This 1966 Amphicar 770, now listed here on eBay, is a fascinating piece of automotive history with documented resort use dating back to the 1960s. Finished in red and showing just 16,000 miles, this amphibious classic was purchased new by Frank Davis of the Frank Davis Resort in Moodus, Connecticut, where it ferried guests along the Connecticut River. Featured in resort brochures and even a documentary, this Amphicar carries an interesting backstory that sets it apart from other project examples. While it hasn’t been regularly driven in at least five years, the seller says the engine turns by hand, the transmission shifts through the gears, and the PTO (Power Take-Off for the propellers) engages.
The Amphicar 770 was introduced in the early 1960s as the world’s first mass-produced amphibious car, capable of driving on land and then cruising across water at up to seven knots, hence the “770” designation. While only about 3,878 were built, their quirky charm and dual-purpose design have made them highly collectible, especially ones with documented history like this.
This particular car is being sold as a project, and the seller is upfront about its condition. It shows the typical Amphicar rust in the rear quarters, floor pans, and battery tray, though the rest of the body is said to be solid. The car reportedly comes with many of its original parts, including headlight buckets and bumpers, which will make restoration easier for someone looking to return it to its original configuration.
The interior and mechanicals will likely need attention after years of sitting, but the fact that the engine still turns and the drivetrain components operate is encouraging. Amphicar specialists and parts suppliers remain active today, which makes restoring one of these unusual vehicles a realistic proposition for determined enthusiasts.
With its documented resort history and low mileage, this Amphicar 770 would be an ideal candidate for restoration, especially for anyone who wants a unique conversation piece that can be enjoyed both on land and water. Would you bring this rare resort shuttle back to its former glory, or preserve it as a display piece honoring its quirky past?
Triumph Heralds — the source of the engine and transmission — are a little thin on the ground, and I’m willing to be Amphicar parts are even more difficult to run down.
After seeing one abandoned on an island in British Columbia many years ago, I can attest that these things rust like crazy, more than you’d expect from a vehicle with nautical intentions. If this has been anywhere near salt water, the best advice is to run…
I’m not anti-Amphicar. I simply have this thing about corrosion.
This could be a submarine good for one dive :)
Can’t imagine why they rusted 🌊 ⛱️
River cruise guide- ” And here is the beautiful—-Lady, no , don’t open the door-STOP!”
Floated when parked.
More like sank trying to park it. Whom ever has gonads restoring this has a death wish.
Gordons Imports near Compton CA., have most parts for them. Just bought a fuel tap, voltage regulator and hood key. Gord (snowbird on Amphicar.net) another supplier in Canada/ FLA depending on season had more parts. Dave the Wave in FLA. makes fenders etc.
Looks like this was sunk, and fished out recently!
Not sold at $7,800 so far as not met reserve! Condition #5 maybe, and five bids so far. Wow. A lot of work to restore. Why not pay three times that for a good one that isn’t perfect but drives and floats?
You will have to pay a little more than three times for anything that’s going to float and run under its own steam. This isn’t a typical collector car. At this point people are restoring everything.
It is bad enough when a car has a water leak, but it is worse when a boat has a water leak. This fits both scenarios, and from what I understand, they leaked even when new. 7.7 knots is just under 9mph, so you aren’t going to water ski with it. It is pretty much a novelty at that point, albeit a slow go at it. For the crazy asking price, it is a no go. I have seen others for sale at about $7,000 more that are known to run; they seem like much better deals in comparison.
I would wager that the seller saw prior ads on another site that auctions vehicles and priced it in relation to “what they are selling for”. Frank Davis means nothing to me, but maybe if it had been Jon Voight’s car, I’d be interested.
Frank Davis Resort, aka Sunrise Resort. Tons of fun. Have been there many times. Food was fantastic and so was the entertainment. The resort also bordered the Salmon River. Co Co…was the best. He could entertain 50 kids at once while the adults relaxed. We were just reminiscing about Frank Davis less than an hour ago.
Well at least when it rains you dont have to bail it out ..
This thing ran 5 years ago? I seriously doubt it.
Ended at $14,203.
Reserve Not Met.
He passed up a gift.
A dream!