Fish Out Of Water: Amphicar 770
Incredibly iconic and very well known for its unique styling and abilities, the Amphicar is the small water going classic you just can’t help but appreciate. Often difficult to find in any condition, this Canadian found project seems rather reasonable considering the fact that it’s a water going classic that is up in Canada. Although this Amphicar is missing some parts, it still seems like a worthwhile project, although this project is going to cost you $8,000.00. Take a look at it here on craigslist out of Nova Scotia, Canada. This fish out of water was submitted by reader AMXBrian! Thanks for the submission!
Quite bare from the interior stand point, the interior sheet metal appears rust and rot free which is definitely a good sign. I am curious about the floors and undercarriage, due to obvious reasons. These cars are prime candidates to be complete rust buckets, so this Canadian seems strange to appear as reasonable as it does. It would be fabulous if the seller had more parts to include with the car as it almost appears that the car was dismantled in such a way as if someone was going to do a restoration. All of the glass in place, and the convertible top frame is still in place as well. The shift lever is likely still linked up to the factory transmission as the transmission is still in place.
The seller has so kindly provided a picture of the unique transmission, but there is no word as to whether or not the engine is still in place. There is a fair amount of debris inside the transmission area, but the convertible top shelf and towers appear very reasonable. The worst of the damage that can be seen on this Amphicar is the driver side rear quarter. Also the rear apron is a bit rough with some small amounts of rot below each taillight. The deck lid has some rust along its sharp edges on the louvers, and along it’s bottom edge. There is still a muffler in place on this old fish, so perhaps the engine is still inside? Certainly an awesome project to revive, how many of you have ever taken a splash in one of these Amphicars?
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Comments
A good car can now be had for about $50k. That one will take at least $75k to get it to $50k condition.
I am glad he made it clear that it needs work. I wan’t sure.
Mount an outboard on the back, an’ go fishin’. You’ll have the coolest boat on the lake – until it sinks anyway.
Looks like it sank a long time ago.
Just a couple cases of “Flex Tape” and your sink free.
Scrolled right past after the overused 6-letter “I word.” This car isn’t that.
Just based on the tire selection, I think this was handed down to bored teens and then left to rot once they got tired of it. Now the seller is trying to cash in on a piece of junk.
Looks like it’s already been to the bottom of the lake. Probably where he found it.
JUNK
I expected to see a chain on the back that was used to pull it out of that creek.
I believe these had just an Austin 1200 engine. Shouldn’t be hard to find a replacement. Interior and trim will be a challenge
Herald 1147 engine. Same as early Spitfire as well.
I’m sure you could even shoehorn in a more modern and reliable 4-cyl powerplant, like a 2.3 L out of a Foxbody Mustang.
Modern? No doubt. Reliable? That little Standard Triumph 1147 in my Amphicar has given me zero problems in the 16+ years I have owned it. I think it is bulletproof.
Remember, that is not the “floor” you are looking at, but the deck. Couple of inches between that piece of wood and the metal bottom. Actually looks like a pretty decent project. Next to a Mustang, Amphicar has one of the best parts availability.
I restore Amphicars. This looks better than many others I have done. I am Gators amphicar on Facebook
Was running when sank…
Great husband and wife project ! So cool that we could go pick it up, then drive/sail back to Ohio ! What an adventure it would be…
OMG, Running when sank, hillarious !
First boat I’ve seen with Snow Tires.
The snow has to melt at some point.
If you buy this, you will be underwater in more ways than one.
One push and it will be all over
apparently there was (is) a story when LBJ had some dignitaries at his ranch which had a large pond (Lake?) and he took them on a ” tour” of his ranch, apparently there was a ramp which allowed boats etc to be launched, he floored the Amphicar and drove towards the lake gaining speed, as he went and made a big splash as he drove into the lake , and of course it floated , nothing was said about the others underwear , but it was used as a big laugh in reporting
I’ve heard lbj was a dick, so that’s not really surprising.
he might have been, but that was an amusing story, eh? can u imagine a bunch of stuffed shirts in a car , that was speeding (??) towards a boat launch and driving into it ?
A link to the rumor by the National Park System: https://www.nps.gov/lyjo/planyourvisit/presidentialvehicles.htm
thankx for the info, I thought it was true, but was barely a teen when this happened
Mike D – Apparently, LBJ would also yell out something to the effect that ‘the brakes have gone out’ before sliding into the lake with the terrified passengers wetting themselves.
These were sardine cans when new.
Make a great boat anchor
Can you imagine putting that one in the river? LOL
It would be cheeper to design and build your own design with an old fiberglass Four Winns boat shell.
With an Austin engine, BF lists it as German. I think about the only thing clear on this vehicle is the title, according to Craigslist. Someone had some fun with this vehicle either on the water, near the water, or headed toward the mud banks judging by that rear tire and quarter panel.
Was at Disney last week and got these photos.
Here’s a group of them waiting to give rides. These were all perfectly restored.
A family getting ready for their ride.
Saw this one on a boat rode back to our room.
Love the LBJ story. Regardless of political leaning, interesting read, glad it was shared !
Love relaxing in the evening, seeing BF submissions. Guy’s, I’ll try to SHUT the F up. I don’t comment without knowledge. Too many comment based on pictures and condemn cars without much knowledge.
I see a restomod in its future. With a hyabusa motor.
They also do Amphicar rides at the Lane Motor Museum in Nashville, taking families on one of the local lakes. Lane was mentioned in another BF submission of the Lloyd van.
In a sea (sorry) of perfectly restored Amphicars, might this one be the first Amphicar Rat Rod? I mean, the patina is to die for, right, guys? ;)