1964 Amphicar 770 Convertible

Lot details
Registration No: UN-REG
Chassis No: 103847
Mot Expiry: None

The world's only non-military amphibious vehicle to enter full-scale production, the Amphicar was built in Germany by both Industrie Werke Karlsruhe and Deutsche Waggons und Maschinenfabriken GmbH between 1961 and 1967. Fabricated using special moulds, its open steel monocoque / hull was completely watertight (though a bilge pump was fitted as a precaution). Powered by a rear-mounted Triumph Herald 1147cc 43bhp engine mated to a unique Hermes transaxle, it utilized rear-wheel drive on land and twin nylon propellers in the water. Reputedly capable of 7 nautical knots or 70mph, it was soon dubbed the '770'. The brainchild of Hans Trippel (who had been experimenting with the necessary technology since the 1930s), its suspension and brake systems carried echoes of contemporary Mercedes practice. Marketed as "the sportscar that swims", the vast majority of the 4,500 or so Amphicars made were sold in America. Finished in grey with white vinyl upholstery, this particular left-hand drive example is described by the vendor as being in "generally good unrestored condition" albeit with a "worn" interior. Purchased by him in 1992 from a Bavarian film company, it is still decked out in the livery of a West German Border Patrol. Retaining its "original hood, tonneau cover, navigation mast / lamp and spare wheel", it is also said to "run and drive well". Though, it is reported to need the "brakes re-commissioning and a new oil cooler". Incredibly rare, one internet source (www.amphicars.com) suggests that there are just seven in the UK, this rewarding project is believed but not warranted to have covered 57,505km from new. It is interesting to note a rebuilt Amphicar fetched some $46,545 with RM Auctions on February 11th 2005.

PLEASE NOTE: We have not had this vehicle running.