1973 Bond Bug 700 ES – Spares or Restoration *Sold £200*

Description

• *NO RESERVE* 
• In need of full restoration 
• Between 150 and 200 believed to be left on the road 

The Bug was launched in June 1970 and was specifically aimed at the younger motorist and although not cheap or particularly practical, the Bug more than made up for this with styling that made it an instant hit and it turned heads wherever it went.  

The 700ES was the top of the range model and featured such optional extras as; alloy rear wheels, wing mirrors, sports tyres, upgraded interior and a “formula-1” style steering wheel. Despite a price tag of £629 the 700ES proved to be the most popular model. Despite its sporting looks however, the Bug was not exactly sparkling in performance and handling was cause for some adverse comments, but from the driving seat it certainly felt fast according to satisfied owners! 

History 

As you can see from the images, this poor little Bond Bug is in need of a full rebuild or could be used as a donor car with its extensive number of parts. 

Unfortunately, our vendor’s health deteriorated during the early stages of this “planned” comprehensive restoration leaving this characterful little Bond Bug dismantled for some years now.  Sadly, the Bug is now for sale as part of his deceased estate and is offered as no reserve lot. 

Originally purchased in 2014 and with 3 former owners the plan was to fully restore the Bond Bug but as mentioned above circumstances have led to it coming to market, unfortunately we don’t know a great deal about the car but what we do know, is that it has been completely stripped down and stored for some time.  It will come with a very small amount of receipts, the V5, owners handbook and the metal vehicle identification plates. 

JOL 252L 

Moving on to the car itself, we can see from the stored parts that the chassis frame has been part restored and that a second chassis frame was purchased with a view to cutting and welding the two together using the most structurally solid sections of each, this process has been started so you will receive two chassis frames, one in full but in need of some welding and one that is mid restoration. 

The body shell of this Bond Bug will also need to be fully restored and painted, and as you can see from the images there is some crash damage to the front but an additional nose cone section will be supplied giving you the option to repair the original or install the spare nose cone section. 

There are plenty of parts to get going with and they can be seen within the images, due to the extension amount of dismantling and number of parts it is very difficult to determine what parts are present and what are missing. 

We can see clearly that most of the interior is missing so that will need to be sourced from elsewhere if your plan is to rebuild this little Bond Bug. 

The all-important engine has also been stripped but, although we cannot be sure, all looks to be present, the gearbox is present and looks in order. 

There is a small selection of new parts that are still boxed, such as the body decals and the front track rod arm and suspension strut.  Other than that, you will be purchasing a fully dismantled Bond Bug without prior knowledge of what is present and what isn’t.  Either way it will be a very interesting project for someone with a love for these cars, and let’s be frank, who doesn’t love a Bug?!  

Our view 

With decent Bond Bugs selling for well over £10,000 regularly and with only 150 to 200 believed to be left on the roads we don’t expect this to hang around.  An interesting proposition for someone looking for a project or in need of spares. 

Vehicle Location: Essex SS9– it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor.

Have a question about this vehicle? Please contact the Evoke team at auction@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.

 Guide Prices?

We’re different. But you know that. And we’re always honest. In a sector where no two classics are same, how does anyone put a ‘guide’.

Well, everyone knows the broad value of classic, let’s all be honest. So we don’t need to tell you what you already know, do we.

The ‘market’ decides and the old cliché that ‘it’s are worth what someone wants to pay’ is no less true. So why kid everyone!

But, because we are different, if it really does matter to you, that’s fine, we want you to be happy. Just drop us a line at auction@evoke-classics.com and one of us will be delighted to ring you back and discuss, it’s what we do.

Tedious but it’s vital you read this, please.

We will always strive to offer the most descriptive and transparent auction listings available. However, we can’t claim to be perfect. Your own analysis is very important and we are here to help and also answer any and all queries you may have prior to purchase.

We offer and positively encourage bidders to view, or arrange inspections for each vehicle thoroughly prior to bidding.

If we do take a physical, as opposed to a remote, look at any of the vehicles on our platform, they are not those of a qualified vehicle inspector or other professional. Nor do they include a test drive unless expressly stated.

As with all vehicles of a certain age, localised paint repairs are common. This specifically applies with classics.

So, please, unless we state explicitly to the contrary, please assume that classic vehicles on our platform could have had remedial bodywork of any kind at some point in its life.

Two final comments on images and photos.

The vast majority are supplied by vendors. Camera technology has and continues to improve significantly, but please note and understand that image and sound quality does vary. If you would like vendors to provide more images please ask us and we will contact the vendor for you.

If you are at all unsure, just ask us. It is what we are here for.

Finally, finally, finally. Please note that vehicles are sold as seen and a returns policy is not applicable. This is the norm for used items acquired at auction.

Our Terms and Conditions are here and our FAQS can be found here or contact us: auction@evoke-classics.com