The car was designed by Tom Karen of Ogle Design for bonds new owners Reliant. It was a wedge-shaped microcar, with a lift-up canopy and side screens instead of conventional doors. The Bond Bug was based on Chief Engineer John Crosthwaite's newly designed chassis and some Reliant Regal running gear. The original concept was explored by chopping down a production Regal vehicle. This prototype could be seen, abandoned, in the yard at Tamworth, for many years later. The car enjoyed an upbeat launch, at which Reliant's Ray Wiggin stated: