Description
The Amphicar Beast is Real and it's For Sale! (More pictures coming or ask and can send anything)
Those of you who follow Amphicar folklore have certainly heard of an “Amphicar Beast” that the mad scientist, engineering marvel Gary Briggs of Binghampton, New York took out the back seat and replaced it with a Buick V6 and automatic transmission back in the 70s.
Known as the “World’s Fastest Amphicar” and rumored to have been the actual inspiration of the Hotwheels Amphicar this piece of Amphicar history faded from view and most whom had once known of its existence assumed it had met its demise or had been restored to original condition. In fact, it sat unaltered (and still is untouched) for decades from the most recent Briggs modifications until six years ago when I purchased it in hopes of converting it to an actual life-sizedversion of theHot Wheels car it inspired. The first time I tried to start it, it started and drove onto the airport and into my hangar. We drove a few times up and down the taxiway, over the years we joked about it being the only car/boat that had been on a tarmac. If only we could figure out how to make it fly. The car sat in the hangar where the T.V. Series 'Plane Nuts' was being developed and can often times be seen in the background.
I have heard several stories about this Amphicar from members of the Amphicar Club and other enthusiasts. It has been to a couple car shows and without a doubt is always one of the most viewed and talked about cars period. From what I understand Gary used to drive it both on land and in the water regularly and that it did indeed float and go in the water just fine. I was also told that the chain system in it was loud and that a belt system would be a strong improvement. I have never put the chain on (included) nor have I driven it in the water. I did drive it yesterday around the block. It starts pretty much always but suddenly the ignition switch appears to be working intermittently so I had to bypass it. It also began to vibrate at around 30 mph so we just drove it back.
It's either the switch itself or a bad connection. You can see most of the wiring if you look but I have not toned it out or checked continuity. (worked fine last night)
This car starts, runs, drives, stops, and reportedly swims, however, it is a 1967car that should be owned by someone who is familiar with basic mechanics. The body is in very good shape with only minor surface rust nothing alarming at all.
The dashboard is a custom-made digital LCD dash that Gary designed and put in it. The interior is in very decent shape as you can see and it is all complete.
The car has a custom hard top and one of the most innovative and wild looking rear cowlings all handmade from fiberglass and fitted to the car. This is definitelya custom car that could be enjoyed as is or taken to the next level of custom, or restored to original. Parts are all available and most of the main parts minus engine and transmission are all original. Gary was a "form before function" type guy, yet he put a tremendous amount of work into the cosmetics of this vehicle. It was always his baby and his passion for sure.
This is a chance to own one of the most collectiblecars in the world! Still this many years later it remains the only production civilian amphibious car ever made and there are reportedly less than 300 in existence. (Check your numbers).
Vehicle sold with a Bill of Sale (Sail)
Shipping can be arranged however the buyer/winner chooses. Any shipping/handling charges will be an additional monetary responsibility of the buyer. I will be here for any assistance required, such as arrangements.
*Car mileage is unknown.