This Eye-Catching Amphicar Will Leave You With Many Questions

Back in the mid-1960s, a company out of West Germany built the Amphicar Model 770.

The curiously-named ‘car’ was an amphibious vehicle and while it never proved exceptionally popular (just 3,878 units were built), it did show just how far the idea of a ‘car’ could be stretched. Now, one of these Amphicars is up for sale.

The Model 770 pictured here is located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and has been listed by Duffy’s Classic Cars. It’s unlike any other model of its kind, though, as it has been extensively modified and fitted with a Buick V6 instead of the Triumph 1.5-liter four-cylinder powering typical models. The is six-pot is mated to a three-speed automatic transmission rather than the four-speed manual gearbox which the vehicle left the factory with.

The listing doesn’t state when the amphibious car underwent its overhaul but the images show that the fitment of the new powertrain necessitated comprehensive alterations to the rear half. For example, the hood has been raised and a pair of huge air intakes were created to feed the engine. Apparently, the original owner of the Amphicar first thought up the idea for the modifications while at a bar. Go figure.

The listing doesn’t say whether the vehicle floats in the face of the heavy modifications, but something tells the extra weight might have some objections.

What makes the Amphicar Model 770 somewhat appealing is the price, $29,950. That’s certainly not cheap but pristine examples without any modifications can fetch more than $70,000.