2001 Honda Insight Hybrid

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The Nethercutt Collection is one of America’s finest Automotive Museums and Collections, a masterpiece comprising over 250 perfectly restored American and European motor cars, along with a vast array of rare mechanical musical instruments and precious antique furniture. 

Maintaining a classic car collection of this size is never easy, and when it reaches the scale of our collection, it becomes increasingly more challenging. Our founder, J.B. Nethercutt said the following at age 91, “The recognition and preservation of beauty has been a major focus of my life. It would suit me well if what people remembered about me was, ‘Where he went, he left beauty behind.’” 

As a result, we have decided to part ways with a small group of cars from the collection and will do so in partnership with our friends at Hagerty Marketplace. Many of the cars we have decided to sell we have owned for in excess of 50 years, or have been in storage, not on display, or represent a tremendous opportunity as a restoration project. They are a compelling mix of pre-war examples that have been thoroughly well-cared for and that will easily find new caretakers who will undoubtedly cherish and use them as intended.  

As we say goodbye to this group of cars, we hope the occasion for their sale will introduce us to new collectors and enthusiasts, and we look forward to hosting you at the Museum and Collection in Sylmar, California, in the coming months, years and decades. 

 * * * 

 Honda offered the first-generation Insight gas-electric hybrid from1999-2006. It was based on the Honda JV-X concept car unveiled at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show and introduced to the Japanes market in November 1999. The Insight actually pioneered hybrid technology a year before the Toyota Prius debuted in America. It takes the title of the first hybrid car sold in the U.S.

The two-seat, two-door hatchback with an aerodynamic teardrop design is powered by a small gas engine and electric motor. Until 2015, it ranked as the most fuel-efficient car sold in America. The Insight featured optimized aerodynamics and a lightweight aluminum structure to maximize fuel efficiency and minimize emissions. Its wind-cheating design (complete with skirted rear-wheel openings) and light weight, helped it deliver outstanding fuel economy - an EPA-rated at 61 mpg city/68 mpg highway.

Its rival, the Toyota Prius, offered a conventional four-door sedan that was more practical in terms of occupant and cargo space. Toyota was able to produce much higher volumes which enabled it to quickly become the market leader. Honda discontinued the first-generation Insight after the 2006 model year. Three years later, an all-new four-door Insight debuted for 2010.

Highlights

• Offered from The Nethercutt Collection

• Automatic transmission

• Air conditioning

• Honda AM-FM Stereo/Cassette radio

• EPA rated 57 mpg City/56 mpg Highway (automatic transmission)

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report

Features

• Power windows/mirrors

• Rear window washer/wiper

• Reclining cloth bucket seats

• Front-wheel drive

• Digital instrument cluster

• Aluminum alloy wheels

• Rear fender skirts

• Day/night rear view mirror

• Original paint/no door dings

• Clear windshield and headlight lenses

• Stored inside

Known Imperfections

• Small rub through in carpet on driver’s side

• Scratch in left rear bumper

• Small nicks and chips in hood

Included

• Front and rear license plate carriers

• Books and window sticker

Ownership History

Donated by Mark Mathew Sterner, Sutherlin, Oregon (2009).

From Cameron Richards, Vice President of The Nethercutt Collection: “This little Honda was an impressive economical car when it debuted. It would make for a great affordable commuter car even with today's hybrids being offered.” 

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.

Contact: Donnie Gould Phone: 954.647.0779 email: dgould@hagerty.com