The Amphicar is an amphibious vehicle, designed by Hans Trippel and manufactured by the Quandt Group in Lübeck and Berlin-Borsigwalde. The Amphicar was designed to be marketed and sold in the USA; compared to most boats or cars, its performance was modest, resulting in less than 4,000 being produced between 1961 and 1968. Nevertheless, it is still among the most successful amphibious civilian vehicles of all time and is still often prized and preserved as a novelty collectible automobile today. From the front, the appearance of the under-surface is slightly pointed and sharply cut away; the wheels are set low, ensuring that the vehicle stands well above ground level when on dry land. Front and rear bumpers are placed low on the body panels, and the water propulsion is provided by twin propellers mounted under the rear bumper. Power was supplied by the 1147cc engine from the Triumph Herald; the Amphicar engine had a power output of 43bhp. Referred to as the 'Model 770', the Amphicar could achieve speeds of seven knots in the water and 70mph on land.

This represents a very exciting opportunity to complete the restoration of this truly iconic amphibious motorcar. Our vendor purchased this example in early 2025 as a 95% complete car and set about completely restoring it throughout. Progress so far includes a £9,000 respray, £4,000 spent on ensuring the body was free of any corrosion in preparation for paint, £1,800 spent on a gearbox rebuild and a full strip down and rebuild of the engine. The means most of the hard (and expensive) work has already been completed and all that's left for the new owner is the underside suspension, steering and braking components, the interior and re-assembly. Amphicars are so rarely seen and the opportunity to purchase one at this stage is even rarer, it could provide a very exciting and largely hassle free restoration experience and be ready to enjoy for next summer! Consigned by Mark Perkins

Lot details
Year: 1962
Make: Amphicar
Model: 770
Chassis No: 100443

* Circa £15k spent on restoration so far
* Engine and gearbox rebuilt
* Completely resprayed