Amphicar 770 (1963)

Uitrusting & opties

• ✓– Beach White
• ✓– Lagoon Blue
• ✓– Fjord Green
• ✓– Classic Regatta Red
• ✓– The President’s Analyst
• ✓– Inspector Clouseau
• ✓– Savannah Smiles
• ✓– Pontiac Moon

Omschrijving

Designed by legendary engineer Hanns Trippel Manufactured in Germany (Lübeck & Berlin-Borsigwalde) Descendant of the iconic Volkswagen Schwimmwagen A rare fusion of engineering ambition, playful spirit, and unmistakable 1960s charm Fresh, high-quality restoration Capable of 70 mph on land / 7 mph on water Extremely eye-catching, draws more attention than many supercars Experts and enthusiasts estimate that around 500–600 Amphicars still exist today Rare original factory color combination, Fjord Green examples are generally considered among the rarer survivors We could reasonably estimate just a few dozen Fjord Green Amphicars still exist worldwide today, possibly 20–50+, but there’s no definitive registry confirming an exact number Just stop for a moment and think about reaching your destination by road, enjoy a relaxing boat excursion on the water, and then simply drive back home. Afterwards, you can even take it to a regular car wash, just as you would with any normal car The Amphicar Model 770 is a truly unique amphibious automobile, launched at the 1961 New York Auto Show. Manufactured in Germany and marketed primarily in the United States between 1961 and 1967 (with production ending in 1965), it remains one of the most fascinating vehicles ever built. Designed by German engineer Hanns Trippel, the Amphicar was produced by the Quandt Group in Lübeck and Berlin-Borsigwalde. Only 3,878 examples were manufactured in a single generation, making it highly collectible today. A spiritual successor to the WWII-era Volkswagen Schwimmwagen, the Amphicar delivered modest performance compared to conventional cars or boats of its time. However, what it lacked in speed, it more than made up for in innovation and character. The name “Amphicar” is a combination of “amphibious” and “car.” The model designation “770” reflects its performance capabilities: 7 mph in the water and 70 mph on land. In the water, a simple lever switches the drivetrain from rear-wheel drive to twin rear-mounted propellers. The front wheels provide steering both on land and in the water. Model 770s were offered in only four factory colors: – Beach White – Lagoon Blue – Fjord Green – Classic Regatta Red Constructed from mild steel, the Amphicar features twin propellers mounted beneath the rear bumper for water propulsion. The engine is mounted at the rear, driving the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual transmission. For water use, the same engine powers two reversible propellers via a secondary gear lever that engages forward or reverse thrust. Once afloat, the main gear lever is typically left in neutral. When exiting the water via a boat ramp, engaging first gear together with the propeller drive allows the Amphicar to propel itself smoothly back onto land. Power comes from a 1,147 cc engine derived from the Triumph Herald 1200. At the time of its introduction in 1961, this engine was considered state-of-the-art, offering a strong balance of performance, weight, cooling efficiency, and reliability. Updated versions of this engine continued in production in the Triumph Spitfire until 1980. In Popular Culture: The Amphicar has enjoyed a colorful history: – In 1965, two Amphicars successfully navigated the Yukon River in Alaska. – In 1968, two crossed the English Channel, enduring 20-foot waves and gale-force winds. – In the late 1970s, Howard Singer sailed an Amphicar from mainland California to Catalina Island. The Amphicar also appeared in several films, including: – The President’s Analyst – Inspector Clouseau – Savannah Smiles – Pontiac Moon U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson famously owned an Amphicar. Known for his sense of humor, he reportedly delighted in driving guests downhill at his Texas ranch straight into a lake while pretending the brakes had failed. Today, visitors to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World can still experience a ride in an Amphicar, piloted across the water.