Author Topic: Fiat 126-powered Bond Bug on eBay - with warning  (Read 1792 times)

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drcdb15

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Fiat 126-powered Bond Bug on eBay - with warning
« on: March 12, 2019, 11:27:34 AM »
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/bond-bug-fiat-126-classic-conversion-self-steer-towing-for-camper-vans-rebuilt/382834222869?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D56924%26meid%3Dc19dc9b89e4949ababa5e8a84d26f259%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D15%26sd%3D382834222869%26itm%3D382834222869&_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3A1e84ea60-44b4-11e9-ace3-74dbd1802d22%7Cparentrq%3A7182f1aa1690a88aef68fb1cffebcc1d%7Ciid%3A1

Don't quite know what to say about this  :P  Possibly the most unexpected engine swap I've ever encountered, though it obviously made sense for the builder to pull behind his camper. How he has avoided a Q-plate with a modified chassis, and engine, and body I don't know. Might be prudent to check with DVLA before buying ...

SERIOUS NOTE TO PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS:
If anyone really IS considering buying this car with a view to towing it behind a camper van etc, be aware that, as I understand it, this set-up would be treated as a braked trailer, and therefore - regardless of the old 750Kg limit - the brakes on the car will need to operate when the towing vehicle brakes operate. It is not enough that the brake LIGHTS come on, the law now requires that ALL of the brakes on the trailer are physically applied too. I cannot see anything in this advert to suggest that such a linkage has been fitted, and if it has not then towing this car will certainly invalidate your insurance. Be warned.



1973/126

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Re: Fiat 126-powered Bond Bug on eBay - with warning
« Reply #1 on: March 12, 2019, 02:42:36 PM »
 Looks a bit back end heavy to me. Shame the engine is not actually in the car ;D
1972 Fiat 500
1980 Fiat 126

drcdb15

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Re: Fiat 126-powered Bond Bug on eBay - with warning
« Reply #2 on: March 14, 2019, 11:06:35 AM »
As I suspected, it looks as though the changes to this car have not been reported to DVLA which still shows it as orange.

 DOJ849K BOND BUG 700 E

Check another vehicle
Colour Orange
Fuel type Petrol
Date registered 1 July 1971
MOT expired on 10 July 2012

Quite how it will get an MoT now I don't know. Any application to register it as MoT exempt due to age will I think neceesarily require an untrue declaration as to condition, and as soon as any modifcation is declared then Q-plate looms, and once you get a Q plate there is no escape ever from tax and MoT (I have two such cars, and believe me I've looked at this in some detail !). Of course, failure to declare and untrue declarations will also invalidate insurance.

Gadge

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Re: Fiat 126-powered Bond Bug on eBay - with warning
« Reply #3 on: March 14, 2019, 07:27:20 PM »
Surley the original 4 cylinder engine that it came with would've been a better option than a 126 engine??
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