoration were kept extremely minimalist.
The racing driver John Surtees broke with a Bond 875 unofficial speed record for limousines at Brands Hatch when he reached 160 km / h.
Development
A van version, the Ranger was introduced in 1967.
Stilisitische changes, improved seats, rectangular headlights and a larger trunk opening featuring the Mark II, which was introduced in April 1968. Also, a heater was now included as standard.
Specifications and performance data
Testing
The British " Autocar " magazine tested a Bond 875 in September 1966., The car reached a top speed of 133.2 km / h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in 22.5 seconds An overall fuel consumption of 8.19 l / 100 km was recorded. With these values, it is ahead of the Morris Mini 850 clearly in top speed, acceleration and low fuel consumption. The low power to weight of the car was reflected in good performance. The recommended retail price of the bond was 875 with 506 pounds significantly higher than that of the Mini 850 with £ 478, but still lower than the £ 549 of the somewhat equal Imp The testers praised performance and economy of the bond, but were the Dreirädler at high speeds than wobbly. Transmission and brakes were classified as good, seats and finish but as deficient.