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Buying a 1961 Amphicar

The Amphicar, a land and water vehicle, was designed and built in Germany from 1961 to 1968 using amphibious prototypes first developed by Hanns Trippel. Amphicar Corporation of America was created to market the Amphicar, which was assembled in plants in Lubeck and later Berlin, Germany. Even today, the Amphicar is the only non-military amphibious vehicle to ever see mass-production. If youre thinking about buying a 1961 Amphicar (or any of the model-year examples), its best to start off with a good understanding of how the Amphicar works. A 4-cylinder Triumph Herald motor that is located in the rear powers the Amphicar, also known as the Model 770 due to its top speed of 7 knots on water and 70mph on land. The Amphicars electrics are powered by a Lucas 12 volt positive ground system, and other manufacturers like Bosch and Hella made items like lighting and switches. A land-and-water transmission was built by Hermes (famous for their Porsche transmissions) that allows the four wheels and twin nylon propellers to be operated either simultaneously or independently. The hull is made of steel, yet it is much thicker than traditional cars and great care was used to ensure that joints are leak proof. Similarly, the doors of the 1961 Amphicar have rubber seals around the edges, which make a watertight seal. Lastly, like other boats, the Amphicar boasts required maritime equipment such as water navigation lights and an electric bilge pump to expel any water that may splash aboard.

Looking to purchase an Amphicar?

1961 Amphicar Buyers Guide

As with all classic cars, it is important to do your research prior to making an offer on any 1961 Amphicar. These cars will require significant maintenance if you plan on using them in the water, and they are also prone to rust. It is always in a buyers best interest to find the most complete and best condition Amphicar they can within their budget. Scarcity of parts should also be a concern to potential buyers looking to restore an Amphicar. When the Berlin, Germany plant closed its doors in 1968, Gordon Imports in Sante Fe Springs, California, eventually purchased the remaining inventory of unused parts. They continue to be an Amphicar owners primary source for parts. It is important to keep this in consideration when inspecting potential Amphicars for purchase, as some parts can be quite scarce and expensive. These are just a few of the Buyers Tips that The Beverly Hills Car Club has learned through their dealings in the classic Amphicar market.

Their team encourages you to contact them today and welcomes you to tour their online inventory to view the 1961 Amphicar classics currently available to you. Should you have any questions or would like to schedule a time to discuss your specific requirements, their team is always just a phone call or website inquiry away. Connect today to get started!