1964 Amphicar Model 770
The Amphicar Model 770 was developed by German designer Hans Tippel who had been working on an amphibious vehicle since 1932 including the WW2 Volkswagen Schwimmerwagen. The Amphicar first surfaced at the 1959 German Auto Show, then came ashore on April 1st, 1961 at the New York Auto Show.
1 if by land and 2 if by sea, this nifty 1960's tidbit of history fares well on land and at sea. We dared not take it into water though for fear it may have even the slightest of leaks, this ending in a disaster of titanic proportions. Right here docked in our hallowed halls of the Classic Auto Mall you may be propelled to make a purchase?
Exterior
"Bathed" in Beach Sand White, all steel panels on the hull are showing some bubbling rust at the rockers, chips and scratches in the paint and slight panel misalignment. Chrome is good, and a black convertible canvas top has a slight seam rip on the passenger rear of the top. The plastic rear window is mostly clear. With its boat like bow front in a point, to the Coast Guard approved and necessary port/starboard light, and navigation lamps. A removable all-around white light is on a long stem on the stern. Small "fins" are seen on the rear of the car, although they have nothing to do with the maneuvering of the car when it is in the water. A nifty chrome ring with a chromed exhaust tailpipe, sticks out the rear panel above the waterline. A trim spear in red is on the sides and is showing some dry rotting. Red painted steel wheels wrapped in wide whites and shiny dog dish wheel covers are on all 4 corners. Peeking below twin screws are seen to propel you through the water, when the transmission is disengaged from the rear wheels. Full speed ahead captain, full speed ahead.
Interior
2+2 seating in red vinyl tuck and roll inserts, and white bolsters are wrapped with red piping. Seating shows slight wear in areas on the seat. Door panels are red vinyl and have white vinyl above which is slightly soiled. A white dash, and original steering wheel are in good condition with pitting and early signs of rust on the bezels. Clean ribbed rubber flooring "floods" the floors and offers easy water cleanup. All ashore that's going ashore!
Drivetrain
A flip of the side hinged rear vented deck reveals a fairly clean engine bay, and a 70ci Triumph Herald 4-cylinder engine swimming within. It is topped with a 1-barrel carburetor (no air cleaner) and has a 4-speed manual transmission attached. A dual purpose 4.72 geared rear runs both the propellers and the rear wheels (separately). If you said this car is fast on land and water, I'd say you are all wet.
Undercarriage
A look at the hull from underneath, and it is all sealed up with no rust. Suspension is mostly covered with metal, and 4-wheel drum brakes have rubber seals within to protect them when in the water. Under side of lower doors show some rust drippings but nothing remarkable. That's the scuttlebutt on the underpinnings.
Drive-Ability
After a warmup period within the engine ran a little rough and wanted to stall (possibly old gas?) We got her up to speed, and it handled well, shifting into first was a little wonky in that it was difficult to find exactly where it was. Ran fine on dry land, passing with flying colors.
How many cars can you say you have been the driver and the captain all with the same amphibious car? A fair to good example of the Amphicar with a few faults cosmetically but runs well. Sadly, we did not have an opportunity to get it wet, we will reserve that for you, or just use it on dry land... but what fun is that? Hey whatever floats your boat, I'm not barging in at this point.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
