Downtown Disney (soon to be Disney Springs) has a unique experience available at the newly appointed Boat House Restaurant. Not only can you see unique antique boats up close, you can also ride in a fully restored 1960's Amphicar!
Yes that really is a car in the water!!!
Want to learn more about these rare cars?
Yes that really is a car in the water!!!
Want to learn more about these rare cars?
In the early 1960's a German by the name of Hanns Trippel had a crazy idea that everyone needed a stylish vehicle that traveled on both land and sea. Production of these vehicles started in 1961 and was anticipated to manufacture 20,000 vehicles per year.
Due to a high price tag for the time (around $3,300) and the outrageous concept, the vehicle did not meet the anticipated demand. There were only 3,878 Amphicars made from 1963-1965 and each unit was titled in the year it was sold, not the year it was made. This is why you might come across a "1970" model. To date there are believed to only be 400 Amphicars that are still sea worthy.
The vehicle is propelled by an 1147cc Triumph engine. Once you enter the water you flip a level on the floor of the vehicle to engage two twin propellers at the rear of the vehicle. The engine is located in the rear and the front is a lockable storage area. The vehicle steers in the water the same as it does on land using the steering wheel and tires to act as rudders.
Top speed on land is 70mph while top speed at sea is 7 knots. Hence the model number of "770". Because of the over anticipated production, parts for the vehicle are easy to come by!
A trip in an Amphicar 770 at Disney Springs Boat House Restaurant will cost you $125 for a trip around the lake. A photographer takes your pictures from shore while you ride and the pictures are available for purchase in the store. While you are there don't forget to pick up your custom life saver!