With about 3,878 produced in Germany from 1961 to 1968, the Amphicar is the only amphibious automobile ever to be mass-produced for everyday use. Offered in four colors (Beach White, Regatta Red, Lagoon Blue and Fjord Green), about 3,046 Amphicars were imported to the United States during the 1960s. Dubbed the "Model 770," the Amphicar has a top speed of 7mph on water and 70mph on land (hence, the name). Twin nylon propellers and a special two-part land-and-water transmission allow the car's wheels and propellers to be operated either independently or simultaneously. Heavy duty rubber door seals ensure that there is no water seepage into the passenger area.
In 1965, two Amphicars successfully navigated the Yukon River in Alaska and another two crossed the English Channel in 1968—against fierce 20-foot waves and high winds. Eventually, the offbeat mode of transportation found a place on the big screen, with Amphicars appearing in popular films like Rotten to the Core (1965) and The President's Analyst (1967).
Nowadays, it's pretty rare to come across an Amphicar—in fact, the only place in the world where the general public can have the experience of riding in an Amphicar is at THE BOATHOUSE in Disney Springs, at Disney World.
"My idea for THE BOATHOUSE was inspired by my own Amphicar," Steven Schussler, Chairman & CEO of Schussler Creative tells CountryLiving.com. "One day I drove mine into Lake Minnetonka with my dog and I could not believe the reaction of people on the shore. They were literally running from their homes, pointing at my Amphicar." Onlookers phoned the police thinking Schussler drove his car into the lake.
Fun fact: President Lyndon B. Johnson owned an Amphicar, and the known practical joker loved frightening visitors at his Johnson City, Texas ranch by driving it directly into his property's lake while shouting that he had "malfunctioning brakes!"
Interested in taking a 20-minute Captain's Guided Tour on Lake Buena Vista, Florida in a vintage Amphicar? Find out more information at theboathouseorlando.com/amphicar.
