IDRIVEACLASSIC reviews: Bond Bug

[@alexwade9921]

That totally isn’t an original 1971 gear knob. That’s a later add on, probably taken from a scrap yard Metro!

[@HouseflyUK]

My Science teacher had one of these back in the 80's

[@Pmjs]

Rest In Peace Tom Karen.

[@neilpiper9889]

When I worked at Lotus Hethel in 1969/1970 they were trying a Bug out on the track to test the performance.

[@bentullett6068]

These are funky little things. Those indicators relay noises where most commonly heard on coach and bus indicator units.

[@catjudo1]

Couple of things I noticed: I heard the horn and immediately thought of the song "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell. I'd also probably have to install a pull strap as I don't think my short little T-Rex arms would be able to reach it. Finally, I was having fun watching the exterior mirror to see what was lined up to pass that orange beastie. I think I'd get run over by retirees in their stupid SUV's. But OMG if I had one of these things here in Florida... I'd drive it and people would lose their minds! BTW Steph, the results are definitely noticeable and I hope that you are happy. I dated a lady who had shed a great deal through medical means and she swore that it changed her life, so I hope you experience that same kind of happiness that she did. Your reviews have always been fun to watch, and I look forward to many more. Have you ever driven a Bristol? My wife allowed me to name our daughter after a car as long as it wasn't awful, so we went with Bristol. Left to my own devices, I probably would have chosen Invicta, and no doubt my wife and daughter would have hated me for the rest of my short life.

[@mesaboogieman4001]

I recently got mine on the road after a two and a half year full restoration. So much fun to drive and the reaction you get from everyone who sees it is priceless!

[@davidsamways]

I had one of these in the early 80s. It was brilliant fun except for the engine on mine, being a bit knackered, belched smoke into the passenger compartment. I swapped it out for a Regal engine and also fitted an SU carb like the one shown here. I also fitted sealed cell foam to the interior of the engine comparment which made it much quieter. I had special windows made with Velcro panels that could be rolled down - very effective. I did manage to turn mine over, but not going forward. Very embarrassingly some kids who were playing nearby ran over and pushed the car back onto its wheels! Happy days! I gave it to a mate when I bought my 850 Mini and left for university.

[@carlmarsden2529]

Brill review! Couple of points though: As well as the White ones, there was also a small number of Green ones, again for commercial promo. The speedo isn't shared with the Regal, the displayed scales are different, the ES also had a upgraded steering wheel.......and they're surprisingly difficult to roll.

[@kevinkeeney6693]

Wow. What a very clean car. Looks like it is in showroom condition. It was good to learn that drivers in the UK appear to be similar to drivers in the US. The only time the speed limit matters is when there is a police car around.

[@ask842]

Over the last 30 odd years I’ve owned 6 Bond Bug and always found them great fun to drive

[@collinhunter9792]

have yuh?!!!! gees!!!! choice!!!!!

[@YourPolishLogitechFanJoshyzvat]

ibishu wigeon

[@darthvirago]

I had one in the late 70's. It was great fun, I wish I still have it. I went miles in it.

[@kevinbartram5302]

I've had loads to do with Robbins and have a ton of respect for them. I have towed trailers with them moved house using one with a trailer to move all the flat pack furniture. I have repaired most things on them too.

[@kaitlyn__L]

I know what you meant by “heart rate from 0 to 100”, but I had a good chuckle imagining this car reviving a dead person and giving them 100BPM! I knew a bit about these, but I never looked into them. Never realised Reliant built them, though it’s not in the least bit surprising.

[@swingmanic]

They produced Reliant cars at Shenstone in Staffordshire too, just up the road from where I lived at Stonnall as a kid. I was accepted to become a trainee draughtsman (At Reliant) after leaving school but alas it never happed as my parents split up and I moved to Norfolk. I never thought back then in 1971 as a 16 year old that I'd finish up living in Perth, Western Australia. I like your channel Steph and your great attention to detail.

[@originalforgery]

They assembled the Ford RS200's in that very building.

[@adamtoms2726]

They are so cool. Well done for getting the hang of it, I can't imagine it's the easiest thing in the world to drive. But does look enjoyable and scary in equal measure.

[@WWarped1]

Great video, and a vehicle that never refuses to make me smile. From what I recall, quite simple mechanically, but canopy issues can be a real pain. Top marks Steph for hair matching the car. That's real commitment.

[@paulbennell3313]

A guy who lived round the corner when I was a kid (early 70's) had one of these. It sounded like a beach buggy and he drove it flat out everywhere! To me it looked like the most fun you could have fully clothed! Of course, the physics will take some getting used to but if you want good, clean, cheap fun that's waaay different to anything else, the Bond Bug could just be the one.

[@Darwinion]

The thing is... these aren't cheap any more!

[@John-ci2sd]

​@@Darwinion the Robins and Rialtos still are though

[@paulbennell3313]

@@John-ci2sd Good point. And they're nearly the same underneath.

[@John-ci2sd]

@@paulbennell3313 Thanks. They are also quite practical

[@paulbennell3313]

@@John-ci2sd I'd love one! Mate of mine had a Robin a long time ago. It was a right laugh! Suprisingly quick too.

[@CauliflowerMcPugg]

A very interesting and likable little car. I normally think its corny having the union flag on the roof of a car but I like it on this one.

[@darrenwebster2193]

Always loved these cars.. Had a go in one and was drawn to how easy to handle and nippy it was, not fast fast, but nippy enough.. Would love one nowadays, but who wouldn't.! They get cooler with age..

[@graemew7001]

Firstly Steph, I hope this isn't too personal but you are looking so well just now and it seems that the op has been well worth the struggles recovering. I do love your reviews because its obvious the effort and research you do for each video. The Bond Bug has always been a big attraction at shows compared to vastly more expensive classics, I saw one sell at Matthewsons when I was there, they're so teeny lol

[@ciartdsfa4899]

Steph's reviews ooze passion for the cars, her research / knowledge about them gives the channel an almost nerdish brilliance and her 60s old skool style just adds to the authenticity of her channel for me anyway. She really needs to hook up with Sal & Pops and do a car / Northern soul themed special 💯😎👌🤣

[@pikeyandclaire]

Was going to say same as well! But wasn’t sure if allowed anymore.

[@michealhaskell7258]

I would prefer this Bond Bug as a 3 wheela to the BMW of same type earlier on!!

[@pikeyandclaire]

Great little car, always wanted one as a kid, lived across the road from a guy who owned one. My dad had a Sprint at the time. Worth good money now.

[@carolramsey6287]

I'd love the four wheel version that was built by a small company called, I believe, Webster.

[@TheStobb50]

When I was in my early teens the bond bug came out it was so different everybody loved them and there seemed to be a lot of them around i’m surprised they didn’t sell well it didn’t seem that way, fantastic colour and design that really made them stand out and of course the name Bond, 007 was a cool Association, looking at them now they still look really good and fresh, but my older head now thinks dangerous, thank you for the trip down memory lane and reminded me of these beautiful cars keep up the good work, & thank you

[@manofthehour6856]

As an American who was only familiar with the Bond Bug from the classic orange model made by Corgi in 1:43-scale and various enthusiast books, I was shocked to see one (and photograph!) in London driving on a quiet street near the Embankment several years ago. Not the type of classic one expects to see, especially "in the wild" (as opposed to a car show).

[@WilHenDavis]

If you look carefully at Michael Caine's 1971 film "Get Carter", at about 0:48:10 you will see a Bond Bug parked in a street outside the baddy Cliff Brumby's house. Only a brief glimpse, but it's unmistakable! 😉

[@sanchoodell6789]

A very modern looking car. Something "out of the world" Would have blown them away back in 1971. It looks like a proto type to the 1980s Honda Civic or the "future cars" used in the 1989 movie "Total Recall" When you first featured the car I thought, for a moment, this was a recent model that never made it to production. Amazing.

[@rodhili3946]

Great review, as always 👏 the Metro didn't come out until 1980 so maybe it borrowed parts from the Bond Bug😄

[@levelcrossing150]

I'm really impressed with the matching hair and dress to go with this great looking 70's fun car Steph. I remember the first time I went to deliver a Reliant Robin, those trucks were towering above me and that was scary.

[@GazzaView123]

Great review, Steph. I remember seeing these in the early '70's in the Preston factory which was located on Ribbleton Lane, just around the corner from my grandads. Oh, anyone else notice the illegal overtake by the motorcyclist at 11:30?

[@carlmarkwyatt]

That's a brilliant little car. I can't believe how many times you were overtaken, if I came across that on the road I'd make a point of staying behind just for the novelty haha

[@mikemorley2797]

My first car, it was also K reg and was fab. For info the steering wheel on the original car was smaller, much better looking and the gear lever looks non standard too. I got pulled over for speeding on the M60/62 apparently doing 85mph. I drove it from Manchester to Baglan Bay every weekend for 2 years. Wish I still had it 🙂

[@andrewplumb6544]

I had 2 and they would do 85. They would cruise all day at 70.

[@pauldobson2685]

The buzzer on the indicator was after market it was easy to forget you had them on, the steering became stiffer the faster you drove because of the wind pushing down on the front. Enjoyed the video.

[@kieran1844]

Thanks for reviewing another one of my favourites Steph! I used to see one of these in Finefare carpark in Belper when I was about four of five, in the mid 80's, and I was always curious about it. Looks a lot of fun but shame there are so many idiots on the road these days that make driving a classic car more daunting. I get lots of grief from other road users for doing the speed limit in my 2 litre 1 Series if it's any consolation! Anyway awesome review and so nice to see all the details and learn the history about these quirky little cars.

[@simonheap4294]

There was a kit car 4 wheeler version of the Bug by Webster Motor Company available in 1990, although few were sold.

[@Steve-GM0HUU]

Thanks, I did not know that. While I was watching video, was thinking that a 4 wheel Bug would probably appeal to me more.

[@DerbyshireTriker]

Love the video. Never drove a bond bug but I used to own a Robin and my friend has always had reliants for over 40 years never having passed a car test. Regarding cars coming past regardless of speed,it's pretty much a case of can't be behind a small old car. My friend has had it for years but folk without knowledge of three wheelers don't realise they are capable motors not weighing much. Nippy off the line and can corner better than expected.

[@Car_and_classic_lover]

I've always loved the Bond Bug, especially since i had a ride in one a few years ago, even as a passenger they're so much fun! The best bit though is when you see people looking at it as you drive along with an expression that says "what the hell is that thing" haha😂 Great video as always😎👍

[@treaclesmith]

Another brilliant video Stef I wanted to see inside the small boot/storage at the back, but that's because I'm a bit of a geek 😂😂😂

[@emmajacobs5575]

Me too! I saw one at a car show (coincidentally at Steph’s old workplace) with the boot open and you could get a bit of shopping or a few tools/bits and bobs in, but not much more. Wouldn’t fancy going on a fortnight’s holiday for two!

[@jahmahrahdesafilli6268]

YAAAY Bond Bug I had one early 80's and it was GREAT!! My first introduction to "Threewheelorating" and I'm still a "Threewheelorator" to this day, (now with a Lomax) You see driving these type of totally quirky cars is simply a totally different experience. Simply put they make everybody Smile. I'm putting petrol in, and people look and smile, kids pressing their noses on windows and pointing. I park up and before I even climb out someone will come up and chat. Little kids are enthralled when I say they can sit in her if they like, and when they do their faces are a picture all beaming and wide eyed. Oh yes I can thoroughly recommend a quirky car, the smiles per miles are priceless. And it all started for Me with My £80 Bond Bug in 1980. RIP Buggy ; - )

[@chrisskelhorn5727]

Lovely little car Steph! I drove one once, many years ago, but it was only a short burst up the road a little way! And so nice to see you too, looking as beautiful as ever! And radiant! Love the new hair too!

[@kevinbartram5302]

Great to see you are well Steph and doing a great job of Showing people round the vehicles without one ounce of derision.

[@richardmounfield7822]

A friend of mine who was a lathe turner at Cammell lairds shipyard had one in the mid 70s . We all had minis but the Bond Bug really stood out in the pub car park . A really quirky vehicle in its day.

[@Grahame59]

Great review. I remember seeing these when I was young in the 70s. I'd love to own one today. Amazingly poor standard of driving by many who overtook you, Steph, with disregard for solid white lines, hatching and speed limits. If you are doing the speed limit then NO ONE (other than emergency services) should ever overtake you, even if they don't like your car! Btw, you mention the source of front lights and other parts. To add to the list, the rear lights are ex-Hillman Hunter (also used on 1970s Aston Martin Vantages and the Clan Crusader).

[@bondbug73]

Great review of a nice example, minus the flag. I've owned a Bond Bug for nearly 30 years. Rode a moped from Idle, Bradford to Emley, Huddersfield to see it which took ages. I have the same problems with some drivers who want to go faster than the speed limit. But generally it's a fun drive, once you've got used to it. According to a retired Reliant dealer I know who worked on mine. They weren't many seen in the 1970's.

[@ask842]

Over the last 30 odd years I’ve owned 6 and there great fun to drive 👍

[@nigelh4617]

On my driving bucket list ever since I passed my test.

[@patriley9449]

Thanks for another great video Steph. I would be afraid that the car would tip over when cornered too hard.

[@kevthedynamo]

I saw those two naughty drivers going over the chevrons in the middle of the road to overtake you Steph!

[@KimSenior]

Fucking “I’m better than you idiots”!😊

[@jasonbeck5424]

Another excellent review Steph! There is no way you could have got the beehive in that one,lol!

[@peterriggall8409]

Loved that Steph. Very impressed with your colour co-ordination. Never saw these in Australia so it would certainly draw a crowd if there was one at a show here. I guess we have all noticed that people seem to be hell bent on trying to pass you when you are driving a classic car, presuming, usually incorrectly, that you are going to be slow.

[@jkk244]

Excellent review Steph! As a kid i first learned about the Bond Bug looking through British car magazines that were available at some news agents here in the United States. But then in the mid 1980s I was completely astounded to see a Bug just sitting at a mall parking lot near Chicago. It may have been the only one in the entire country at that time and it looked like a bright orange spaceship from the planet Cheese had landed.

[@stevedickson5853]

Planet cheese, love it 🤣

[@jrbs]

Thank you so much for this great upload; I've always loved Bond Bugs and love that 🍊 ❤

[@edholmes4759]

I remember, as a child, a dealer in Peterbotough had these and one was a “push-me-pull-me” version. Two bugs joined back to back. I wonder if that one still exists?

[@Darwinion]

One was specially made by Reliant to get into the Earls Court motor show. They wouldn't allow three wheeled vehicles as "not a car" but they allowed that concept in.

[@ianbower7756]

Brought back so many memories. Once, when touring around Ireland many years ago, there was this little lad jumping with glee exclaiming ‘tis the most wondrous ting I’ve ever seen.’ :)

[@mikemorley2797]

That was probably my brother and myself touring around Ireland also in a bond bug

[@toppledgod]

I particularly admire how the previous owner configured the fuel lines to rest on the top of the engine! I mean, that's not dangerous!

[@thpxs0554]

Ahh but the fuel will only leak once it’s rolled over on the first gentle curve, and it’ll drip harmlessly onto the bonnet, until a passer by rolls it back on its wheels, and then the fuel catches fire on the hot manifold. The hood will of course now be jammed due to the roll over and the occupant rapidly roasted.

[@PMS1950]

Excellent review. I remember being intrigued by this little vehicle when it first appeared on the roads. Not that there were many around as the Reliant Robin still dominated this particular market, but the Bond seemed a trendy little run around and stood out from the crowd.

[@andygreen1a]

Fantastic review as always Steph. You’re so well researched and have a genuine enthusiasm and passion that shines through. It always puts a smile on my face when I see you have a new upload. I love the variety on your channel. It’s always a surprise to see what will be next. Great style of presentation. Thanks again for the time and effort you put in to every upload. Love how often you pick your outfit to colour co-ordinate with the vehicle you’re reviewing. That’s taking preparation and attention to detail to a whole new level. Take care, I can’t wait to see what you bring us next.

[@martinclapton2724]

You’ve been TANGOED Steph! Great vid , keep them coming .

[@kevinbirch9222]

I owned a 750ES 1971 from 1973 to 1975 and drove everywhere, as a 18/19 year old, in the South of England in it from Margate to Lands End, it was my drive to work car, it was my fun car, I absolutely loved the little orange wedge, often photographed in carparks and often caused interest from other motorists.

[@nickbitten9910]

Ah- the Bond Bug. My parents friend had one back in the day. They still look amazing in my eyes. I recall there was a Hayabusa powered Bug a while ago which was rather scary.

[@michaelhalsall5684]

70+ MPH in this little car would be a very exciting drive! Your channel always brings us something very different each time!. P.S. I love the way you have c-ordinated your outfit with the car!

[@collinhunter9792]

good one steph. and as always, you match the colours in ur clothing to the car. i think like all 70's cars, 3doors, motorcycle engine etc, they are unfortunately lost in todays world. everything is too rush rush now. no one wants to get somewhere at a decent time. they need to get there b4 they have even left!

[@tz6414]

Another car in amazing condition. That steering wheel upsets my ocd though, I would rotate it 120 degrees.

[@mikemorley2797]

I'm pretty sure it's not the standard 700ES wheel.

[@andrewplumb6544]

​@@mikemorley2797 I can confirm that. I had 2 in the mid 70s

[@mattw8332]

The only time I ever saw one of these (aside from a car show) was back in 1992 or thereabouts parked outside a tower block close to where I lived in Norwich. I was rather captivated by it. I love those very 1970s 'Bond Bug' graphics. Also, there need to be more orange cars.

[@Stevieweevietv]

Great little car. So much character if a little terrifying! Also great to see you're colour coordinated your dress with the car Steph! 🙂

[@japfourme381]

I had one of these in the 70s had it resprayed, metallic pop purple, loved it LAC 72L was the reg.

[@Vince_uk]

I always loved these little cars in fact I looked at buying one in the early 70"s it was being sold in a motorbike shop. Nice one Steph.

[@paullacey2999]

Corgi made em back in the day,I wish I kept it and I do wish the lotto would come up and I would get a real one!

[@daviemaclean61]

Going the full nine yards with matching hair and outfit! ;-) Having seen Ian do 70mph in TWK I can only imagine this is about 5% less terrifying.

[@dunnwell7780]

I had a teacher that had one of these back in the early 90s, he lived in Macclesfield too (same as the guy selling), we used to mess with him by picking it up and turning it around during the school day.

[@jodiethemorrisminortraveller]

A friend had one years ago. I was too tall to fit in it. Great dash panel. Like something from Thunderbirds.

[@ianjohnson4987]

Wonderful - I wish thy still made these - I'd love one

[@The-Rectifier]

In the early 90's , ive been lucky enough to drive one, from a friend. Rather a thrill, but astonishing funny indeed. Regrettably we never could by one, in Belgium Stephanie without beehive, thats new. But....happy to see the struggle on the rad to recovery , is over. Pardon me if i say. You look swinging marvelous girl!!!

[@davidbennett906]

Gosh that vlog takes me back! A Bug woud really have appealed to me back in the day, and as the owner of a Bond Mini as my first "car" the handling wouldn't have bothered me at all. Sadly I never got to try one and soon moved on to four wheels. Thanks for another good one Steph, and I like the new hair style! (more headroom now eh!). 😃

[@gryfandjane]

Great episode, Steph! I’ve read articles about the Bug and seen it in photos, but your video was an excellent way to see and hear the little contraption do its thing. It’s a fascinating little vehicle, though unseen here in the States… although I think there may be one at the Lane Museum in Nashville. I’d love to drive one! Thanks as always.

[@neilbedford5082]

Great fun cars - from a time when designers dared to be different - immediately distinctive and just so different - I remember well, seeing these on the roads and in their day, they were pretty cool. Loving the carb fuel feed on this particular one - apparently fitted by Stevie Wonder. Thanks Steph!

[@johnjtm1097]

I was only think the other day "Steph ought to do a Bond Bug"., and my thoughts just came true. Well done my girl!

[@nervo6321]

It just cant get anymore 70's than a Bond Bug ! Added bonus you match the car !

[@michaeltreadwell777]

Hi Steph, that was brilliant ! I can just imagine how difficult it is to get into, and out again, but looks great fun once you have mastered that process. I must say, you are looking really well now and diminishing before our very eyes - well done. Take special care X X

[@LoftechUK]

Omg I love it. In the early 80’s I drove the wonderful blue three wheeler. What fun and bloody scary too

[@Darwinion]

That speedo is technically Bond Bug specific. The Regal read up to 80, Bug up 100. See many Bugs with the wrong speedo fitted. That sound on the indicators is an addon, but a sensible one. I added one to my Regal saloon. You will probably find that the sounds disappears with foot on the brake. Release brake as you pull from a junction and the noise reminds you to cancel them, as they won't automatically do so.

[@johnoksys7713]

Excellent video Steph love hearing about a different vehicle & You look fabulous

[@alastairwatson3201]

Nearly nailed matching tangerine hair, Steph. Great video!

[@andyarmstrong1493]

Great review, loved your colour coordination.

[@deanbrown9454]

Glad you have the same feelings towards the Union Flag motif that I do. Never try making an already cool and fun car look cool and fun, it's just a daft tautology. And I'm not all that keen on jingoism either, but that's my problem. We had a friend with a Bug back in the 70's. We loved it. One of my abiding memories of it was him driving it around and around the pumps on a fuel station forecourt, the inside wheel high in the air and him giggling like a fool. If you're prepared to throw caution to the wind and poo poo risk aversion, the things actually handle.

[@stepheng8779]

Yeah the new mini's look ridiculous with their rear lights, unnecessary.

[@gavc6442]

Jingoism?

[@duncanward1718]

The Union Flag could be worse. It could be a Confederate Battle Flag and the horn could play Dixie.

[@mikewysko2268]

The body design and orange color is as 1970s as it gets. Would be a fun first car or economical city car. Enjoyed the review. 😃

[@andrewplumb6544]

With sensible driving I would get 70mpg. By sensible I mean just driving with the normal traffic flow.

[@elonmask50]

What a smashing little car, no wonder they didn’t sell if the 850 Mini was cheaper than it, pity, they look great, I would love one.

[@cornishhh]

Fiat 500s were even cheaper.

[@mrjed6912]

12:49 i think the speedo may be inaccurate because there's at least 15 vehicles stuck behind you there

[@idriveaclassic]

Tested it with the Speedo app. About 3mph out!

[@mrjed6912]

@@idriveaclassic well ok, i guess you were just driving really slowly then:)

[@idriveaclassic]

@@mrjed6912 I was less than 5mph off the speed limit, hence my frustration!

[@mrjed6912]

@@idriveaclassic i understand you. Although to me it looks like a 60mph road. I might be wrong anyway.

[@davidsamways]

The speedo on the Bug wasn't the same as the Regal. The Regal only went to 80mph while the Bug speedo goes to 100. The buzzer on the indicators is after-market. The pull-down strap for the roof is missing on this one making it difficult to close.

[@flitsertheo]

If you don't know it yet : the Airfix 1/32 scale model has been re-released as a "Vintage Classic" after 50 years of absence. I keep thinking of that Top gear episode where Jeremy Clarkson "tested" a 3-wheel car. As usual it didn't end well.

[@springholma75roadsafetycam6]

Looks very like the original engine has been replaced and upgraded with a mid 1980's Riato 850 high compression yellow top (soon dicontinued) and the associated gearbox with reverse gear back to the right. If its also had the same Rialto B ratio 2.75 axle added (also soon discontinued) then it will be very much faster top speed than the stock 700 as well as having a lot more bhp/torque on tap. I see it is also rebadged 850 though the V5c is still saying 700cc. Nice review. Nice trike.

[@fluffybadger9832]

There were also 4 White & 6 Lime Green versions produced for promotional purposes. A colleague of mine owned one in the late 70s but unfortunately someone set it alight one night!

[@asciimation]

The NACA style duct on the 'bonnet' always seemed optimistic to me!

[@andrewplumb6544]

It was not an ornament. It fed the radiator, the only airsource too

[@Rjhs001]

Very different car Steph that I've always loved the design of but I imagine driving the thing is, as you say, s bit of an acquired taste.

[@punkypete1074]

My uncle worked on these in the Preston factory. In fact the back of his house backed onto the Bond factory, so no excuses for being late for work lol. I vaguely remember him showing me round the factory, he was a foreman so had the keys to the factory gate; think I was about 8 or 9 at the time. Would love to own one, but alas I think the closest I'll get is an Airfix kit of one

[@markthompson62]

Never have Steph's words ' Drive safely' been more appropriate to her latest car, the Bond Bug! Terrifying being out on modern roads & in modern traffic in this!

[@mikemorley2797]

That was never my experience when I had mine, very direct steering and easy to drive.

[@michaellavery4899]

When I heard what you thought of the union flag, a like was always coming. Great video too though.😊

[@Phiyedough]

I still have the review of the Bug that was in the Meccano Magazine back in the day. I've always liked them but yes, they are probably quite impractical for regular use.

[@scotthaskins1264]

Bloody love the Union Flag 💪🇬🇧⚓️

[@RonaldThomas-j9g]

wonderful to see such a fun classic like the bond bug and it's a real shame that they never exported any around the world.

[@malcolmlane-ley2044]

I sat in a brand new one of these aged 11 in 1971 and thought it was really cool and aspirational, 5 years later I had a Sinclair Black Watch for my birthday; another really cool thing. I think it's hard to translate the feelings evoked by 70's innovative products to 2022 because microchips and digital weren't a part of life and an 11 year old now can't even imagine not having a games console and social networking

[@frglee]

The Bug wasn't particularly innovative in any sense, most of the mechanical aspects being very 1950s. But as a teenager myself in 1971, I can concur it certainly looked futuristic, exciting and different!

[@cornishhh]

Same here. IIRC they came out in 1970. I was eleven at the time and sat in one in Collins', the dealer in Truro. I'm sure I got any brochures I could lay my hands on too. I've got two model Bugs which I bought soon after; a Corgi Whizzwheels, and an Airfix kit which I built. They were two of the last toy cars I bought. Most of my other models had been given away by then, but I've still got the Bugs.

[@robblair3703]

Fantastic video Stephen. I love these cars. Great sense of fun