What's It Worth? 1964 Amphicar 770 ..A Not So Great Car And Even Worse Boat, But Still Highly Co
The popularity and collectibility of the Amphicar has always been a mystery. Not comfy on land it was even less happy on the water. Still all this odd 1960's Uber Technology seemed to almost work.
Produced between 1961-1968 the Winged Boat of a Car was designed by Hanns Trippel and built in Berlin-Borsigwalde. Only 4000 were produced. The Amphicar was designed to be marketed and sold in the United States. Despite its Tepid performance it remains to this day as one of the most sucsessful and collectible Ampibious Vehicles of all time
The Amphicar's sedate Triumph Herald 1147cc engine was mounted at the rear of the craft, driving the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual transmission. For use in the water, the same engine drove a pair of reversible propellers at the rear, with a second gear lever engaging forward or reverse drive.
Once in the water, the main gear lever would normally be left in neutral. By engaging first gear as well as drive to the propellers when approaching a boat ramp, the Amphicar could drive itself out of the water.
All this worked in therory but due to its somewhat portly weight it was a little sluggish on land and flounder like on the sea. Top speed on the water was a relaxed 7 knots and on the highway a Diesel Peugeot slow 70MPH. Despite the lack of UMPH the Triumph sourced engine proved to be reliable and parts cheap to buy.
As with any Euro Vehicle of the Era rust is always a problem and factor in this Floating Car was driven iinto salt water rust could be Lusitania like. When buying an Amphicar try to buy a restored rust free example. Cost of restoration on an Amphicar can far out weigh its value.
Our Feature 1964 Amphicar 770 Convertible is an old restoration but still in Very Good Condition. The owner claims it never was in salt water and was almost rust free when it was restored. All of the operating in and out of the water are in perfect working order. The owner also says on the water due to its steering be guided by the front wheels is a little "Interesting" and plan on going "Nowhere fast"
Concourse winning examples of Amphicar's have been sold for 70k plus. Keep in mind this Amphicar is in Very Good Condition. WHAT'S IT WORTH?
