Amphicar
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Amphicar was the only amphibious automobile ever mass-produced for sale to the public. The German vehicle was designed by Hanns Trippel, creator of the war-time Schwimmwagen and manufactured by the Quandt Group at Lübeck and at Berlin-Borsigwalde. Its name is a combination of "amphibious" and "car".
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[edit] Performance
The powerplant was the 1.1 L (1147 cc/69 in³) engine from the British Triumph Herald. This engine predated the Triumph Slant-4, which was also found in the early SAAB 99. It comes with a power output of 43 hp (32 kW) at 4750 rpm. Called the "Model 770", the Amphicar could achieve speeds of 7 knots in the water and 70 mph (113 km/h) on land. Nevertheless, some would comment that it wasn't a very good car and not a very good boat either because of this modest performance in or out of water.
[edit] History
Production started in 1961, after 1963, cars were assembled from the parts which had been supplied for the over-estimated sales of 20,000 per year, and production ended in 1968. Most cars were sold in the United States. Cars were sold in the UK from 1964. Total production was 3,878 vehicles before the company folded.
[edit] Driveability
Although perhaps somewhat underpowered by modern standards, and even described by some period reviewers of the 60s as "neither a great car nor a great boat," a well maintained Amphicar can be a remarkably agile and pleasant vehicle to drive on both land and water. The fact that such a high proportion, estimated at approx. 1,000, still exist more than forty years later of the 3,878 produced must itself serve as a testament to their very high initial production quality, and of the lengths that many owners will go to maintain and restore these beloved vehicles.
[edit] Amphicar shows
During the fourth week in July, Amphicar owners convene at Grand Lake St. Marys in western Ohio. These events are called Swim-ins [1], and are designed to give owners a chance to interact with one another.
[edit] Auction
A mint example fetched $115K plus 8% buyers premium in Scottsdale in 2006 at an auction.
