Glasgow Museums takes delivery of rare Honda Insight MK1 Hybrid Car

Glasgow Museums has taken delivery of the youngest car in its collection, a rare Honda Insight Mk1 from 2000!

Article Source: Glasgow Museums
Last Updated: 27 June 2016 21:22

It is one of only 239 Mk1s sold in the UK and the first hybrid car to be acquired for the city’s renowned transport and travel collection. Described as ‘the blueprint for contemporary hybrids’ the Honda Insight enables Glasgow Museums to tell the story of the emergence of electric vehicles and environmentally friendly transport.

The car was donated by Charles Collins from Braco near Dunblane, who purchased the red, two-seater coupe in 2009. Charles was commuting 120 miles per day, which led him to search out a fuel efficient car with a small engine. He found it in the Honda Insight, which offered 83.1 miles per gallon in combined urban/ extra urban driving conditions.

Charles Collins recalls his first experience of the car: “I felt like I was in some kind of car from the future, like in Minority Report. On leaving the garage the first thing I noticed was how responsive the acceleration was, due to the electric battery located at the back of the car. The second was how silent it was, there is very little engine noise, which made it far more enjoyable to drive.

“It’s a real head-turner. It always provokes a reaction. I’m not sure why, perhaps because of the unique shape and having the rear wheels covered. Not all attention has been good though, you do get the odd white van man passing, whilst laughing with his work mates!”

“I’m really pleased to have donated the car – it feels like the future has now become a part of history.”

Curator of transport and technology with Glasgow Museums, Neil Johnson-Symington and Jacek Wiklo, transport and technology conservator with Glasgow Museums took delivery of the Honda Insight at Glasgow Museums Resource Centre.

Chair of Glasgow Life, Councillor Archie Graham, said: “We are very grateful to Charles for his generous donation to the city’s collection.

“The car has arrived at Glasgow Museum Resource Centre, where the public can see it on one of our pre-booked transport tours. We are working on a new display for Riverside, Scotland’s museum of transport and travel. In time this striking and technologically significant car will be the centre piece of an exhibition reflecting the changes in 21st century car design, which take more account of important environmental considerations.”

Classic & Sports Car magazine recently described the Honda Insight as “a testbed for new technology” due to its weight-saving aluminium body shell, aerodynamic coupe design, auto engine cut-off and the combined power of a small 990cc petrol engine with an integrated electric motor/generator – the IMA, integrated motor assist.

Although Honda made a financial loss with the development of the Insight, it is widely accepted they paved the way for the creation of the mainstream hybrid cars popular today. Indeed, an article in the Daily Telegraph in 2014, entitled ‘Classic Green Cars’ commented that the Insight was “ahead of its time… and can be seen as a blueprint for contemporary hybrids.”

Riverside Museum shows off the breadth of Glasgow’s world-class travel and transport collection through its multidisciplinary story displays. Glasgow Museums aim to ensure exhibitions and displays reflect the past, present and future. This acquisition will afford curators the opportunity to create a display examining car manufacturers’ shift towards developing and promoting alternative energy vehicles, just like this Mk1 Honda Insight.

Glasgow Museums Resource Centre is a vast store for all Glasgow Museums collection not on show in any of the city’s eight museums. The 4 star VisitScotland attraction, which enjoys a 5 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor, houses in excess of 800,000 fantastic objects, from animals to armour, fine art to fossils, and much, much more. GMRC is a modern, purpose built and most importantly publically accessible building. The public are required to pre-book onto an organised tour to explore and enjoy the museum store.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Rollers Forever announces cast for tartan clad musical celebrating Bay City Rollers fans

The full cast has been revealed for Rollers Forever - the brand-new musical featuring the songs of the legendary Bay City Rollers - opening at the Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow next month.

Bombay cafe Dishoom confirms first Glasgow location ahead of opening next month

One of the UK's best-loved restaurants is finally opening in Glasgow next month with plans to bring their iconic dishes to the city centre.

Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition has officially opened its doors at SEC Glasgow, following a sell out 14 week run in London

This award-winning exhibition welcomes visitors for an extraordinary journey through Ancient Egypt, exploring the myths and mysteries surrounding Pharaoh Tutankhamun.

Renowned wellness expert brings spiritual guidance to Glasgow as part of exclusive residency at Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel and Spa

One of the UK's most sought-after wellness and healing experts is bringing her modern approach to traditional spiritual practices to Glasgow city centre.

Five fascinating historic facts about Scone Palace... the crowning place of kings

Scone Palace isn't just a beautiful day out, it's one of Scotland's most iconic historic sites, steeped in royal tradition, political intrigue and centuries of national significance.

Sam Ryder puts live music on tap with the Biggest Pub Gig Ever

Greene King Pubs has appointed Sam Ryder as its 'Head of Gigs' in a bid to get the UK rocking, by increasing access to live music and finding the country's best grassroots talent this summer.

Glasgow invited to celebrate as Citizens Theatre reopens with Homecoming Festival

A community procession in the Gorbals on Saturday 23rd August will officially reopen the Citizens Theatre, launching a season of Homecoming celebrations!

The Sweetest Berry Spots in Scotland this Summer

For those looking for something to fill their summer days, couples, kids, and everyone in between, these spots are perfect for picking Scotland’s most delicious berries.

Over three thousand people visited the annual Alexandra Park Festival Day

There was a great turnout in the sunshine and showers at this year's Alexandra Park Festival Day at the weekend!

GO Radio Football Show returns with major exclusive

The GO Radio Football Show returns today, from 5–7pm, with a blockbuster exclusive: Barry Ferguson breaks his silence for the first time on his three-month spell in charge at Rangers.

Common Tongue returns to Scottish stages with autumn tour

Common Tongue by Fraser Scott is to tour Scotland this autumn with a fourteen date tour in September and October.

Nintendo themed pottery night comes to Glasgow arcade

Level up your midweek plans: The Craft Pottery is hosting a Nintendo-themed pottery night at Glasgow arcade bar, Game Over on Wednesday 23 July from 7–9pm.

Ride your way to a free BBQ feast!

For one day only on Thursday 24th July, Maggie's Rock n Rodeo is calling on Glasgow's bravest diners to saddle up and ride their way to a free BBQ feast.

Foodies Festival, the biggest touring celebrity food & music festival in the UK, returns to Scotland next month

The UK's biggest touring celebrity food & music festival celebrates its 20th year - announcing star-studded line-ups and exciting new features in Edinburgh and Glasgow!

New opening: The Delphine is set to launch in Princes Square

The Delphine, an all-day bistro, cafè and bar is due to open this August, in Glasgow's iconic Princes Square.

Outlander actor to star as Hercule Poirot in Death on the Nile at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

Mark Hadfield will star as Agatha Christie's famous Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, in Lucy Bailey's new production of Death on the Nile coming to the Theatre Royal in February!

Glasgow and Lanarkshire charities to receive funding to help put a stop to child poverty in Scotland

Three Glasgow and Lanarkshire based children's charities have been named among 11 Scottish organisations as partners of STV Children's Appeal's newly launched Ignite Fund.

First look: SiSi teases scene stealing mural and striking skyline views with opening on the horizon

SíSí Rooftop, a new restaurant and bar, has unveiled a first look inside its stunning eighth-floor space ahead of its opening in Glasgow's Merchant City on Friday, 1 August.

Grow Your Own flowers, fruits, and veg at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Grow Your Own workshop this August, where attendees will learn top tips for growing fruit, vegetables and flowers at home.

Glastonbury Stars heading for Milngavie Street Party

Iconic drum and base duo Fabio and Grooverider, actor and DJ Craig Charles and Mercury Music Prize nominees Corto Alto will all be performing at the biggest Milngavie Street Party yet!

Bringing American southern soul to the Southside of Glasgow... Birds launches Brunch

'Brunch at Birds' will be available every Saturday and Sunday from 11am–3pm, bringing a dose of laid-back, American-style indulgence to the Southside.

Gnoss release stirring new single Emily ahead of international festival run

Acclaimed Scottish folk four-piece Gnoss are back with a brand-new single ‘Emily’ set for release on Friday 25th July!

Local treasures revealed ahead of Archaeology Day at the National Museum of Rural Life

Treasure Trove Scotland are inviting members of the public to bring their finds to be assessed as part of a family-friendly Archaeology Day at the National Museum of Rural Life.

Can you fling a piece oot a 20 storey flat... this Glasgow business wants to find out

To mark its 150th anniversary, Dunns Food and Drinks is launching The Great Dunns Piece Fling, a search for a high-rise flat to test the lyric 'ye cannae fling pieces oot a twenty-storey flat'!

Summer offers from the Kings and Theatre Royal Glasgow

ATG Entertainment launches their Summer Saver campaign with discounted tickets to over 100 shows including several at the King's Theatre and Theatre Royal in Glasgow!

Matthew Algie and Tinderbox launch limited edition menu in support of Beatson Cancer Charity

Tinderbox and Glasgow roaster Matthew Algie have teamed up with Beatson Cancer Charity for the second year running – and this time, the menu’s three times bigger.

Dinosaur Day at Dobbies

Children attending Dobbies Little Seedlings Club will get the chance to travel back hundreds of millions of years to learn about prehistoric plants and talk about their favourite dinosaurs!

Elements announces the return of its signature 444 lunch and cocktail experience to celebrate its first birthday

Elements, the celebrated fine-dining restaurant in Bearsden, has announced the highly anticipated return of its signature 4/4/4 cocktail lunch offer, now featuring a brand-new selection of cocktails.