1961 Amphicar Model 770

Are you ready for the “fastest car in water and the fastest boat on land”? We certainly are! Originally produced as police and rescue vehicles, the 1961 Amphicar 770 is nothing short of iconic. As Berkley One Classics celebrates the big 5-0, we’re hosting an exciting virtual car show for collectors and enthusiasts alike. We’ll share our love of classic cars by spotlighting 50 cars for 50 years that have been chosen and beloved by our employees. Each will showcase the evolution of design and engineering and provide a nostalgic journey through auto and pop culture history Read on as Berkley One Classics’ Senior Underwriter, Amber Walgrave, tells us why she loves the Amphicar.

Prefer to read a text version of the above graphic? We’ve got you covered below!

The Car

“The fastest car in water and the fastest boat on land.” The 1961 Amphicar 770 was often described as good for one thing — fun. Manufactured in West Germany and launched at the 1961 New York Auto Show, the Amphicar 770 model number was chosen because an Amphicar could travel at 7 mph on water and 70 mph on dry land.

To drive the vehicle from the streets and into the water, its steel unibody had double seals on the doors, activated by a lever, to help prevent the amphibious car from taking in water.

Once in the water, simple levers would switch the Amphicar from rear-wheel drive to twin rear propellers, with the front wheels doing the steering on the water as well as on the road. The engine was placed in the back of the vehicle to ensure the weight of the engine would not cause the front end to be dragged under water. Because of their dual purpose, specially equipped Amphicars were built for police and rescue operations. The Red Cross also used the Amphicar in flood-damaged areas. Offered in four colors inclusing Beach White, Lagoon Blue, Fjord Green and Regatta Red, Amphicars were titled in the year sold rather than the year produced.

The Collector

The amphibious car was not quick or flashy, but it was uncommon and iconic. With total production of 3,878 cars with a price tag of $2,800, the 1961 Amphicar 770 remains the only civilian amphibious passenger automobile to be mass-produced.

Today Amphicars are highly valued and sought after by collectors and can sell for more than $100,000 at auction.

Collectors enjoy the dual purpose of the vehicle and to this day many Amphicar owners participate in regional and national “Swim-Ins.”

The Love

I love surprises and the Amphicar is just that. Former President Lyndon B. Johnson, known as a practical joker, owned an Amphicar which he kept on his Texas ranch and there are stories about him taking his guests for a tour around the property, driving towards the lake as if the brakes were malfunctioning and then surprising the passengers as the amphibious car floated on the water.

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Contributed by Amber Walgrave

Photo: Alamy

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This car feature is part of our 50 Cars for 50 Years campaign in honor of Berkley One Classics celebrating 50 year of insuring collectors and their vehicles. See the other cars we love here:

Spotlight #1, Spotlight #2, Spotlight #3, Spotlight #4, Spotlight #5, Spotlight #6, Spotlight #7, Spotlight #8, Spotlight #9, Spotlight #10, Spotlight #11

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Berkley One Classics is a Berkley Company who recognizes that classic cars are unique and require insurance that’s equally distinctive. Let us help you protect your beloved vehicle so you can enjoy it for years to come. Learn more here.