James Bond-Style Amphibious Car for Sale at £70,000: Road and Water Adventure Awaits

A unique and quirky James Bond-style soft-top amphibious car, capable of traversing both roads and water, is now for sale for £70,000. This classic 1962 Amphicar 770 is a true collector’s item, offering the versatility of land and sea travel in one stylish package.

On dry land, the Amphicar can reach speeds of up to 70mph, though its acceleration is somewhat leisurely, taking 21.7 seconds to go from 0 to 60mph. However, its real charm lies in its amphibious capabilities. The car can travel at an impressive seven knots on water, a speed comparable to that of many luxury yachts, allowing it to navigate seas, lakes, and rivers with ease.

This rare vehicle combines vintage appeal with a sense of adventure, making it a perfect choice for enthusiasts of classic cars and unique transportation modes. The Amphicar 770’s ability to seamlessly transition from road to water is a testament to innovative engineering from the early 1960s, offering a blend of nostalgia and practicality for the modern collector.

A unique 1962 Amphicar 770, a James Bond-style amphibious car capable of traveling on both roads and water, is for sale at £70,000, offering vintage appeal and adventure. — *The classic 1962 Amphicar 770.*

This classic 1962 Amphicar 770, a James Bond-style soft-top amphibious car, is up for sale at £70,000. The vehicle is a rare gem, designed to travel on both roads and water, making it a standout collector’s item.

When it reaches port, the Amphicar’s doors, equipped with special watertight seals, are securely locked to ensure no water enters the cabin. This blue convertible comes prepared with life jackets and paddles, providing safety measures in case of a breakdown while on the water. A dashboard note reads: “Warning! Before boating: Pit bilge plug in, secure front luggage deck, use lower locks to seal doors.”

The Amphicar 770 can reach speeds of up to 70mph on land, although it takes 21.7 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60mph. On water, it travels at an impressive seven knots, comparable to many luxury yachts. Only 3,878 of these two-door cabriolet models were ever produced, adding to its rarity and appeal.

Originally purchased for just £2,710 when it was brand new 61 years ago, this amphibious vehicle now offers a unique blend of nostalgia, adventure, and innovative engineering for modern collectors and enthusiasts.

Taking inflation into account, the original price of the 1962 Amphicar 770 was £2,710, equivalent to £27,550 in today’s money. However, it is expected to sell for well over double that amount when it goes under the hammer, with RM Sotheby’s estimating a guide price between £55,000 and £70,000. Dubbed “The car that swims” by the auctioneers, this vehicle is a unique blend of classic car and boat.

An RM Sotheby’s spokesperson described the Amphicar as resembling “a crossbreed of a 1957 Thunderbird and a Glasspar ski boat,” powered by a rear-mounted Triumph four-cylinder engine that drove the rear wheels. On land, it performed like any other small European car of its era. When transitioning to water, special watertight seals on the doors were locked, the front luggage lid was secured, and the car was driven slowly into the water.

A lever redirected the engine’s power to dual rear propellers, allowing the Amphicar to navigate the water. Steering was managed using the front wheels, which acted as rudders. This innovative design allowed the Amphicar to reach speeds of 70mph on land and seven knots in the water, making it a versatile and exciting vehicle for collectors.

With only 3,878 of these two-door cabriolet models ever made, this Amphicar 770 is not only a rare find but also a fascinating piece of automotive history. The vehicle comes equipped with life jackets and paddles, ensuring safety during water excursions. This classic blue convertible is a true testament to the innovative engineering of the early 1960s, offering a blend of nostalgia, adventure, and practicality for modern enthusiasts.