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Having always thought Amphicars were cool as a child growing up in the 1960’s, Tony went seeking them out on the internet, late summer of 2005. Little did he realize that there was a whole amphibious world about to open up to him. One day he proclaimed to the little woman that he wanted one. He often talked about getting a boat or an ATV, so she didn’t think too much about it. They were all toys they couldn’t really afford. She reminded him of the Bobcat Skid Steer toy he had just bought a few years earlier that was taking up room in their backyard. But he was persistent. So she said, “what do you need that for,” to which he replied, “everyone needs a hobby.” He was smart. He knew the little woman was the queen of hobbies (albeit cheaper ones) so she couldn’t argue with that logic. He started his search on eBay and quickly found a rust buck . . . uh . . . project car for a minimal price in the next state over. So he paid the fellow, rented a trailer and braved the South Boston traffic. He arrived early and took a good look at the car while the owner was still on his way there. He quickly realized what the pictures weren’t showing (like no back wheels or axles!) and decided that he needed a car that was not quite so much of a project after all! So he left the car before the owner arrived and called him from home. Thankfully the guy was very understanding. But Tony still was set on his dream. He mentioned it at work one day and a guy told him about an antique car swap meet held in Amherst, NH. He was pretty certain that Tony would find one there. Tony wasn’t quite so certain but he decided to check it out any way. So one fall morning, with his family in tow, he headed off to the swap meet. Now, you have to know that Tony wanted this thing pretty badly, because I swear, he must have smelled the durn thing the second he arrived. No sooner had he paid his admission than he was pointing one out. (Okay, it took a little longer than that.) “There’s one!” he said. And sure enough there was. A nice red shiny one sitting on a trailer. Well, that’s how it looked from afar. But up close, it was easy to tell that this was someone else’s project car, someone whose life had gotten in the way of their passion. The car was drawing a lot of attention while Tony considered it. There was a quick consult with the little
Over the next winter, Tony did much welding, patching, grinding and sanding on the white car’s body. This car hadn’t ever had any body work done on it, so he felt this one was in better shape and decided that this would be the ‘keeper’. The engine and transmission were partially rebuilt. You can see more pictures here and here.
So Tony was finally able to go for a swim with his new Amphi less than a year later. His maiden voyage was at our association beach on Lake Winnisquam. Wisely, no family members dared go with him on this first run. But it turned out well with minimal intake of water. Even the little mermaid was surprised it didn’t sink like a stone, not because she doubted Tony’s abilities, but because a floating car ‘just ain’t right!” (She’s not looking so smart now, is she?) Both of the merchildren enjoy swimming (yes, that’s what it’s called) with their dad in the Amphi, and life is generally good. The biggest problem is getting Tony to wear a hat and so he won’t get a sunburn on his bald spot! If you are ever in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire with your Amphi, email Tony at tortak@metrocast.net. He knows all the best swimming places and would be happy to go for a dip with you! Written by Denise Ortakales |
The owner had done quite a bit of body work and painted it, then left it outside. It would need to all be redone. It needed new seats, a new top, new tires, engine and transmission rebuilt, and assorted other things. The largest problem was that everything was already in pieces, which can make it hard to put back together, or to even know which pieces may be missing. As much as he liked it, the price tag seemed a little hefty.
But wait—what could be sweeter than an Amphicar for sale? Two Amphicars, of course. A large sign on the car proclaimed that another car in similar condition and an extra transmission was included in the price! Whoa! Different story now.
woman on financing options, the best option being to borrow on one child’s college fund (the other child was due to start college in a year so borrowing that was out of the question.) The plan was to fix one car up and sell it for a little profit and keep the other. It seemed a little risky using the college fund but Tony was confident he could do it. He paid the guy a deposit, brought the ’64 red home that day, and picked up the ’64 white a few days later. 
By springtime, it was ready for paint. Tony asked his cousin Leo to help him. Leo works for an auto body shop, as did their grandfather. Tony decided to go with Lagoon Blue (an Amphicar factory color) instead of the original white. 
Some time during the summer, he put his extra transmission on eBay because you know fixing up old cars is not cheap, and one college fund was already in jeopardy. The morning the auction was to end, Tony received a call from a local guy wanting to come see it. Hold on here! Someone else nearby has an Amphi? He stopped by to see it and he turns out to be a summer resident.
He won the transmission and returned later in the day to pick it up. After lots of Amphi chatter, this guy makes an offer on the ’64 red as is. Now Tony had his heart set fixing it up and getting a little extra cash for it, but as the little woman (soon to be the little mermaid) pointed out, selling it now would allow him to purchase everything he needed for his car much quicker. He could be swimming in a matter of weeks instead of years! (Isn’t she clever?) After a few increases in the offer, Tony decided to sell it.
An order for a windshield, a top, and a multitude of trim was placed with Gordon Imports. New upholstery was also ordered (from someone else) but a snafu has arisen (long story). Hopefully it will be sorted out soon.
Now don’t go worrying about the college fund. That was repaid after Tony sold the red car. The latest addition to the car is white wall tires.