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National Geographic TV Series - The Car Czar
Filmed entirely in HD - the complete restoration process of this 'Barn Find'
1967 Amphicar 770 Convertible: Serial/Chassis # 106-552-621
When it comes to the finest in authenticity and show quality restorations, Marquis Auto Restorations makes sure that the history and documentation is in order before delving into any frame-off rotisserie restoration projects. This original and rare “barn find” had not been driven or inspected since 1975.
More than 33 years of indoor storage had past until this vehicle was discovered by Marquis Auto Restorations. A highly sought after and original vehicle with most of its parts still in tact, then became the project of a complete rotisserie restoration to exact specifications. Still wearing its original Fjord Green factory paint, with the usual rust and decay for an Amphicar, the team began their ultimate restoration. Everything has been professionally restored with the assistance of the most knowledgeable collectors and suppliers acquiring the most difficult parts such as: Original Hub Caps, Original Horn, Compass in its Original Box with Directions, Bumpers, Trim, Engine Components, Drivetrain Parts and more. This correctly restored and well documented vehicle has been properly serviced and is once again not only Road Worthy, but also Sea Worthy, tested and sailed prior to auction! Many of the new items include: Deluxe Interior (Apricot & White), Convertible Top & Boot, Full Paint and Bodywork, Engine and Drivetrain, and all other mechanicals.
This is a unique opportunity to own one of the first vehicles that has been fully documented by the experts at Marquis Auto Restorations for a TV Series that debuted internationally on The National Geographic Channel. The winner of this unqiue vehicle will aldo receive a one-hour DVD realted to this actual Amphicar including aspects such as of the barn find and the vehicle’s history, documented rotisserie restoration data, and the search to complete this rare vehicle with original hard to find parts.
Be the first to own this unique vehicle since it was stored away in 1975 and you will own the finest restored Amphicar in existence! The winning bidder will have the honor of owning one of finest restored vehicles in a long line of famous vehicles to be on future episodes. Remember, once the TV show in on the air this and all other vehicles in the series will be worth much more.
As all folks who've ever had a working Amphicar know, piloting one on land or sea is a lot like getting a huge glowing tattoo on your forehead that reads "Run over here and ask me questions!" You can just forget about million-dollar Ferraris and fully restored Rolls Royce's. Not many vehicles attract as much attention as an Amphicar and once they hit the waves it's just no contest. It's gotten so that fielding the same questions from bemused onlookers over and over has become something of an in-joke among Amphicar owners.
The Amphicar was built in Germany from 1961 to 1968. Total production was 3,878 vehicles. The Amphicar is the only civilian amphibious passenger automobile ever to be mass produced. 3,046 Amphicars were imported into the United States between 1961 and 1967. The Amphicar is a rear engine vehicle and uses a 4 cylinder British-built Triumph Herald motor producing 43hp. All Amphicars are convertibles, and the civilian models were originally offered in only 4 colors - Beach White, Regatta Red, Lagoon Blue and Fjord Green (Aqua), which was the last color offers and is the original color of this ultimately restored vehicle.
The Amphicar has a top speed of 7mph on water and 70mph 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 Volkswagen Beetles. The "water transmission" is a 2-speed offering unique to the Amphicar featuring single forward and reverse gears. In the water, the front wheels act as rudders.
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