Bond is ‘breathtaking’

It dates from the same period, but few have such fond memories of this unlikely three-wheeler.

The Bond 875 Ranger van is one of only 17 left in the world, and was nursed back to health by Nick Scrivens, a partner at Whitnash garage Heathcote Auto Services.

It’s not exactly an E-type, and Mr Scrivens admits he only bought the van from its Kineton owner because he felt sorry for it.

Using parts from the Mk I Mini and the Hillman Imp as well as some they made themselves, garage staff replaced its Morris Minor Trafalgar blue paint with Jaguar Squadron blue.

If the shape seems familiar, it may be because Reliant - makers of the infamous Robin, - bought Preston-based Bond in 1970.

Fibreglass, and light enough to be driven with a motorcycle licence, Rangers were initially popular with florists, but the engine in the back ate into load space and its heat killed the flowers.

A quick spin to Wellesbourne revealed the three-wheeler was every bit as precarious on the open road as it looks. Mr Scrivens added: “I realised at one point I had stopped breathing.”