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Amphicar BUYER

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Posts posted by Amphicar BUYER

    This Day in Car History / April 1st

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It seems LBJ had one at his Texas ranch and used to love to scare the bejesus out of visitors.</div></div>

    LBJ had a blue one that is still on his ranch in Texas. I have heard that more than one dignatary jumped out!

    A short story from LBJ's site ...

    The Amphicar has been a popular conveyance for some notable Americans. Actors Ted Danson, Madonna and Dan Aykroyd each have one, as did President Lyndon Johnson, whose Amphicar antics were recorded in the memoirs of Cabinet member Joseph Califano Jr., who was Johnson's passenger one day on the LBJ ranch in Texas.

    "The President was driving around in a small blue convertible with its top down,'' Califano recalls. "We reached a steep incline at the edge of the lake, and the car started rolling toward the water.

    "The President shouted, 'The brakes don't work! The brakes don't hold! We're going in! We're going under!'

    "The car splashed right into the water. I started to get out. Just then, the car leveled off, and I realized I was in (an Amphicar).

    "The President laughed, and he laughed all night long. 'Did you see that? He (Califano)didn't give a damn about his president. He just wanted to save his own skin and get out of that car!' Then he'd roar some more.''

    amph4080.jpg

    This Day in Car History / April 1st

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Either Ron or I just have to add something here! Oddly enough, it is true that The Amphicar was introduced on today's date in Central Park of NY city. It was formerly known as "The Alligator" and looked different with a different engine (Austin, I believe), wrap-a-round windshield and louvers in the fins. I still get people who still don't believe what they are seeing. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

    So happy 42nd Birthday to the Amphicar! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Maybe I'll go for a swim tonight in honor of the day. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

    It ran when I parked it...

    in Buick - General

    Posted

    I sold a '66 Cadillac ragtop a few years back on eBay. It went for over twice what I expected. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> It was a solid #5 car. 99% there and a great candidate for a resto. The description said in big red letters "THIS CAR DOES NOT RUN" and several pictures of rust etc. Plus I also added "I will take any pictures of anything you have questions about".

    The guy shows up from about 1300 miles away with a single jack stand and a screwdriver expecting to drive it home! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> He was pissed that it wasn't road worthy and proceeded to berate me about it. I told him that he could have asked me anything about the car.

    Because I felt bad he paid so much for the car I tossed in an extra bumper/grill assy and original manuals among other things to make the deal better for him. (about $1000 worth) He was so excited to find the car that he let his heart bid rather than his head. He left without a thanks and his final words were "I am glad you got such a great deal" Ungrateful SOB. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

    About 2 years later I got a short apology from him via email. Maybe he finally understood that HE made the bid and I tried to be the good guy. I hope he got her running as it would have been a beauty. White/white/red interior w/factory buckets and a console.

    Insurance companies?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    I have Haggerty myself. They have agreed value, no mileage restrictions (great for those who actually drive thier cars) and from speaking with others, they have execelent service. For the Amphicar guys, they actually know what they are and you get coverage for both water and land.

    I have had no experience with any others, so I can comment on them.

    Star Cars!

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">RE: Disney's "Chitty-chitty" cars: is there a web site that has info about them? Who built them? What were they agglomerated from? From what I remember of the movie, the car sounded like it had a pretty hefty six in it, yet I count four side pipes?</div></div>

    They actually did have a V-6 automatic in them! check out the Chitty-ist site. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

    Star Cars!

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    The Boss Mustang from the original "Gone in 60 Seconds" (not the terrible remake) would be a good one. The car still runs and still has the "ding" in the side!

    petersen4.jpg

    Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is and always will be my favorite car. One of the original 5 and one of 2 that ran, lives in England and tours occasionally.

    autocar.jpg

    John

    How do you answer the "How much is it worth?" question?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Thanks for some good answers. I really don't like discussing money with strangers. To me it's like asking, "How much do you make?" <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> I do understand their curiosity, however, I don't want to answer with a smart-ass answer. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

    What if I tell this guy it?s worth a gabillion dollars and he was ready to sell the one he has in his barn to me for a pittance? <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

    had a problem getting the amphicar in the water.....

    in General Discussion

    1930's clothing - anyone have "patterns"

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Doesn't it have a VW chassis with snorkel device and dual gear box to transfer drive to propeller? If you live anywhere near NC I'd love to swap you a ride in my Rolls for one in your car someday</div></div>

    Thanks for the compliments! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Amphicars are commonly confused with VWs for some reason. VWs were never amphibious. The only similarity is they were both built in Germany. The Amphi was the only purpose built amphibious car for civilians. They are fitted with a Triumph Herald engine and a Borgward trans. No snorkels, as the drive train is not open to the water.

    I have never been to NC, but someday I would love to ride my HD through the area. I'll bet your RR is a beauty! I know of a late 30's (?) RR used as a chicken coup! I have tried several times to convince the elderly lady who owns it to allow me to cover it or move it. She said he husband parked it there in the early 50's and died shortly thereafter. So she said it will remain there as he left it until she is gone herself. Very sad indeed. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

    Anyone else cruising at 3:30 AM in minus 28 degrees?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Great Pictures, Amplicar! I put the last one on my hard drive. I can't wait till spring when Ron Green's supposed to "launch" his. I'll bring all the necessary rescue equipment. Wayne </div></div>

    Thanks Wayne! I had a lot of fun that day. I swam up to a fisherman on a far shore and it happened to be an old friend I had not seen in some time.

    Methinks all the rescue equipment he may need will come in a handy glass container! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> From my conversations with Ron, his should be a beautiful machine indeed. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

    Anxious and Discouraged

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    You're doing the best you can by getting the chrome and such done. Get together the hardware too. DO some research on it's history.

    The paint and body is one of the most important parts of a resto. It will be how the car is percieved. Crappy paint is hard to make right. I have NEVER had any paint work done on time. As long as the body shop is doing the job right, you are going to be OK.

    Try to be patient, but be firm with him. If you stop by regularly and bring gifts (beer or what ever) for him on a friendly vist, this will keep you fresh in their mind. Sometimes that moves ya up the list a bit.

    My 2 1/2 year long resto was months of busting butt followed by weeks of nothing, not even thinking about it. It comes and goes. Once you get the car back in all it's glory, you will find yourself up late working on it.

    BTW - What are you working on?

    Help me make a decision!

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    You have to go with your heart. I tend to say no because so many of our 1960s muscle and historical autos went to Japan, most never to be seen again. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

    What good is the Mona Lisa or a Rare auto if it is never seen and appreciated? <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

    Some questions I would ask;

    Is it a historical vehicle?

    - If "yes", then it should stay here.

    Will it be shown or displayed?

    - If no, then it should stay here.

    Will it get the care it deserves?

    - If no, then it should stay here.

    Is it of educational value to the area?

    - If no, then it should stay here.

    Just my $.02 worth.

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