Three-quarters Front View of a Green, 1965, Amphicar, part of the 2023 London Classic Car Auction at Olympia, London


The Amphicar Model 770 is an amphibious automobile which was launched at the 1961 New York Auto Show. It was made in West Germany and marketed from 1961 to 1968, with production ceasing in 1965. Designed by Hans Trippel, the amphibious vehicle was manufactured by the Quandt Group at Lübeck and at Berlin-Borsigwalde, with a total of 3,878 manufactured in a single generation. The name Amphicar is a portmanteau of "amphibious" and "car." A spiritual descendant of the Volkswagen Schwimmwagen the Amphicar offered only modest performance compared to most contemporary boats or cars, featured navigation lights and flag as mandated by the US Coast Guard — and after operation in water, required greasing at 13 points, one of which required removal of the rear seat. In 2014, the publication Petrolicious described the Amphicar as "good for one thing: fun. It’s not quick or flashy, but it’s iconic, unique and friendly. What more could you ask from a vintage car? ... The Amphicar might not make any sense and that’s precisely why it’s so wonderful.


Size: 5485px × 3738px
Location: Olympia London Hammersmith Road London W14 8UX
Photo credit: © John Gaffen / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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