Highlights

Only 21,000 miles from new
Fully restored by Bridge Classic Cars in 2023 at a cost of £80,000
400 picture digital archive of the restoration
Excellent condition with high quality refurbishment
Vast history file across two thick folders
Full service in 2023 on completion of restoration
Superb example of these remarkable vehicles - find a better one!

The Appeal

The idea of a car that can be driven to a lake or the sea and then driven on the lake or indeed the sea, is not an obvious one. But it is a brilliant one that resulted in this motoring oddity - the remarkable Amphicar 770.

It took 25 years for Hans Trippel’s idea for an amphibious vehicle to really gain traction. After World War II, he applied his wartime experience with amphibious trucks to creating a stylish, open-top four-seater that could work equally well on hard ground or more water-orientated surfaces. The car’s name reflected its twin capabilities - 7 knots on the water, 70mph on land.

Most Amphicars went to America where its abundance of quirk appealed to buyers as illustrious as President Lyndon B Johnson. Actor Dan Ackroyd owned a few and Madonna used one in a video.

Today these cars are beloved by collectors. This one must be amongst the best available. Extensively restored to a very high standard in 2023 by specialist Bridge Classic Cars, it is in superb and highly detailed factory-correct condition. That work is carefully detailed in two very thick folders.

It has covered just 21,000 miles from new and carefully stored in a heated garage by its collector-keeper. This is a clever classic with a party trick that will surely never stop being rewarding, whether you’re driver, passenger or lucky observer. Dont miss this collector-quality example.

The History and Paperwork

Believed first registered 1964
Chassis third digit ‘1’ indicates that this car may have been built in 1961
First registered in the UK in 2020 according to seller
One previous UK keeper
Vendor acquired car in March 2020
Full restoration by Bridge Classic Cars completed in 2023
Restored to original condition
VIN number 101575
Two folders of pictures documenting the full restoration project
Historic Vehicle that is MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
Last serviced at restoration in 2023
Stored in a heated garage by current keeper

The Condition

Full body restoration with replacement panels and new paint by Bridge Classic Cars
Very well presented car in red with two-tone white and grey interior
Restored to original, factory-correct condition as shown
Paintwork presents very well with evident high end respray work
Bodywork is also well kept with straight panels and no reported damage
Built from thick, high grade steel to withstanding waves and other water-based issues
Beautifully detailed car with correct badging, side trims and other exterior details
Chromework and lights in very good order with evidence of refurbishment
Underside presents very well with no obvious signs of deterioration
Sits on steel wheels with Amphicar hub caps and pretty whitewall tyres
Fully retrimmed interior in very good order with two-tone vinyl finish
Few signs of use or age to interior reflecting recent work and sparing subsequent use
Neatly detailed interior including two-spoke Bakelite wheel and slatted wooden floor
Practical four seater with spacious interior
Folding white roof in good condition with matching tonneau
Classic-style DAB digital radio included

We have to admire the team at Bridge Classic Cars. Restoring any car requires a high degree of skill to execute it well. To restore an Amphicar takes things to an extra level because it involves working with features drawn from boats as well as cars.

The result of that commitment to do a great job is obvious. It is also documented in the two hefty folders that accompany this car and document the restoration process. The work prioritised originality and delivers a very pretty car in red with a two-tone white and grey interior with matching roof and tonneau.

Across the paintwork, brightwork, panelwork and interior this car impresses. There is clear attention to detail, right down to the slatted wooden floor in the cabin and even the classic-style DAB digital radio.

The car was completed in 2023 and has been little used since. That gives the buyer a virtually restoration-fresh vehicle to use and enjoy.

The Mechanics

Dependable 39bhp 1,147cc Triumph Herald 4cyl engine
4spd manual gearbox
Switchable drive to engage the twin propellors
We are told the 21,000 miles displayed is correct
Can easily transform into a boat
Mechanicals and running gear overhauled during restoration
Serviced at the end of restoration in 2023
Few miles covered since last service work
No reported running or driving issues

Triumph’s 1.1L Herald engine gave Trippel’s Eurocar Alligator concept the extra power to deliver a vehicle that worked well across tarmac and water. Despite its sporting looks, it is no sports car, but that is hardly the point - that dependable Triumph unit delivers a reputed 7 knots on water and up to 70mph on land.

This car’s extensive high-end restoration by Bridge Classic Cars covered the mechanicals and running gear, too. The evidence of just how far that work went is obvious in the photos and documented in those thick folders. The car is reputed to have covered just 21,000 miles since it was built and was fully serviced on completion in 2023.

The car, therefore, wants nothing, according to the seller. It is ready to use and enjoy on the many country roads and waterways of our fair isle.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

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