It’s incredible how frequently we see collector cars, or at least really desirable parts vehicles for collector cars, turn up at auctions with no reason given as to its abandonment by a previous owner. That’s the case of this 1964 Amphicar, which was found at an estate sale wherein the seller saved the car from being scrapped by the executors of the estate. It’s not perfect, but it has lots of good parts. Find it here on eBay with bidding over $1,500 and no reserve.
We feature Amphicars pretty regularly, not only for their novelty but because of the rising collector market around these oddball swimmers. Lots of them have been stored poorly following years in the water, and while the body is far from perfect on this example, it’s not the worst we’ve seen. It appears the original color as turquoise, as it’s hiding underneath the flaking red paint.
The color is also confirmed in the interior, based on what’s lurking behind the door panels and on the dash. The interior is more complete than I expected, with the original shift knob and steering wheel still accounted for. It will need a radio, but I’d rather listen for the sounds of taking on water while on a cruise to ensure the Amphicar stays afloat. It sounds like the seller has already pulled the parts he wants, as this is a “what you see is what you get” sale.
Fortunately, it appears a motor is included in the sale, though the seller offers no mention of its origins or operational state. While rebuilding an Amphicar is no small task, this may be the cheapest point of entry for a car that looks like it has the potential to be restored. Would you take this one to the next level?
Looks like the bottom literally falling out on these old Amphicars,,,that was a joke,,I know, it’s early, but I’ve been up for hours. Well, it’s better than the last one,maybe people are finding out, this is one fad that’s not working out. Unless you dip this thing in fiberglass, just parts. It will never float.
How anyone can get these cars mixed up with a Nash Metropolitan is beyond me!
Gee! A car/boat made out of tin. What a fantastic idea, what could possibly go wrong? To complete the comedic effect, let’s add some tail fins and propellers and maybe people will think it can fly too. Shoulda been named the Amphicar Titanic.
In ’72-’73 I went to 4th grade with a girl whose parents owned an Amphicar… They always had it in the local parade and at school functions…They would paint the propellers with water paint (so it would rinse off later) so when they turned the props on it would give a strobe effect, There was a big flood and for Show and tell she brought pics of her and her family out in the middle of the Mississippi river… Their car was turquoise and white, much like I figure this one was
Have to respectfully disagree with Howard on this one. The Amphicar market has been flat for the last year or two, but it’s been generally on the rise long-term, and there’s no indication of a downturn in values. That’s hardly a fad, in the collector-car world.
This one has enough there that it will probably be restored and live to float again. Really nice restored examples have been edging up towards six figures.
Restore it and make Gilligan and the Skipper proud.
I would rather apply my best efforts to making Ginger and MaryAnn happy.
No way. It’s Ginger OR MaryAnn. You have to choose one. Everyone knows that.
@cycle- The operative word here is “AND”. I’m going out in a blaze of glory.
Nope
There’s a fella in Winter Haven that has
one of these. Sure looks strange to see
him drive down the boat ramp and into
the lake–even though you know what
he’s driving. And yes, his is Turquoise
too. Uh Bob, is that you? How else
could you drive under Havendale Boulevard? Cool car would love to
have one!
put me in a Studebaker Weasel anytime !!
I have a Triumph Herald . People often ask me if this one goes in the water … I usually tell them Yes! Once. Despite being built with the Herald as the starting point the Amphicar shares very few components other than the engine.
6600…somebody likes it!!!!
Cheers
GPC