The Amphicar is an amphibious vehicle, designed by Hanns Trippel and manufactured by the Quandt Group in Lübeck and Berlin-Borsigwalde. The Amphicar was designed to be marketed and sold in the USA; compared to most boats or cars, its performance was modest, resulting in less than 4000 being produced between 1961 and 1968. Nevertheless, it is still among the most successful amphibious civilian autos of all time, and is still often prized and preserved as a novelty collectible automobile today. From the front the appearance of the undersurface is slightly pointed and sharply cut away; the wheels are set low, ensuring that the vehicle stands well above ground level when on dry land. Front and rear bumpers are placed low on the body panels and the water propulsion is provided by twin propellers mounted under the rear bumper. Power was supplied by the 1147cc engine from the Triumph Herald; the Amphicar engine had a power output of 43hp. Referred to as the 'Model 770', the Amphicar could achieve speeds of 7 knots in the water and 70 mph on land. Only 99 righthand drive models were ever built and this is believed to be one of less than 20 survivors. Originally registered in 1965, although not in the UK, the car was registered on a 'Y' registration in 1982; the previous owner was the French born restaurateur, Didier Milinaire (stepson of the 13 th Duke of Bedford), who caused quite a stir when he appeared at Henley Regatta in the car. Press cuttings are available of this adventure, together with additional aquatic outings, in an album supplied with the car. Finished in regatta red with cream trim and supplied with a V5 document, she is in need of a little time and investment. Having not been afloat for sometime, any new owner would be advised to have the Amphicar thoroughly checked for use on both water and land. A very interesting project and one that, I'm sure, will result in lots of unique memories. One owner was quoted as saying ""We like to think of it as the fastest car on the water and the fastest boat on the road.""
The Amphicar is an amphibious vehicle, designed by Hanns Trippel and manufactured by the Quandt Group in Lübeck and Berlin-Borsigwalde. The Amphicar was designed to be marketed and sold in the USA; compared to most boats or cars, its performance was modest, resulting in less than 4000 being produced between 1961 and 1968. Nevertheless, it is still among the most successful amphibious civilian autos of all time, and is still often prized and preserved as a novelty collectible automobile today. From the front the appearance of the undersurface is slightly pointed and sharply cut away; the wheels are set low, ensuring that the vehicle stands well above ground level when on dry land. Front and rear bumpers are placed low on the body panels and the water propulsion is provided by twin propellers mounted under the rear bumper. Power was supplied by the 1147cc engine from the Triumph Herald; the Amphicar engine had a power output of 43hp. Referred to as the 'Model 770', the Amphicar could achieve speeds of 7 knots in the water and 70 mph on land. Only 99 righthand drive models were ever built and this is believed to be one of less than 20 survivors. Originally registered in 1965, although not in the UK, the car was registered on a 'Y' registration in 1982; the previous owner was the French born restaurateur, Didier Milinaire (stepson of the 13 th Duke of Bedford), who caused quite a stir when he appeared at Henley Regatta in the car. Press cuttings are available of this adventure, together with additional aquatic outings, in an album supplied with the car. Finished in regatta red with cream trim and supplied with a V5 document, she is in need of a little time and investment. Having not been afloat for sometime, any new owner would be advised to have the Amphicar thoroughly checked for use on both water and land. A very interesting project and one that, I'm sure, will result in lots of unique memories. One owner was quoted as saying ""We like to think of it as the fastest car on the water and the fastest boat on the road.""
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
