Bond: the British brand behind minicars and scooters
Bond was a British brand that produced compact cars and scooters. Known for innovation and style, Bond combined functionality with design, but could not compete with Italian rivals.
Bond P4
U.K.
1960
The British brand that combined cars and scooters
Bond is a historic British brand best known for its compact cars and stylish scooters. Bond's story begins with Sharp's Commercials Ltd in Preston, a company that made its name with the Bond Minicars-small cars that attracted bikers for their simplicity, low cost, and the fact that they could be driven with a motorbike licence.
A commitment to innovation
The name "Bond" refers to Lawrie Bond, a visionary designer who sold the first Minicar design to Sharp's in 1948. He remained involved with the company as a consultant and designer while simultaneously working on two-wheelers through his own company, Bond Aircraft & Engineering Co. This experience made him a logical choice to play a role in the development of the Bond scooters.
The first scooters: Bond P1 and P2
In 1958, Sharp's jumped on the growing popularity of scooters by introducing an all-British model. The Bond P1 featured a 148cc two-stroke Villiers engine, an innovative tubular frame and fibreglass bodywork. With practical details such as a lockable locker and a hinged pillion seat to allow access to the fuel tank, the scooter offered a combination of style and functionality.
The Bond P2 followed shortly after, with a more powerful 197cc engine and four-speed transmission. Despite praise from the press and a unique technical design, such as the SIBA dynastart (an alternator and starter motor in one), sales figures remained low: only 943 P1s and 940 P2s were sold.
The second generation: Bond P3 and P4
In 1959, Bond introduced the P3 and P4, with improved engines, a sturdier frame and a new design where the front mudguard was part of the bodywork. These scooters were more modern and competitive, but Vespa and Lambretta already had a firm grip on the market. Despite major advertising campaigns and participation in prestigious rallies, such as the Isle of Man rally, success failed to materialise.
End of an Era
In 1962, Sharp's Commercials stopped producing scooters, closing an ambitious chapter. Although Bond scooters never reached the market share of Italian rivals, they remain a fascinating example of British innovation and entrepreneurship in the post-war period.
A timeless legend
Bond remains an icon in the history of British vehicles, beloved by collectors and historians. Their scooters and midget cars remind us of a time when creativity and guts were the drivers of industrial progress.