Bond Minicar Mark F
Bond Minicar Mark F was presented at the November 1958 London Motorcycle show. The body of Mark F was identical with the previous Mark E, but the new generation of 3-wheeler got a new Villiers 31A, 250cc engine with a 4 speed positive stop gearbox and a Siba Dynastart. Although, reverse was still an option. The engine had 247 cc and boasted 12 bhp (9 kW; 12 PS) at 4,500 rpm (an increase of 3.6 bhp (3 kW; 4 PS)). The best moment, that the fuel consumption was the same – 4.7 L/100 km! Top speed – 55 miles (89 kph).
Three versions were available from the beginning: Mark F Tourer, the Mark F Saloon Coupe and the Mark F 4-Seater Family Saloon. Dimensions and weight (672 lb) remained unchanged. Available colors are also the same: Scarlet, British Racing Green and Light Green. Bond Minicar Mark F was extremely successful. The company produced almost 100 cars per week.
Versions
Bond Minicar Mark F Tourer
Tourer with an open top and canopy was the base version in the range. Prices started at £379 13s 9d (£379.68p). The Tourer was discontinued in June 1961.
Bond Minicar Mark F Saloon Coupe
Saloon Coupe version was identical to Mark E. It had hard top instead of open top of Tourer. The coupe was given a lift-up hatch to aid loading luggage. Prices started at £379 13s 9d (£379.68p). The Saloon Coupe was discontinued in June 1961.
Bond Minicar Mark F Family Saloon
A 4-seater Family Saloon had two smal forward-facing seats for children. It had the same dimensions and the weight as the Saloon Coupe, but the rear of its hard top get a new design without a hatch door. Prices started from £389 14s 6d (£389.73p). The Family Saloon was discontinued in August 1961.
Bond Minicar Mark F Ranger
A commercial version of the Family Saloon was introduced in March 1960. It had no side windows and rear seats, but received a rear hatch door for easier access to a cargo compartment. The carrying capacity was 3 cwt. or 31 cu. ft. All bodies were in primer but could be painted for an extra £4.50p! Price was £295 0s 0d (£295.00p). The Ranger was discontinued in October 1962 and became the last produced Mark F minicar.
Bond Minicar Mark F Van
Later, in June 1960, 39 copies of commercial Mark Fs were made under the name Van, not the Ranger. There was a difference between them: the Van had only driver’s seat, when the Ranger was equipped with full front seat. This increased the carrying capacity by freeing up the passenger area. There was a triangular aluminium panel was fitted to the floor on the left side of the driver’s seat to provide some sort of protection against any of the goods being carried!
