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Contact: Jeff
Morgan, Jeff.Morgan@iowa.gov,
(515) 281-3858
(DES
MOINES) – Automobiles designed to be
highly fuel efficient or powered by alternative energy
will go on display in “Running on Empty,”
a new exhibit that opens Friday at the State Historical
Museum.
“Running on Empty” showcases a 2006 Toyota
Prius Hybrid, a 1980 prototype called “The Brooklands”
developed by Michael Bogardus of Des Moines and a
1916 Milburn electric automobile owned by former Iowa
Governor George W. and Arletta Clark. The Toyota Prius
and funding for the exhibit are provided by Toyota
of Des Moines. Located at 600 E. Locust Street in
the heart of Des Moines’ Historic East Village,
the State Historical Museum is open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Monday-Saturday and Noon-4:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission
is free and open to the public.
“Iowa has seen many changes in transportation
during the last two centuries as the horse and buggy
slowly gave way to trains, automobiles and airplanes,”
said Anita Walker, director of the Iowa Department
of Cultural Affairs. “Now, the 21st century
brings the challenge of dwindling supplies and increasing
demand. Imaginative Iowans have embraced the challenges
of transportation in the past and are seeking new
ways to move us into the future.”
Toyota Prius Hybrid
For years, automakers have been trying to perfect
new ways to power cars. Alternatives have now made
it to the showroom floor and eager consumers are standing
in line to buy them. The Toyota Prius is one of the
first hybrid cars – powered by a combination
of gas and electricity – to gain popularity.
Its 60/51 City/Highway miles per gallon tops the EPA
Ratings of 2006 Model Gas/Electric Hybrid models.
Toyota began research into this gasoline-electric
hybrid in 1993 and started selling it in Japan in
1998. The car made its American debut in 2000, and
demand quickly eclipsed supply. Consumers waited months
for delivery of their new hybrid, often making the
purchase sight unseen. Driven by consumer enthusiasm,
supply is now catching up with demand, and manufacturers
are offering more variety, including SUVs.
Michael Bogardus Prototype – “The
Brooklands”
The gasoline shortages and rising oil prices of the
1970s encouraged Bogardus to design and construct
his own fuel efficient vehicle. He unveiled his prototype
in 1980 as a two passenger, three-wheeled economy
car. Powered by a 500cc Honda engine, it claimed high
gas mileage and a thrill to drive. Small and fuel
efficient, Bogardus had hoped to market the vehicle
to the fuel conscious public. But the 1980s brought
stability to the oil market and less opportunity for
the vehicle. “The Brooklands” is from
the Historical Museum’s permanent collection.
Milburn Electric Automobile
The 1916 Milburn Electric Brougham (Model 22) is
an example of a successful electric car of the early
20th century. It has rechargeable batteries and could
reach speeds of 15 miles per hour for up to 4 hours
on a single charge. Built in Toledo, Ohio, between
1915 and 1923, the Milburn provided the city dweller
with a viable option to the gasoline engine.
Gov. Clark purchased the used vehicle in 1918 when
he left office and returned to Adel, Iowa. The Governor
did not enjoy driving and the Milburn rapidly became
Arletta’s pride and joy. She drove the car for
the next 23 years, until 1941, when it was presented
to the State Historical Society of Iowa.
“It’s the ideal car for a lady to drive,”
Arletta Clark said in 1941. “It is very easy
to drive and completely silent. I have had a great
deal of enjoyment, using it for shopping and making
calls.”
The State Historical Society of Iowa is a trustee
of Iowa’s historical legacy and an advocate
for understanding Iowa’s past. It identifies,
records, collects, preserves, manages and provides
access to Iowa’s historical resources. Its dual
mission of preservation and education serves Iowans
of all ages, conducts and stimulates research, disseminates
information, and encourages and supports historical
preservation and education efforts of others throughout
the state. Please visit www.iowahistory.org
or call 515-281-5111 for more information.
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