1965 Amphicar Model 770 Cabriolet

1,147cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
43bhp at 4,750rpm
4-Speed Synchronized Manual Transmission
Single Speed With Reverse Water Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Waterproof Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Beautiful example of the legendary amphibious Amphicar 770
*Charming red over red and white livery
*Land or sea, this can do it
*Saves the hassle of having to buy a boat!


THE AMPHICAR

Hans Trippel's experiments with amphibious vehicles began in the 1930s, bearing fruit in wartime in the form of the Volkswagen based Schwimmwagen, more than 14,000 of which saw service with the German Army in WWII. Trippel revived the concept post-war with the Amphicar (originally called the Eurocar). Necessarily of unitary construction, the cabriolet-style Amphicar was powered by a 70cu in (1,147cc) four-cylinder Triumph Herald engine mounted in the rear and driving the rear wheels. A special transmission drove the two propellers that afforded a maximum cruising speed on water of around 6 knots (7mph), the top speed on land being around 70mph. No special steering gear was required for use on water, the car being steered in the normal way. The design certainly worked, as demonstrated by a well-publicized stunt that saw an Amphicar successfully cross the English Channel from France to England in 1962. Nevertheless, and despite the attractions of its dual capability, the Amphicar was not a commercial success. In what should have been its biggest market - the USA - the Amphicar was handicapped by the many difficulties involved in trying to comply with smog and safety regulations. Demand for what was essentially a novelty vehicle never remotely approached the 20,000 units projected annually, only 3,000-or-so being constructed before production ceased in 1968.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Finished in bright red with a matching red and white vinyl interior, this Amphicar joined the consignor's impressive collection about a decade ago. Unusual in any way, this Amphicar Model 770 Cabriolet would be the ideal classic car/classic boat choice for a lake or beach house, but would require a thorough, water-tight checkup before being launched in the water. A previous High Sierra Show-n-Shine entrant, the car has seen water use in the past, and would surely be in its right element back on the water.