Cars That Double As Boats: Transforming Vehicles

The Amphicar Model 770 is an amphibious automobile that was unveiled at the 1961 New York Auto Show. It was manufactured in West Germany and marketed from 1961 to 1968, with a total production run of 3,878 units. The Amphicar is powered by a 1.1-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which drives the rear wheels on land and twin propellers in the water. With a top speed of 70 mph on land and 7 knots in the water, the Amphicar offers modest performance compared to contemporary boats or cars. Despite this, it gained popularity among consumers and even counted US President Lyndon B. Johnson among its owners.

Amphicar: A classic amphibious vehicle with modest performance, launched in 1961

The Amphicar Model 770 is a classic amphibious vehicle launched at the 1961 New York Auto Show. Designed by German designer Hans Trippel, the Amphicar was manufactured by the Quandt Group in West Germany. Trippel had been working on amphibious vehicles since 1932, including the Volkswagen Schwimmwagen during World War II. The Amphicar was a spiritual descendant of the Volkswagen Schwimmwagen and the Trippel SG6.

The Amphicar is a combination of the words "amphibious" and "car". It offered modest performance compared to contemporary boats or cars. It featured a Triumph four-cylinder engine of 1147 cc, an 8:1 compression ratio, and was rated at 43 brake horsepower. The Amphicar's engine was rear-mounted and drove the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual transmission on land. For water use, the engine drove a pair of reversible propellers at the rear, with a second gear lever engaging forward or reverse drive. The Amphicar could achieve a speed of 70 mph on land and 7 knots in the water.

The body of the Amphicar was designed to be both rigid and waterproof, resulting in a weight of 2,300 pounds. This weight, along with its tall height to enable entry and exit from the water, hampered its handling on the road. The Amphicar was also quite expensive at $3,395, which was reduced to $2,695 in 1964. Despite these drawbacks, the Amphicar gained recognition from the US Coast Guard as a legitimate boat and found a few enthusiasts who loved its unique capabilities.

The Amphicar required greasing at 13 points after operation in water, one of which necessitated the removal of the rear seat. Its water propulsion was provided by twin propellers mounted under the rear bumper. The Amphicar's steering was controlled by the front wheels, both on land and in the water, making it less manoeuvrable than a conventional boat.

WaterCar: A custom-built amphibious car that can transition from land to sea in seconds

The WaterCar is an impressive amphibious vehicle that seamlessly transitions from land to sea in mere seconds. With a powerful 3.7-litre V6 engine, it boasts an impressive top speed of 127 mph on land and 60 mph on water, earning it the title of the fastest amphibious car in the world. What sets the WaterCar apart is its ability to retract its wheels when entering the water, providing superior performance and handling compared to traditional aquatic automobiles.

Each WaterCar is meticulously crafted and custom-built to meet the unique needs of its owner. The vehicle offers a range of personalisation options, from fishing racks and sonar equipment to custom interiors and reliable outboard motor choices. With over 30 years of experience in hybrid vehicle manufacturing, the WaterCar team dedicates more than 1,000 hours to crafting each vehicle, ensuring exceptional durability, corrosion resistance, and water performance.

The WaterCar's versatility extends beyond its performance on land and sea. Its compact design allows it to fit in your driveway or garage, eliminating the need for boat slips and docking fees. The WaterCar is also highly portable, as it can be easily lifted and hitched to your truck or RV for long-distance travels. This level of convenience and customisation makes the WaterCar a truly unique and desirable vehicle for enthusiasts seeking both performance and practicality.

The WaterCar H1, part of the company's commercial vehicle fleet, showcases the pinnacle of amphibious all-terrain capabilities. This rugged vehicle is built to withstand extreme conditions, from treacherous terrain to challenging water scenarios, all while achieving impressive speeds. The WaterCar H1 pushes the boundaries of what's possible, solidifying WaterCar's position as a leader in amphibious vehicle innovation and manufacturing.

The WaterCar is not just a vehicle; it's an experience. With its exceptional performance, customisation options, and hassle-free ownership, the WaterCar embodies the joy of spontaneous adventures. Whether it's a quick fishing trip or an impulsive ocean excursion, the WaterCar empowers you to embrace the unexpected and create unforgettable memories. So, if you're seeking a vehicle that offers both excitement and versatility, the WaterCar is the perfect choice, blending the freedom of land and sea exploration into one extraordinary package.

Rinspeed sQuba: Inspired by James Bond's submarine car, it can be submerged up to 10 metres

The Rinspeed sQuba is an impressive vehicle that can transition from land to underwater environments. It was inspired by the 1977 James Bond film, 'The Spy Who Loved Me', in which Bond drives his Lotus Esprit into the sea, continuing to drive underwater. The sQuba is the first car in the world that can be driven on land and underwater.

The sQuba is an all-electric, zero-emission vehicle with three electric motors, one for land travel and two for water. On land, it is powered by a rear-wheel-drive electric powertrain, using rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. When it enters the water, it floats until the driver floods the interior to submerge it. It can go to a depth of 10 metres, powered by twin propellers and two Seabob water jets. It moves through the water like a submarine, rather than driving along the sea or riverbed.

The car has an open cockpit for safety, and the interior is water and salt-resistant, allowing it to be driven in the ocean. It can carry a driver and one passenger, and when underwater, the occupants breathe through scuba-style regulators, with air carried in the vehicle. The sQuba will surface automatically if the occupants leave the car while underwater. The twin water jets at the front of the vehicle provide steering and lift, while the rear propellers provide forward movement.

The sQuba was first presented to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008. The existing prototype cost over $1.5 million to build, and when it enters production, it is expected to cost less than a Rolls-Royce, according to Rinspeed founder and CEO, Frank M. Rinderknecht. The sQuba is likely to be marketed as a "toy for rich people", given the limited appeal of a car that can dive underwater.

Dutton Mariner: One of the earliest commercial amphibious vehicles, built using a Ford Fiesta chassis

The Dutton Mariner is one of the earliest commercial amphibious vehicles, with production starting in 1969. It was built using a Ford Fiesta chassis and was first produced in the United Kingdom by Dutton Amphibious Cars. The Mariner features a custom glass-reinforced plastic body and modifications necessary for operation in a marine environment. The vehicle is propelled by twin hydrojets in the water, which are driven by a belt from the crankshaft pulley. The Mariner has a top speed of approximately five miles per hour on water and is powered by a 1.3L inline-four engine on land, with a 5-speed manual transmission.

The Dutton Mariner is the result of Tim Dutton's vision to build an amphicar, or amphibious car. Dutton is the oldest car company in the world still wholly owned by its founder, and he has been manufacturing amphibious cars for longer than all other amphibious car companies combined. Dutton started out in a workshop in the village of Littlehampton, where he had his own slipway into the River Arun. Dutton's amphibious vehicles, including the Mariner, have been described as "pleasurably weird," offering a unique and fun experience for drivers.

The Mariner is based on the Ford Fiesta chassis and features a custom glass-reinforced plastic body. This body was designed and built by Dutton and is essential for the vehicle's operation in the water. To make the vehicle buoyant, the Ford Fiesta subframe was treated with a corrosion-resistant polymer on surfaces exposed to water. The Mariner is powered by a 1.3L inline-four engine and has a 5-speed manual transmission, providing power to the front wheels when on land.

When in the water, the Mariner is propelled by twin hydrojets driven by a belt from the crankshaft pulley. This design allows the vehicle to move seamlessly between land and water. The Mariner has a top speed of approximately five miles per hour on water and has been verified by its creator, Tim Dutton, as the first Mariner model produced. The Mariner's interior features a custom console mounted on top of the dashboard, including oil temperature gauges for the hydraulic pump and the two water jet propulsion modules, along with bilge pump switches and other controls.

The Dutton Mariner is a unique vehicle that combines the functionality of a car and a boat, offering a fun and novel experience for drivers. With its glass-reinforced plastic body and twin hydrojet propulsion system, the Mariner seamlessly transitions from land to water, providing a one-of-a-kind driving experience.

Hobbycar B612: A mid-engined, four-seater amphibious vehicle with a 1.9-litre, four-cylinder engine

The Hobbycar B612 is an amphibious, mid-engined, four-seater vehicle with a unique and innovative design. Unveiled at the 1992 Paris Motor Show, the B612 is powered by a Peugeot 1.9L four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, producing 92 horsepower. This engine is transversely mounted amidships and drives both the four-wheel drive system on land and the twin 150 kg-thrust hydrojets in water. The B612 has a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph) and offers a versatile driving experience.

The steering mechanism of the Hobbycar B612 varies between land and water. On dry land, the B612 is steered conventionally using the steering wheel, while in the water, it is controlled by a joystick. This joystick control allows for precise manoeuvring in aquatic environments. The B612's suspension system, borrowed from Citroën, is hydropneumatic, providing a smooth and adaptable ride. The vehicle's height can be adjusted thanks to this suspension setup, ensuring optimal performance in various conditions.

The Hobbycar B612's body is designed with versatility in mind. It can be configured as a four-door rigid top or even as a pick-up. The windshield is electrically retractable on production models, enhancing the vehicle's overall sleekness. The interior of the B612 is just as impressive, with three removable seats that can be clipped in facing either forward or backward, allowing for multiple seating arrangements. The B612's vibrant colours, retractable features, and joystick control contribute to its appeal as a recreational vehicle for those seeking a unique and luxurious experience.

The B612's production was limited, with only 52 units and a handful of Passport vans manufactured between 1992 and 1996. The high price tag, equivalent to approximately $56,000, hindered its commercial success. However, the B612 remains a remarkable example of automotive engineering, showcasing the vision of designer and engineer François Wardavoir. Despite the challenges, the Hobbycar B612 stands as a testament to the creativity and ambition of its creators, offering a unique blend of terrestrial and aquatic capabilities.

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