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A few days ago, Simon took his Equipe 2-Litre Mk. II Convertible for its first drive out after about ten years of being off the road. It is the sort of car that virtually demands that its hood be lowered, even in February, and a genuinely individualistic machine – even if too few people recognise it as a Bond. Mr. Fixter remarks while ‘everyone seems to like it’; members of the public tend to mistake it for ‘an obscure Alvis, Bristol or Jensen’.

The original Equipe GT made its bow in 1963 and was essentially a Herald with Bond’s GRP coupe bodywork. Triumph sold Bond’s first four-wheeled car through its dealer network, complete with a full warranty. The Preston firm also considered building a Vitesse-powered version but instead decided on a far more ambitious project. Their eventual 2-Litre would employ the 1,998cc engine while the bodywork would feature a raked windscreen and custom pressed door skins.

Bond introduced the Equipe 2-Litre in August 1967, and Motor observed, ‘As a dressed-up Vitesse, the Bond’s disguise is a particularly good one’. It was a fair observation that highlighted the Preston firm’s ambition and how the new model established a separate identity from its Triumph parent. It was a very viable proposition for the GT6 driver who now required four seats (or at least 2+2) but who regarded the Vitesse’s looks as slightly dated.

To quote that Motor report, the Bond coachwork changed not only the Triumph’s appearance but its role and character as well. The Equipe 2-Litre also appealed to the chap or chapess who regarded the latest Sunbeam Rapier “Arrow” as too middle-aged and prospective MGB GT buyers who craved six-cylinder power. It also looked undeniably svelte - the sort of car for an ITC hero. Meanwhile, Bond’s publicity pointed out, ‘Sorry – no ejector seat!’.

In the autumn of 1968, Bond introduced the 2-Litre Mk. II, which featured the improved engine and suspension of the second-generation Vitesse. There was also an extremely desirable convertible version, complete with a flush-fitting hood. At £1277 6s 1d, the open-topped Equipe was expensive, but many owners thought its looks worth every penny. And indeed, YBJ 928 G does convey a rather Carnaby Street image.

Reliant acquired Bond in February 1969, but the new management at the British Leyland Motor Corporation brought an end to the distribution agreement with Triumph dealerships. The result was the end to any plans for a 2-Litre Mk. III and the final Equipe left the production lines in August 1970.

Nearly 51 years later, YBJ serves as a reminder of Bond’s sense of ambition. The 2-Litre Convertible is handsome, carefully planned and truly individualist. And if some people do not recognise the marque name, they certainly respond to Equipe’s undoubted charisma.

With Thanks To:  Simon Fixter

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