 Bug production started in February and completed
cars started to come off the production line during
w/e 20th March in preparation for the launch in June.
The first 17 vehicles were all to 700E specification.
A distinctive, wedge-shaped two-seater with
a glass fibre body and a canopy hinged forwards of the windscreen. This was mounted onto a pressed
steel, box section chassis having tubular braced cross
members. The 700 cc Reliant engine, forward mounted,
drove the rear wheels through a 4 speed/reverse gearbox.
There was a front leading arm and rear trailing link
suspension with coil springs/damper units, 7" hydraulic
brakes, 10" steel wheels and 12 volt electrics
for lighting and starting.
Length 9' 2", width 4' 7" and height
4' 2".
Colours available: Tangerine with Black interior
trim.
Bug 700
This was planned to be the base model. It
was to be sold without any sort of refinements or luxuries.
The hinged canopy had to be held open with a simple
prop arrangement and sidescreens were not part of the
specification (but could be ordered as an “extra.”).
Launch price including purchase tax was £548 0s
4d (£548.02p).
Bug 700E 
This was a deluxe version of the 700 with
sidescreens, heater, a telescopic canopy damper, canopy
lock, polished hub caps, chrome glazing rubber trim,
drivers sun visor and an interior light! - but the spare
wheel still had to be ordered as an “extra.” Price £579
7s 0d (£579.35p)
Bug 700ES
The same as the 700E but with a higher compression
engine, Decathlon low profile tyres, spare wheel, rubber
front bumper, wing mirrors, mud flaps and several other
“extra’s” such as headrests, side and centre seat supports,
twin horns, “Formula 1” steering wheel, etc. Price £628
19s 2d (£628.96p).
Seat belts could be specified for all models
for an extra £6 10s 7d (£6.53p) whilst Aluminium
cast wheels were available for all versions as a Factory
fitted option at £12 8s 0d (£12.40p) |
