Beschreibung:

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. This lefthand drive model was made for the European market and has been retained in a private collection for the last ten years. Believed to be one of only eight Amphicars in the UK, it was restored some time ago and finished in mint green with white vinyl roof and black interior. Although the engine and gearbox are work well, it does require further light restoration especially to the rear of the car where a few leaks have been detected. Having said that, it was recently used at the Liquid Leisure Water Ski Club to tow the Under 16 Namibian Ski Champion as part of a publicity campaign. The vehicle comes supplied with an extensive history file, a brand new hood, buoys and life jackets. These immensely entertaining car/boats are hard to find and generate huge interest on land or water. One Amphicar owner was quoted "We like to think of it as the fastest car on the water and the fastest boat on the road." The ideal viewing platform for next years Henley Regatta