If you missed the rare opportunity to score a 60s amphibious car in 2020 and still desire to own one, well, we bring good news. The opportunity has arisen again. Another 1964 Amphicar 770 is going on the block in an auction by Barrett-Jackson. Built in Germany between 1961 and 1968, just 3,046 units of the 3,878 produced ever made it stateside.
What makes the Amphicar special is obvious. It looked like a car, drove like a car, but it isn’t all a car because it is a boat too. It cruises both land and lake, transitioning from traveling on solid ground to a body of water seamlessly. Well, seamlessly if there is a launch ramp.
The design of the Amphicar 770 is equally unique. It has a rear-mounted engine to keep the nose from dipping underwater. Speaking of the engine, it is an upgraded 1500cc Spitfire engine, mated with a rebuilt 4-speed stick shifter and a new clutch. When in the water, a unique “water transmission” and twin propellers take over, affording it forward and reverse movement, while the front wheels double as rudders, allowing the driver to steer the amphibious vehicle.
As a watercraft, it cruises leisurely at 7 mph (11 km/h), or about 6 knots, and tops out at 70 mph (113 km/h) on land. Fun fact: every Amphicar left the factory as a convertible, which is perfect for the roads and waters.
This particular example that will be heading to the Scottsdale Fall Auction (October 16-19, 2025) has only 82 miles (132 km) on the odo since a full restoration. Restoration work includes replacement of the axle, transmission, prop shaft, and steering mechanism seals. Inside, the cabin received new upholstery, door seals, updated dashboard electronics, and a radio. A boot insert even allows for seating right on top of the convertible roof.
Images: Barrett-Jackson Auction Company.
