Description
NOW SOLD
Own a piece of motoring history — the first hybrid to be sold in the UK & US.
The car is a genuine UK-registered 2001, 5-speed manual, with a mileage of 194, 000, MoT to June 2024, and yellow/ green colour.
Within the last year it has had new front tyres, a new Honda 12V battery, catalytic converter, and new rear-axle sub-frame bushes. It drives well, but requires some attention in terms of various error messages coming and going — mainly to do with charging either the 12V or IMA batteries — although it works well once charged with the usual Peter Perkins routine via the grid charger.
There is virtually a full history over the last sixteen years where it has been used as a normal car and would be easy to return to a show condition. At the moment, it does have the normal scuffs, scrapes, and small electrolytic imperfections that one would reasonably expect of a car of this age, but being aluminium it does not have any noticeable rusting or dents with the exception of the rear plastic under-bumper (see photograph).
During the ownership of the previous owner the car had a refurbished gearbox fitted that cured the common bearing and second-gear synchromesh problems, new up-rated rear springs, headlights, and a refurbished IMA battery.
Other than cosmetic improvements, outstanding jobs would be curing the charging issues, which I am sure would be the fitting of a new IMA battery, and small issues such as replacing the float/ sensor in the fuel tank. As I have never experienced less than 70–80 mpg, keeping an eye on the fuel gauge has never seemed that pressing a job. If I did not have two other classic cars calling on my time, I should most definitely keep this one as it is so interesting and a pleasure to drive, not to mention how kind it is to both the planet and one’s pocket!
Unlike imported versions, this Insight benefits from no vehicle tax and is compliant with all the current Ultra-Low Emission Zone regulations.
