2000 Honda Insight 5-Speed

2000 Honda Insight 5-Speed offered at online auction by Repo Vehicle Holdings. Bank-sourced car with a clear title, VIN history report, no buyer fees and a 30-day return window. Open bidding with the full bid history visible.

This 2000 Honda Insight is said to have been used for testing by Ford Motor Company before it was utilized as a tow vehicle for Electrathon racer Michael Lewis’ record-setting electric race car and remained in his care for over two decades. Refinished in copper with fading gray side panels, the car is powered by a 1.0-liter inline-three and an electric motor paired with a five-speed manual transaxle. It rides on 14″ alloy wheels and is further equipped with rear wheel skirts, automatic climate control, a cassette stereo, and power windows. Service since 2020 involved replacing the hybrid battery pack and starter.

Michael Lewis set a national Electrathon record at New Hampshire International Speedway in October 2006 by driving his custom-built electric racecar 53 miles in one hour using just one kilowatt-hour of energy. He later beat his own record with a 62-mile run at the Ford Michigan Proving Ground in August 2009. This Insight was used by Lewis as a tow vehicle for his custom enclosed trailer and is shown above at the Bonneville Salt Flats, where the electric racer achieved a top speed of 100-mph over a standing mile in October 2008.

The Insight weighed just under 1,900 pounds in stock form due to its aluminum structure and compact size. The rear track was 4.3″ narrower than the front, allowing for tapered bodywork with a drag coefficient of 0.25. This example was finished from the factory in Formula Red and was repainted copper with fading gray side panels in 2007. Equipment includes removable aerodynamic rear wheel skirts, black rear lower body trim, and a rear window wiper. Chipped paint below the right quarter panel is noted.

The 14″ alloy wheels are wrapped in 185/65 General Altimax RT43 tires. Anti-lock braking is provided by front discs and rear drums.