"The Amphicar is an amphibious vehicle, designed by Hans 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 4,000 being produced between 1961 and 1968. Nevertheless, it is still among the most successful amphibious civilian vehicles of all time and is still often prized and preserved as a novelty collectible automobile today. From the front the appearance of the under-surface 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 seven knots in the water and 70mph on land.
This left hand drive example was made for the European market and has been retained in a private collection for over 20 years. Believed to be one of only eight Amphicars in the UK, it was restored a number of years ago and is finished in Eau-De-Nil with a white vinyl roof and black interior. We are advised by the vendor that this Amphicar 770 should arrive at auction with a new battery and in running order, however it will require further restoration especially to the rear of the car where a few leaks have been detected. It was used to tow the under-16 Namibian Ski Champion as part of a publicity campaign 10 years ago. The vehicle was first registered on 11th January 1965 and is supplied with the original buff logbook, together with some previous MoT test certificates (the last one expired in 2004) and some interesting newspaper articles featuring LMV 7C. These immensely entertaining car/boats are hard to find and generate huge interest on land or water. One Amphicar owner was quoted saying ‘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 year’s Henley Regatta!"