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Car Tales: Swimmingly Driven, The Amphicar 770

Who knew?

Former President Lyndon Baines Johnson was a renowned practical joker. And this extended to one of his proudest – and slightly bonkers possessions. For LBJ was an owner of the legendary Amphicar, a vehicle best described as half-machine and half-fish.

As though to prove the complex mutation of his vehicle, the President would take visitors to his Texan ranch in Johnson City (presumably called that in case he ever got lost?) for a drive in his 1961 model, the first year of Amphicar 770 production. As he approached the lake on his property, LBJ would feign that his brakes had failed, frightening his passengers. Only for him to gently ease the floating car safely into the water, in which it chugged happily along at its regulation 7 knots. Ho-ho-ho!

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In case you would like to emulate President Lyndon Baines Johnson’s waggishness, we have such a vehicle right now at Beverly Hills Car Club, a versatile 1968 Amphicar 770 that is finished in a captivating Beach Sand White combined with a striking white over blue interior. To further enhance the exterior, this 770 is equipped with a convertible soft top, giving you the option to enjoy the cool ocean breeze on a sunny day.

This single-generation amphibious car is equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission, 1147cc inline engine, single exhaust outlet, twin propellers, louvered engine cover, tailfins, Metro Meter instruments, two-spoke steering wheel, Guardsman whitewall tires, 13-inch steel wheels with Amphicar caps, side moldings, and a full-size spare.

Featured amenities include a fender-mounted antenna, dual-rearview mirrors, sun visors, vent windows, quarter windows, analog clock, door pockets, water-proof upholstery, bench seating, and vent windows.

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If you’re in search of a weekend cruiser that offers a unique experience, this Amphicar presents an opportunity for an adventure on both land and sea. Don’t miss a chance to create timeless memories with this mechanically sound 770.

The Amphicar was a descendant of the Volkswagen Schwimmwagen, which literally means ‘swimming car’. The Schwimmwagen was a four-wheel drive amphibious vehicle employed by German troops during World War 2, the most mass-produced amphibious car in history: in total 15,584 Schwimmwagens were made. Only 189 are known to remain today, and only 13 have survived without restoration work.

When the Amphicar first appeared in 1961 it featured navigation lights and flag as mandated by the US Coast Guard.

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The Amphicar was assembled with quality pieces. The rear-mounted 1147cc engine came from a Triumph Herald, the legendary UK runabout; Mercedes-Benz supplied the suspension and brake components; and the transmission internals were Porsche pieces. It was the Quandt Group who manufactured the Amphicar; Quandt’s conglomerate of businesses headed by Herbert Quandt owned significant stakes in Mercedes and BMW.

Why was the the Amphicar given its 770 model designation? Simple: it referred to its top speeds of 7 knots in the water and 70 mph on land. The Triumph engine drove the rear wheels through a four-speed transmission.

Heading into the water the driver would simply throw a lever that engages the twin nylon props under the rear of the vehicle.

The car would then motor off into the waves.

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Presumably as a marketing gimmick, the Amphicar was put through a number of impressive watery adventures. In 1965 a pair of Amphicars navigated Alaska’s Yukon River. And in September that year another pair crossed the English Channel; and there was a further crossing of the Straits of Gibraltar from Spain to Morocco.

In fact, if you are thinking of invading a small nation state by driving up its beach, I can think of no better choice of transport.

But what is the Amphicar like on the road? After all, this is where it will spend most of its time. And the answer is that it is really not bad at all, not very different from many a European car of its age.

Despite being a very heavy car, there is no vagueness with its controls; although the brakes can be a little soft, as can be the handling, Amphicars are terrific fun to drive.

Indeed, 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.’

-Alex Manos, Owner

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IN-ANY-CONDITION!

Call Alex Manos 310-975-0272

1 reply on “Car Tales: Swimmingly Driven, The Amphicar 770”

Lincoln Pertkiewicz says:

December 4, 2025 at 3:08 pm

I personally think that this is one of the greatest ideas I have ever seen. I have debated about this in almost every class in my school. Everyone disagrees with me, but this is a great idea to cut costs, it’s most likely to be less money than a boat, and you can travel on gas with less gas money spent.

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