6154 Actual Mile One Owner 770 1147 I4 4 Speed Survivor

There are better cars, and there are also better boats, but there is no better way to draw a crowd than with an Amphicar. Designed by Hans Trippel and unveiled to the public at both the 1961 New York Auto Show and 1961 Miami Boat Show, the Amphicar was aimed squarely at the burgeoning American leisure market. Its concept was devoid of utility, but it was undeniably fun and brought a swarm of onlookers each time it splashed into the water.

In 1961 the Quandt Group, under the name of the Amphicar Corporation, began production in Berlin, Germany, making the Amphicar the first mass produced amphibious vehicle for the civilian market. Powered by a 70 cubic inch, 43 horsepower Triumph Herald motor, and propelled by a Hermes 4-speed transmission, the car achieved a top speed of 70 MPH on land. On water, a two-speed transmission communicates both forward and reverse to twin nylon propellers to provide a top speed of 7 MPH. And these speeds combined to give the car, a steel-hulled hunk that was deemed unsinkable, its official model designation of 770.

Advertised as “The Sportscar that Swims,” Amphicars were primarily marketed in the United States. They were produced in only four colors: Sand White, Fijord Green, Regatta Red, and Lagoon Blue. And with a selling price of between $2,800 and $3,300, they never really caught on. Initially, the Amphicar Corporation planned to make 20,000 cars per year, however, operations ceased in 1968 after production of less than 4,000 units. Due to their cost, poor marketing strategy and America's new emissions regulations, the company eventually went out of business. The remaining assets were purchased by an American, Hugh Gordon, who still sells original parts. And it is estimated that only 500 of the 3,700 Amphicars imported to the U.S. are still operable. Notable Amphicar owners include former Presidents Lyndon Johnson and Jimmy Carter, and entertainers Madonna and Alan Jackson. President Johnson apparently liked to scare new visitors to his ranch by driving them downhill in his Amphicar directly into his property's lake, all while shouting about the brakes being broken.

This Amphicar, which was owned by one family until 2012, is an authentic, unmolested, un-restored car with just 6,154 original miles. It was purchased new by the Hanks family on January 9, 1965, from Howell Auto Sales in Louisville, Kentucky, as one of the remaining 1964 models; serial number 100506, marine number GK207HE. The dealership had 12 cars to choose from, but this one was chosen because Mr. Hanks liked its Fijord Green, white and yellow color combination. The vehicle has been stored in a humidity controlled environment since new. There have been only two things changed on the car since it was purchased: tires and seals. The original tires developed flat spots and were replaced, though Mr. Hanks kept the original ones and they are included in the sale. The transmission, removed and inspected in 1999, enjoys new seals and new rubber mounts. All of the engine components are original, there are no leaks and the hull is rust-free. The car is both road worthy and water worthy, making its last marine trip on June 14, 2012. There have been some minor touchups to the paint over the past 48 years, but its appearance is still about 90% original.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to purchase a true piece of automotive history. As one of only 3,878 Amphicars built, this car is possibly the last one-owner, low mileage example in existence. And when you drive this car, it elicits the same excitement and attention as it did when purchased new. Recent auctions have seen record prices on Amphicars making this unique example a great investment. Cars are only original once, and if you are ready to become a “swimmer,” this time capsule Amphicar is a great way to dive right into the deep end!