Highlights
- Reportedly working well on the road and afloat
- Presented in fantastic mechanical and cosmetic order
- Only used in freshwater
- Videos of car in the water here: https://youtu.be/lmGIquIyfFI and here https://youtu.be/lmGIquIyfFI
The Appeal
It’s a boat… it’s a car… it’s an Amphicar!
Tired of towing your boat around? Perhaps you live on a floodplain? Well, we have just the vehicle you’re after.
The brainchild of inventor Hans Trippel and manufactured by the Quandt Group in West Germany, the Amphicar was intended to be the first mass-produced amphibious vehicle that the public could buy. Claimed by its creator to be capable of 7 knots on water and 70 mph on land, it was marketed as the Amphicar 770.
If you fancy something truly bizarre for your collection, or else have a very specific set of vehicular needs, be sure not to miss this charming example, which the vendor informs us performs impeccably on both land and water.
The History and Paperwork
- Acquired by the vendor in Holland and subsequently imported to the UK in 2020
- We’re informed that it has only been used in freshwater
- Demonstrated to the vendor in Holland and it has also been used successfully on land and on the water in the UK
- Accompanied by UK import and NOVA clearance documentation
- Exempt from road tax and MOT testing
- Dutch registration paperwork present
- There’s a collection of reference material including diagrams and photographs from various forums
- A copy of the original owner’s manual is included
- There’s also a copy of Classic Auto Restorer from 1997 which includes a feature on Amphicars
The Interior
- Plush, quintessentially ‘60s interior
- Surprisingly conventional, besides the dashboard-mounted compass
- Presented in very good condition
Behind the wheel or should we say helm, the Amphicar feels surprisingly conventional, making the feeling of entering the water for the first time, just that bit more bizarre than you would even imagine. The gimbal compass and warning sticker on the glove box lid are the only nods to the Amphicar’s aquatic nature, which we find to be rather fun. The layout of the controls will be familiar to most motorists and there are even such period conveniences as a stereo and a clock.
The two-tone vinyl upholstery adds a nice contrast to the flourishes of aquamarine metalwork and there’s a generally lighthearted and jolly feel to the cabin. It’s not a vehicle that should, or is indeed likely to be taken seriously, and the interior reflects that in our view. There’s not much wear to be seen anywhere. The upholstery remains bright and relatively crease-free and the floors are covered in rubber matting - a sensible choice for a car that’s exposed to water.
The Exterior
- Mild steel construction
- Reportedly remains watertight
- Attractive aquamarine paintwork
Taking styling cues from contemporary cars and boats, the Amphicar is a very curious machine to behold, and it frankly looks like something International Rescue would launch from inside Thunderbird Two.
There are two propellers protruding from under the back or stern, as well as boat-like rub rails along the sides / gunwales and bumperettes in the style of stainless steel railings. It looks to be in excellent condition for its age, with few blemishes to speak of. The white cabriolet roof looks really smart and we understand it to be in good working order.
The vendor informs us that the hull is watertight as all the seals are in great shape. It sits upon dainty steel wheels shod with whitewall tyres and wearing hubcaps.
The Mechanics
- Powered by a 1198cc Triumph inline-four
- Four-speed manual gearbox (on land)
- Twin-screw shaft propulsion (on water)
- The front wheels act as a rudder on the water
- The wheels and propellers can be engaged independently or together to aid with launch and recovery
The vendor informs us that the Amphicar lives up to its name and is competent on land and on water. Everything looks very smart under the bonnet, and we’re told that the Triumph engine runs really smoothly with no issues to report.
The handling can take some getting used to on the road and afloat, but try crossing the English Channel in your Ferrari - something a pair of Amphicars successfully managed in 1965.
Summary
It’s wonderful that this Amphicar is still used as its maker intended, and we’re sure the next owner will really enjoy it.
It isn’t often you get the chance to acquire an amphibious vehicle, let alone one so stylish and well presented.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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