The Bond 875 was a small three-wheeled car partly designed by Lawrence "Lawrie" Bond and manufactured by Bond Cars Ltd in Preston,

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from 1965 to 1970. There was also a van version from 1967, known as the Ranger. The car was announced in August 1965, though volume production got under way only during the summer of 1966. The 875 used the lower-compression (8:1) four-cylinder 875 cc 34 b.h.p. four-stroke

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used in the

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Imp Van from the

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. Crucially for the dynamics of the vehicle, this was rear-mounted, unlike in most other British three-wheelers of the era. It was the same basic layout as used in the Hillman Imp, installed as a complete package along with the Imps' transmission, rear suspension and rear wheels. However, thanks to the fact that the 875 had a

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body along with aluminium doors, and weighed less than , the performance was good – better than the Imp. The low-compression engine meant it was able to run on "2-star" low- octane

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, which was cheaper than varieties used by larger and more highly tuned engines. The car's light weight enabled it to qualify for motorcycle

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rates, and be driven on a motorcycle licence, but in order to keep the weight down, the interior trim and fittings were minimal. Racing driver

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drove the car at

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in 1965, setting a fastest lap of 1:22 for the 1.24-mile circuit and attaining speeds over . Bond played on the car's sporty reputation, track testing a standard production version around the Silverstone Circuit in 1966, setting a lap time of 1:43.34 and reaching through a timing trap along the Hanger Straight. Following the test, Bond refused to confirm or deny that they would be building a racing version of the car for 1967.

Development

A van version, the Ranger, was introduced in April 1967. Styling changes, including rectangular headlamps, a new front grille, a larger bonnet opening, and revised seats, heralded the "Mark II", announced in April 1968. Other changes included the fitting of a heater as standard equipment.

Specification and performance

*Capacity: 875 cc, 34 b.h.p. *Weight: < *0-60 mph: 16 seconds *Top speed: *Fuel economy: - *Tyres: Michelin X radial *Price new: £500

Road test

The British '' Autocar'' magazine tested a Bond 875 in September 1966. The car's superior power-to-weight ratio converted into superior performance outcomes. It had a top speed of and accelerated from 0- in 22.5 seconds. An "overall" fuel consumption of was recorded. That put it usefully ahead of the contemporary 850 cc Morris Mini on maximum speed and acceleration, as well as on fuel economy. The manufacturer's recommended price of the Bond was £506, which was higher than the £478 price for the Mini, but less than the recommended retail price of £549 for the comparably sized Imp. The testers commended the Bond's performance and economy, but found the three-wheeler unstable at high speed. They thought the gear box and brakes good, but were disappointed by "poor seats and detail finish".

References

{{reflist

External links

Bond 875 at The Imp Site
Three-wheeled motor vehicles Microcars

875 __NOTOC__ Year 875 ( DCCCLXXV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar) of the Julian calendar. Events By place Europe * August 12 – Emperor Louis II dies in Brescia, after having named his c ...

Cars introduced in 1965