Here at Barn Finds we see our fair share of unusual custom vehicles and this one is no exception. Barn Finder Levi A referred this to us and I thank him for that. You will find this somewhat distinctive vehicle listed for sale here on Craigslist. It is located in Manorville, New York, and is offered with a clean title. The seller has set the price at a budget-busting $500.
The first photo may give the impression that this vehicle has sat unloved for a reasonable amount of time, but according to the owner it was driven at car shows last year. It was constructed on a full frame Cutlass chassis, and was powered by a 350ci Chevrolet engine. The engine doesn’t come with the car as this has already been removed by the seller. It can only be hoped that the transmission, electrical system and any unique or fabricated items that were required to get the 350 up and running are still present as this would make getting this vehicle mechanically up-to-scratch much easier. There’s no doubt that it is going to require some work to return it to the state that it is in this photo, but it certainly isn’t beyond the realms of possibility.
If you bought this I’m really not 100% sure what you’d do with it. I guess that you could restore it and use it as a show car as it has been used in the past. Another possibility would be to bring it back to life and utilize it as a promotional vehicle for something like a boating supply company. Or I guess that you could use it as a weekend driver for a bit of a laugh. If someone buys and restores it then I can guarantee that they’ll certainly stand out in the crowd.
Does the thing even float? Presumably not and it only looks like a boat.
If you tried, it would make a great boat anchor. Just like the V8 Amphicar last week. The bottom was cut out to place over the frame I imagine.
Only one way to find out,,,oh,oh,,taking on water, Cap’n,,,
I’m not really sure what you could do with this. Dirk, I agree that this only looks like a boat and would not float in its current configuration. I don’t know about New York, but it is not street legal in Ohio – no lights, no turn signals, no windshield wipers and no horn. In addition, there are probably other required items that are not present.
Wipers, lights, and signals are needed. They would be an easy add on. The same goes for a horn, which it might already have on the frame. Better yet, add a boat horn. BTW I drove a VW Thing where the horn button was shorted and it passed inspection with a bulb horn attached to the mirror.
life jackets
Put a trailer hitch on it and tow a car!!
You win!
Put a trailer hitch on it and tow a truck!
For that price, I would get another motor in it and use it for cruising lakes and beaches. On shore of course… If I still lived in NY, I would have already made plans to buy it and pick it up. A bit too far to do that from VA.
I look at it and get this sinking feeling . . .
Pure novelty vehicle. I hope its not actually registered for the road. Get it going fast enough and with that prow it’ll start doing backflips down the road,.
Just put an anchor or two in the front. That will keep it down.
Guaranteed to be accepted at any LeMons race/rally. It’s been done before, but the judges will love it.
It’s got a boat registration on it, but I don’t see any plates. So you are good for the submarine races, just not street races.
What a waste of a good fishing boat.
I guess you could fish from it but isn’t it a Bow Rider Runabout?
No loss in my area for sure. I could drive for an hour and see a dozen.
I wouldn’t want to ride in the bow section now!
Question: Why are our cars left hand drive but boats are right hand drive?
rod444: On the water there are no intersections or stop signs. When two vessels appear to be intersecting, maritime law states that the vessel on the starboard (right) side, from “dead ahead to two points abaft the starboard beam” has the right of way. It’s easier to see, especially on larger vessels, from the right side.
You’ll also notice that most jet boats have the controls on the port (left) side. That’s so the operator’s weight can help counteract the engine torque.
put a wiper on it, put the soft top on it, and drive it to work on a rainy day….
scare people….what does he know…..
Be careful not to hydroplane! ;-)
No thanks.
If it were seaworthy, this would be the ideal vehicle for a very, very individualized Duck Boat tour of Boston.
If you buy this self-described ODDBALL, car/boat, you’d be in IT for HOOK, LINE and SINKER!
This “vehicle” reminds me of the Schimmer – Wagen, produce during WW II by the Germans. It wasn’t very good on land and even worse in the water but it sure was unique. Then there was the Amphire – Car from Germany which was offered in the early 60s… also very unique = JAH JCC
It was obviously built purely for fun. As far as safety’s concern … What’s different than building a fiberglass kit car. Or say… a Fiberglass T bucket, with 500+ horsepower. Or maybe, a Boss Hoss Motorcycle with a Big Block Chevy. Driven properly, It’s as safe as those, if the construction is done well.
Here is mine. It is famous in the Clearwater Florida area. A blast to drive.
Cool! You sir, need to get in touch with the seller here. There must be a support group for you folks. Could be a long lost relative,,
If you buy this, you’ll be underwater before you know it.
Good one, Steve,,, :)