Sold 1962 Amphicar 770 Convertible "Auto and Boat"

[msclassiccars]

1962 Amphicar 770 Convertible "Auto and Boat"

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**THIS VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY SELLING LIVE ON A BRING-A-TRAILER ONLINE AUCTION. THE AUCTION ENDS ON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 22 @ 6:40PM EST. IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING PLEASE REGISTER TO BID DIRECTLY WITH BRING-A-TRAILER. IT’S A QUICK AND SIMPLE PROCESS. PLEASE CALL WITH ANY QUSTIONS. THANK YOU.**


This fabulous 1962 Amphicar 770 was the product of a nut and bolt restoration that was completed to show quality standards. The Amphicar 770 was built by the Amphicar Corporation in Germany from 1961 to 1968. The total production was 3,878 vehicles. 3,046 Amphicars were imported into the United States between 1961 and 1967. The Amphicar is the only civilian amphibious passenger automobile ever to be mass produced. All Amphicars are convertibles and the civilian models were originally offered in only 4 colors: Beach Sand White, Regatta Red, Lagoon Blue and Fjord Green. The backbone of the Amphicar’s electrics is basically a Lucas 12 volt positive ground system with certain items such as the horn, lighting, and switches made by other manufactures such as Hella and Bosch. The Amphicar is rear engined and uses a 4-cylinder British-built Triumph Herald motor. The Amphicar has a top speed of 7 MPH on water and 70 MPH on land. Hence, it was dubbed the “Model 770”. The Amphicar is moved in the water by its twin nylon propellers. A special two-part land-and-water transmission built by Hermes (makers of the Porsche transmission) allows the wheels and propellers to be operated either independently or simultaneously. The “land transmission” is a 4-speed-plus-reverse unit similar to those found in the old Volksagen Beetles. The “water transmission” is a 2-speed offering unique to the Amphicar featuring single forward and reserve gears. In the water, the front wheels act as rudders. In 1968, no Amphicars were directly imported into the USA because of the US government EPA and DOT regulations that went into effect with the 1968 model year vehicles. This caused a major financial disaster for the Amphicar Corporation since the USA represented about 90% of all Amphicar sales. The Amphicar factory in Berlin, Germany closed for good in 1968 and the remaining inventory of unused parts was eventually purchased by Hugh Gordon of Sante Fe Springs, CA. Hugh’s Gordon Imports remains the Amphicar owner’s primary source for spare parts. The Amphicar continues to appear in print, movies, museums and clubs such as the International Amphicar Owners Club. This example here was with the last owner in Michigan for the last 17 years before being acquired by MS CLASSIC CARS in July of 2022. It carries both an Automobile title and Marine title. Some extras are included such as the convertible top boot cover, car cover, jack tool, three life jackets, one life saver and one rowing ore.

The exterior of this Amphicar is in beautiful condition throughout and appears fresh. The body is straight with nice panel fitment which isn’t normally the case with many Amphicar examples. The front storage compartment cover and rear engine vented cover close nicely. The doors also close nicely and seal tight when levers are engaged for swimming. It was re-painted in its original color of Fjord Green. This color is considered very desirable among the Amphicar collectors and enthusiasts. The show quality paint was recently detailed to a brilliant shine. The color is complimented with a new white vinyl top that fits tight which isn’t normally the case with most Amphicar examples. It’s equipped with a new convertible top cover and case which is included. The front windshield and vent windows appear to have been replaced new. The door glass and quarter glass appears to be original and in very good condition. Everything on the exterior was restored or replaced such as the glass trim, rubber seals, wiper arms, wiper blades, Nautical horn, Marine navigation lighting, headlight bezels, Wagner headlights, light lenses, door handles, side moldings, rear quarter trim, taillight bezels, rear chrome bumpers and all emblems. The front bumper was painted silver. This futuristic looking vehicle sits on 13” painted steel wheels with chrome hub caps that read Amphicar in the center. The wheels are wrapped with new Coker Classic white wall 6.50 x 13 tires that were added by MS CLASSIC CARS in October of 2022.

The interior of this Amphicar is also in beautiful condition throughout and appears fresh. It sports a two-tone color combination that matches the exterior perfectly. This is very striking color combination which is easy on the eyes. The white upholstery works includes the sun visors, door panels and two rows of the bench seating. The Fjord Green painted dash is outfitted white knobs and Motometer gauges that include an analog clock, 90 MPH speedometer, fuel and temperature. It’s equipped with a new chrome rear view mirror and 2-spoke steering wheel that both look the part. The door panels have green upholstery and new hardware. The underneath of the dash is neat and organized including a red fire extinguisher mounted on the passenger side. The black shifter levers with white knobs and black rubber floor covering. Everything in the interior is in working order with exception of the clock. The painted front storage compartment is also neat and organized including the black fuel tank, hoses, gray spare tire cover, matching spare tire, jack tools and miscellaneous stickers.

The painted engine compartment is nicely detailed throughout and presents fresh. The chassis stamp matches the body tag. It’s powered by the correct 1147cc (70 cu.in) Triumph Inline 4-cyclinder that was rated with 43HP and 61 lb-ft. The engine tag number indicates GK844HE and the engine stamp is GK124HE. The engine was rebuilt .30 over and runs excellent. The block was painted in the correct color of black and dressed with the correct copper colored valve cover, correct valve cover black cap, correct Solex Downdraft carburetor and correct air cleaner. It’s also equipped with a Lucas distributor, German Auto Parts G-Tex ignition coil, Shur Flo diaphragm pump and Attwood Sea Guard Battery Case. The engine is cooled by a new radiator. The engine breathes through the factory manifold and single exhaust pipe with chrome tail pipe. The engine is coupled to the 4- forward speed plus reverse “land transmission” and 1-forward speed plus reverse “water transmission” which were completely rebuilt and work great. MS CLASSIC CARS completely serviced the engine and added a new clutch for smoothing shifting.

The undercarriage is very clean and presentable. The entire floor was coated with Lexan for easy maintenance. The steering, suspension and braking components were also completely gone through by MS CLASSIC CARS. Everything is in great working order.
Compare this example to all the other Amphicars that have sold or the ones that are currently on the market for sale. You’ll clearly see the differences. This is one of the best!