By James Heinz
Recently WMHS member Captain Greg Stamatelakys sent us a photo of the World War II submarine USS COBIA undergoing overhaul in drydock in Sturgeon Bay, Wis.
The other unusual sight in the photo is the pale green object with two people in it that is floating in the foreground. The object appears to be a boat, but it is actually an amphibious automobile called the Amphicar model 770.
Wikipedia tells us that 3,878 Amphicars were made in West Germany from 1961 to 1965. It was based on a World War II German army vehicle that in turn was derived from the famous Volkswagen Beetle.
It has an engine in the rear, twin reversible propellers, and was steered in both water and land by turning the wheels. It is equipped with navigation lights and a flag to comply with U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
President Lyndon B. Johnson and his amphicar
The most famous owner of an Amphicar was President Lyndon Johnson. Wikipedia says, “Johnson, a known practical joker, was said to enjoy frightening visitors at his Johnson City, Texas, ranch by driving them downhill in his Amphicar, directly into his property’s lake, all the while shouting that he had malfunctioning brakes.” In the accompanying photograph, Johnson is seen driving his Amphicar across his lake. The man sitting behind him appears to be staring at the floorboards while fervently praying for a swift conclusion to this voyage.
Our own Suzette Lopez used to see one on the road in Brookfield, Wis. It was the same color as the one in Captain Greg’s photos.
Amphicars have crossed the English Channel, ascended the Yukon River, and starred in 8 movies. Their owners club sponsors reunions, and you can rent one at Disney World. The Amphicar isn’t very practical, but it is good for having fun, even on Sturgeon Bay.
Top photo by Greg Stamatelakys. Other photos courtesy of Wikipedia.
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James Heinz is the Wisconsin Marine Historical Society’s acquisitions director. He became interested in maritime history as a kid watching Jacques Cousteau’s adventures on TV. He was a Great Lakes wreck diver until three episodes of the bends forced him to retire from diving. He was a University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee police officer for thirty years. He regularly flies either a Cessna 152 or 172.
