I have always possessed an unwavering passion for classic cars, although I also have a morbid, some would say irrational, fear of boats. White knuckles and profuse sweating accompany any journey on the water. That leaves me torn by vehicles like this 1967 Amphicar 770. Considered purely as a classic car, its relative rarity has seen it develop a strong following resulting in rapidly increasing values. As for its aquatic capabilities, that is something I would leave for others to test! This Amphicar is a tidy car that would benefit from a faithful restoration. The seller listed it here on Craigslist in Pasadena, California. They have set their price at $34,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L. for spotting this quirky classic.
The Amphicar 770 was an exercise in automotive versatility and represented one of the few genuinely amphibious production cars from the pages of automotive history. The brainchild of German enthusiast Hans Trippel, the plan was for more than 25,000 of these quirky little beasts to roll out of the factory. Sadly, the production total fell well short of the mark, although that has proven good news for owners with one squirreled away in their garage. This one wears Red and White paint, which was one of the more common combinations to grace an Amphicar’s panels. It presents well for its age, and the appearance could be considered acceptable for a driver-grade classic. However, the potential value locked away in this vehicle will probably convince its next owner to perform at least a partial restoration. The panels are straight, but the most important consideration with these classics is the possible presence of rust. It isn’t a great concern on the road, but the last thing an owner wants is to drive down a boat ramp and have their valuable classic go “the full Titanic.” That is a situation sure to dampen (sorry!) spirits. The seller indicates rust is present, although the location and severity are unclear. If the Amphicar has spent its life in California, it may prove minimal and easy to repair. The door alignment isn’t perfect and would require attention to ensure they remain watertight. The Black soft-top looks like it might respond positively to a clean, while the trim is in good condition for its age.
The Amphicar derived its “770” model designation from its ability to clock 70mph on the road and 7 knots on water. Both figures seem optimistic, and potential buyers should probably prepare for lower speeds as the reality. The illustrious Mr. Trippel selected to power his creation with an 1,147cc four-cylinder Triumph Herald motor producing 43hp. That power is fed to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission and a pair of rear-mounted propellers on the water. Considering Triumph quoted a top speed of 73mph for the Herald, which was 700lbs lighter than the Amphicar, you begin to understand why many would consider the quoted top speed for our feature car in the realm of fiction. The seller states the car hasn’t run for six months, and a transmission fault means it cannot select gears. That fault will require investigation, but the buyer may need to factor the cost of a transmission restoration or replacement into their restoration budget.
The interior condition of this Amphicar is generally tidy, with only a few minor flaws worth noting. The passenger door trim exhibits warping, but I’ve seen owners use steam and pressure to address this type of issue. There are no rips or tears on the upholstered surfaces, although they would benefit from a deep clean. The dash is excellent, there are no cracks on the wheel, and an AM radio should provide entertainment wherever this classic finds itself. Overall, I believe it will take more time than money to have the interior presenting nicely.
During a five-year production run, 3,878 Amphicars rolled off the production line in West Germany. While the company built the last car in 1965, unsold stock meant it remained possible to purchase a new car in 1968. In a break from tradition, those cars are titled for their sale year rather than their build year. The Amphicar spent years as the butt of many automotive jokes, although the worm has turned and values continue climbing rapidly. Solid, rust-free examples frequently sell for $50,000, although meticulously restored cars can achieve double that figure. Considering what would be required to lift this 1967 Amphicar to that level, its asking price leaves plenty of room to move on a project build before becoming financially questionable. It may not be the cheapest project car in the classic market, but the potential return on the investment makes it worth careful consideration.
The Amphicar usually gets a lot of attention, solely on what an unusual vehicle it is, and not for it’s merits, if any.( If only it were fiberglass) It does cross the line between land and water, something I prefer to keep separate. It’s a novel idea, but can turn deadly pretty fast. I’ve seen some people riding in these with a false sense of safety, and no life jackets. An Amphicar can be swamped easily in the wrong situation. This video shows how stupid some people can be and why they need to be rescued. This is NOT what an Amphicar was intended for, and you wouldn’t catch me out in this on choppy water. It was a poor boat and a poor car, and somehow that sells. PT Barnum worthy,,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1VPM5q_FRI
“It’s a terrible car and a terrible boat and a heckuva lot of fun!”
Howard, in fairness some of your comments are unfounded. As proven by its well deserved popularity, its merits (and there are fiberglass parts!) are many. Not only are Amphicars safe… they are more seaworthy and forgiving than many boats of even larger size. They famously and safely crossed the English Channel in a full gale and 10 foot seas, when other vessels would not have made it half way. The center of gravity and displacement ratios offer astounding, rock solid righting-moment dynamics. And as a full fledged boat, owners are required to pass state mandated boat captain training, and maintain redundant road and marine registration. Designed by a division of BMW/Quandt, and with engineering and components shared with Mercedes, Porsche, VW and Triumph, members of the worldwide IAOC are some of the most safety minded and highly knowledgeable vehicle operators anywhere. In 60 years and hundreds of thousands of miles of safe operation, there have been far fewer incidents with Amphicars than any typical weekend warrior yahoo beer barges. The video you show is just a fun splash-moment at the hands of an exceptional mechanic and certified aircraft pilot, who owns and maintains everything from microcars to Stanley Steam cars. You could not ride with a person who knows safety margins better.
They are not designed to be fast cars, but they have excellent handling and amazing terrain capability. Most of all, they are wonderful, incredible examples of brilliant engineering from a time when we were going to the moon, Jetson-prototypes were on the cover of Popular Mechanics…and we actually knew how to “engineer”, not just make cheap disposable electronics. There is nothing more gratifying than to be at a car show, seeing kids walk past every other car wondering whats on their instagram feed….then stop dead in their tracks, put down their phone, and say “wait a minute…propellors??”…and experience a moment they will remember for the rest of their lives. The same is true with adults – old hands walk past the same old muscle cars show after show, but their eyes light up and become children again when the see an Amphicar, and relate with joy and happiness the first time they saw one, or say “Ive always wanted to take a ride in one”. Not only do they have an astounding safety record, but in decades of experience with boats and cars and their shows, and seeing people reactions, I can tell you they may be the single car make that brings the most joy and positive reaction from the widest range of ages. As we lose more and more knowledge from the passing of past generations, the inspiration and interest that Amphicars bring to the young generation is worthy of great appreciation and honor. Barnum was a showman, but Amphicars are no hoax. While he never said theres a sucker born every minute, he did say “Fortune favors the brave”, and “No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else.” I will take you for a real swim anytime, and I’m confident you’ll come back with a new buoyancy ;) — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rut0FLoOsk
I was at a car show in Ontario, Canada, held on the estate of a Cadillac collector. He had a large pond on his property. There were two Amphicars at the show giving rides into the pond at $5.00 a ride. They went nonstop all day long. The crowds loved it.
As a boy, growing up in WWurzburg, W. Germany, I would see a sky blue and white Amphicar merrily plying the Main river… I will always smile in admiration and nostalgia when I see one of tthese beauties.
Thank you for this post – I have always wondered why there seem to be people who go out of their way to disparage the Amphicar. Why? Its safety record is first rate and its engineering as well. Hans Trippel was an engineer who specialized in military amphibious vehicles. It simply makes no sense that a guy like him would put anything together unless it was first rate.
Gone, 2 minutes after posting…
I believe that. Considering how few are out there, they have a fanatic following. My Brother worked for the Alaska Dealer for a few years and we got to use one on weekends to playground in the lakes in South-central Alaska. The dealer went on a trip that National geographic was along going for a long ride in the Yukon River. There was a write up about it, and even a small film. I wish I had one.
The Amphicar is the best car on the water and the best boat on the road.
Ha! Good one, you know, there’s something unsettling about taking a craft on the water with Lucas electrics. In the video I posted, you can see the generator light is already on. About as exciting as a paddleboat,,
Wrong again, Howard; that’s not the generator light.
Stick to paddleboat reviews.
Look, JON, like the writers tire of poorly written ads, I tire of peoples demeanor, ESPECIALLY to another member. Couldn’t you just say, “Howard, if I may correct you, that light indicates the propellers are engaged, the charge light is under the tank gauge” instead of making me feel like an idiot. AS a “member”, I will acknowledge passion for just about anything , but please, be nice here, eh? In some sort of rebuttal, have fun on the English Channel in an Amphicar. Come on, Jon, really?
Sorry, Howard – I could not have been more generous in my reply to your post. You came our with the demeanor, false information and personal attack. Even so, my reply could not have been more courteous. After your second insulting and incorrect comment, the rest of us got tired. You were the one literally calling experinced people idiots; stupid, poor, barnum worthy, deadly, ?merits, false safety, dangerous 1) Wise to give the benefit of the doubt 2) dont “assume” 3) If you cant say something nice, dont say anything at all 4) If you ignore these common rules of courtesy, don’t complain about the effect that results from your own causation. Be well, Howard – im sure you have great passionm and lets all be free to correct incorrect information, conclusions, generaizations and assumptions, for the protection and preserveation of every classic we cherish.
Amphicar Swim In…every year in Celina, Ohio Grand Lake Festival
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdtdbK5fhXA
It may have been a poor car and a poor boat, but I followed one down the street at 35 mp hr and he put his directional on and drove down to the boatramp and didnt stop, he just drove onto the Lake. Honestly it was beyond cool, expensive, yes, but something to see.
CARMAN4733- thanks for sharing such an amazing video, I had no idea such an event took place and there were so many at one collective location. Almost the Sturgess equivalent with 4 wheels and two props!
More videos on YouTube from this event.
For anyone interested in riding in one, there’s a company in Disney Springs (Kissimmee, FL) that maintains several of these and sells rides in them on the man-made lake. It’s by the Boathouse restaurant, and Disney Springs is a free to enter commercial development of Disney. I rode in one pre covid and it was well worth the price.
…also in New Jersey and Maine….or just shoot me an email. Im in the Amphi club, and happy to tell you where you can get a ride in your area! jmarch100@yahoo.com
If you bought one new, would the dealer float the note? Asking for a friend.
$34,500. for a “unique” car that hasn’t run in six months with a tranny that won’t shift gears and rust. Guess he don’t want to sell it. Probably make a good parts car.
The things you mention are not an issue for an educated mechanic. I’d have it on the road/water again in a few days performing well. The main problem YOU would have is finding one. $34,500 … it’ll sell without an issue.
The things you mention are not an issue for an educated mechanic. I’d have it on the road/water again in a few days performing well. The main problem YOU would have is finding one. $34,500 … it’ll sell without an issue.
I do not know anything about the Amphicar, but I tend to agree with Jon.
I bought a Red one way back in 1964 while in the Army. I was stationed at Ft.Benning. The Chattahoochee River flows past Columbus Ga. I amazed many soldiers and the girl I was dating by splashing into that river. You could see them rising out of their seat as we approached the river. I brought it home to California in 1965. Ran it on Lake Merritt in Oakland and Lake Berryessa. It was a dangerous car to drive. People would weave in and out of traffic to look at it. I had a guy follow me off the Freeway to talk about it. Great car!
Well, if you’re worried about the boat part, you could take it out on Lake Mead.If she sinks, just return in a few months and drag ‘er out.