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 is an early example, built in Karlsruhe and destined for the American market. Our vendor purchased the Amphicar in 2020 in the UK from a man who had used it in Canada after originally finding it in Florida. The Amphicar was in fully working order and after using it a few times, our vendor decided to set about an extensive restoration, which was entrusted to highly regarded classic car restorers, Bridge Classic Cars, who set about the restoration, to what would be fair to describe as concours standard. The restoration totalled circa £80,000 and has understandably been finished to an excellent standard, with work reaching completion in February 2024. All parts used during the restoration were genuine parts supplied from Gordon Imports, and all the original parts which were removed from the car have been kept and are included in the sale. The car has seen very little use since completion of the restoration, so is ready to be enjoyed or grace any collection as it stands and is offered at a fraction of the total cost. These cars always generate significant interest and the opportunity of buying possibly one of the best examples available, is one which shouldn't be missed. Finished in gleaming red with a white interior and white hood, this Amphicar is supplied with a V5 registration document and extensive record of the restoration. Bridge Classic Cars have an in depth blog on their website of the restoration, which any interested parties can view here - https://bridgeclassiccars.co.uk/category/projects/1964-amphicar-7-70/ . Consigned by Fraser Smith

Lot details
Year: 1964
Make: Amphicar
Model: 770
Registration: DTV 349B
Chassis No: 101575
Odometer: 21,538

* Exceptional example following a circa £80,000 restoration
* Extensive photographic records of the restoration (around 4,000 photos)
* Spare original parts included