SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer: Sharp’s Commercials

Origin: Preston, England

Production: N/A

Motor: Villiers 1-cyl, 2-stroke

Displacement: 197 cc

Power: 9 hp

Length: 9 ft. 10 in.

Identification No. 1814038DF

In May 1956, an improved version of the Bond Minicar was announced. Despite the fact that it looked like the previous model, it was considered different enough to warrant a new designation. As was typical of Bond, the transition was not sharply defined and most of the D features (for example the Type II kite-shaped grille) had already been seen on the Mk C De-Luxe.

The Mark D would become the most popular of the Bond Minicars, in part aided by the Suez Crisis, which caused a steep rise in gas prices, and soon after, the re-introduction of gas rationing. But it was also popular because of the 12% increase in power of the new Villiers 9E motor, which provided better acceleration, better hill-climbing ability, and a higher top speed. An electrical reverse via the Dynastart was available as a De-Luxe option from October 1956 on.

Four models were available: the Standard and De-Luxe Tourer with a bench seat only and the Standard and De-Luxe Family with sideways hammock-style rear seats. Fiberglass hardtops were available for all models. It was so popular that it caused the production of the new Mk E to be postponed for an entire year. Here is a representative example in red, complete with its side-screens and cabriolet top.