Uploads from Photon Trapper Productions

Currently Playing: Flinders University, Adelaide - Electric Car "Investigator I"

I found this clip on a half inch video tape which came with a National NV-3082 reel to reel video tape recorder which I bought in an electronic recycling shop many years ago. The recording format of the VTR is EIAJ-1. Since uploading, I have discovered more of the story surrounding this car thanks to Neville and Judith Watts. Neville is a member of the South Australian Branch of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association. In the words of Neville and Judith: "Electric vehicle development contributed to our decision to move to South Australia from Tasmania in 1978. At that time the Flinders University Electric Vehicle Development major project was Investigator I. (The vehicle in your YouTube video) Investigator II was their next project vehicle. This was a new red Fiat 127 which was chosen for suitability for conversion. The Electric Vehicle Exposition Adelaide, August 26-29, 1980 was held at Flinders University. Delegates from interstate and overseas attended. The conference days were extended two extra days from the four originally planned such was the interest of delegates for further discussion. There was interest from the public and the press. The Investigator I was loaned to the Birdwood Museum prior to EXPO 1980... ...Neville's Electric Vehicle Association interest was ongoing (self funded). Investigator II (Fiat 127) later joined Investigator I at the Birdwood Mill Museum, also on loan. In 1986 we were made aware through South Australian AEVA that thevehicles Investigator I and Investigator II were to be put to government tender. Concerned that this EV history might be lost to South Australia we tendered. One tender for each vehicle so we might at least gain one of the two. The tender process resulted in our purchase of both vehicles... ...In 2013, now retired, we downsized and moved to Encounter Bay. Due to lack of garage space gave Investigator I into the care of a member of the South Australian Branch Australian Electric Vehicle Association. He had been searching for the Investigator I for years. Investigator I was included in the South Australian AEVA Electric Vehicle display at Elder Park in Adelaide 23 October 2016. The red Fiat 127, Investigator II, and EV Collection remains in our ownership. This EV is a credit to the foresight and dedication of those who worked on this development so many years ago."