Frequently Asked Questions;

They were designed specifically for the American market so almost all Amphicars were imported into the USA

Most Amphicars are virtually identical, although there are some small, but distinct differences between early and late models. These include, but not limited to the heater placement, shock mountings, lower body lip, & dash treatment, among others.

The Amphicar was the 1st true "world car" with parts coming from Germany, England, USA, and Holland among others.

They were available in 4 colors;                                                                                                               

• Regatta red with white/charcoal interior & white top
• Lagoon blue with Yellow/white interior & white top
• Beach sand white with red/white interior & black top
• Fjord green with apricot/white interior & white top

There was at least 1 black car Produced and 50 special ivory cars that had red tops and side trim made for the cypress gardens and the 1964 world's fair. 

A few were also produced as emergency rescue vehicles with a full compliment of equipment.

You could order an anchor, flares, paddles, fire extinguisher and even a shower that connected to the bilge pump!

An AM / FM / Short-wave / Marine band radio was available.

Would you believe an amphibious camper was available too?

Does it really go in the water?

• Yes, it really does go in the water!

How fast do they go?

• They can go about 70+ mph on land and about 6 knots in the water

How do they operate in the water?

• They have twin screws for the water and the front wheels act as twin rudders

How do the doors seal?

• The doors have 2 seals (much like a refrigerator) and separate water locks to keep you from accidentally opening the door while in the water.

Who made them?

• They were made by the Amphicar Company of Berlin, Germany

What engine do they have?

• Power is provided by a rear mounted 1147cc triumph herald 4 cylinder engine

What are all those knobs for?

• They operate all the various controls of the car such as lights, wipers, etc. No, they weren't labeled at all.

How do you shift them?

• There are 2 shift levers on the floor. One for the standard 4 speed land transmission and one for forward and reverse operation of the twin props.

How deep can they go?

• All the way to the bottom if you forget the bilge plug! ;^) Click here for a good story about a sunken Amphicar salvaged from 52' and 17 years under water.
• I think you must mean to ask is what the freeboard is.  It is about 21". The front bumper is just above the water and the rear of the car sits just slightly lower due to the rear engine.

Can they sink?

• Yes they can! Just like any boat if there is a problem that brings on water. Click here for an incredible story of an Amphicar salvaged after 17 years under water!
• Not to worry! It is not common and these cars are very sea worthy in spite of the bad press they endured in the press early on.

How many were made?

• Only around 3800 of the planned 20,000 or so cars were produced between 1961 and 1968
• About 90 were right hand drive, which were produced for the European market

How many survive?

• Depending on whom you talk to, we guess-timate that 300 - 600 sea worthy and 1500+- in any condition

How much were they when new?

• Sales were slow due to the high initial cost of $3800 at the time, however Later on a brand new Amphicar could be had for as little as $1750!

What are they worth?

• This is a tough one, it really depends on the condition of the car. They can go as high as $55,000 for a top of the line perfect concourse car. Only a handful ever come close to that figure. A very nice quality sea worthy car will be in the  $25,000-ish range.

Are parts available?

• Yes, most parts can be obtained easily, however they are sometimes a bit pricey. To combat the high costs, Many people have started manufacturing various high quality reproduction parts.

What is the fuel mileage?

• On land they can get 35mpg or more, on water they use about 1-1.5 gallons per hour.

How are they in rough water?

• They have a freeboard of 21" with the top and windows down. Upon rolling up the windows and pulling up the top you have a very sea worthy car. Two Amphicars successfully crossed the English channel in 20' seas and gale force winds! 

• I regularly take mine out in rough waters. I have had waves break over the roof and onto the rear of the car. What fun! (really!)

• Two other Amphicars traveled 350 miles down the Yukon in Alaska (1968).