Which was a devastating turd of slowness on both pavement and lake-water?
That would be the 1964 Amphicar! And while the critiques of this 43-horsepower hum-bug are all too real, there is a special charm about the machine. It did actually operate as a slow-moving vehicle suitable for both land and water. With a bit of refinement on the theme, it is easy to envision this as the first of many far more sophisticated dual-purpose machines.
In reality, it was only a wealthy playboy’s dream. The price of the Amphicar made it out of reach for all but the wealthiest buyers.
Its diminutive shape and lack of any keel or rudder means waves (of any height) were a daunting and scary prospect for Amphicars on the water.
Even with all these demerits, the Amphicar’s special place in history is its sci-fi and future-tech appeal. It showed off the iconic entrepreneurial spirit of America at its best: using engineering to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.
In this third purpose beyond road or lake, the Amphicar is still a legend. This example sold for $52,000.
1964 Amphicar 770
HIGHLIGHTS
– Frame-on restoration completed in 2014
– Original steel
– New chrome
– Dual propellers
– Blower and bilge pumps
1964 Amphicar 770
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.