The Bond Bug three-wheeler symbolised the youthful exuberance of the late sixties and early seventies.

A cultural revolution was occurring, and following the purchase of Bond Cars Ltd, Reliant was focused on breaking into the youth market that was the driving force of the times.

Having commissioned Tom Karen of Ogle Studios, he submitted a number of drawings of bold, futuristic designs for a ‘fun car’ concept.

The newly designed three-wheeler was a striking aerodynamic wedge shape, with an aircraft-style lifting canopy, sporting unconventional high-tech black graphics and aircraft-style instruction decals indicating tire pressure and other vital information.

Only available in a bright tangerine orange, the Bond Bug turned heads wherever it went.

Technically a motorcycle, it was not allowed at the Motor Show, but Reliant scored a publicity coup by building a special body, joined back to back, and displaying it as a ‘four-wheeler’.

The car’s fame was helped by a distinctive Corgi T...