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The Evolution of Amphibious Cars (Complete With Pictures)
85I don't know why some of my hubs want to tell about cars. Maybe I have a dream to buy a new car. That's make me interested to write about cars. I love the model, feature and the color beside the function as a transportation tool. This idea always comes up on my mind if I have a car. I can do anything with my own car, like modification or change the color. I know, I haven't married, so a motorcycle just enough for me. I'll think it back when I have a family, a complete family with wife and kids. I read good news yesterday from my local newspaper. There was a little story about amphibious car. Although it only simple story without pictures. But it also interesting for me to develop my idea and search more about amphibious car in the internet. But I found something amazing about amphibious car. I think this could become great hub.
Amphibious car was created by the people to give us alternative for transportation. This was a great idea for someone who created this transportation first. For me personally this is like a great invention. When we have a dream to have unique car, this car is the best choice for us. I know we probably don't have this car, but I hope we can satisfy just read all this information inside this hub.
When we talk Amphibious car, there are some benefit if we have this car,like:
- We can use this car in the land, even on the water. This is an
alternative solution when we want to pass the river. Good alternative
if we want crossing the sea that connects an island to other island. With requirement there are no big waves, right.
- We do not have to worry if the flood comes. Usually the engine of the car if submerged in water will die and we can’t use a car to hit the water during floods. But we don't have to worry anymore with amphibious car.
- Amphibious car also used for military vehicle. For the difficult area between land and water, it makes easy for military operation.
I have some information about the evolution of amphibious car. It means the progress from year to year when people had the idea to make an amphibious car. Actually to the front a technology increasingly fast and it more sophisticated. There are some changes in shape but also features that are in the car, such as engines and speed. I'll explain it more. Please continue reading......
From Generation to Generation
- I heard that the first person who created amphibious car is Oliver Evans in 1800s. He was from America. It called Orukter Amphibolus. The first amphibious car which using steam engine. Orukter Amphibolus have ran from Philadelphia around one mile until sailing in Delaware river.
- The second amphibious car was created by William Mazzei in the middle of 1910s. Using continental machine, it called hydromotor. With top speed until 60 Mph on the land and 25 Mph on the water. Great innovation at that time.
- The third generation of amphibious car was Hydorcar. This car was created by George Monnot. Good combination between boat, car and truck. It happened at the beginning of the first world’s war. But during the war it was stopped because it used for military vehicle.
Unfortunately for all these three amphibious cars I did not get the image documentation. But don't worry, I post other amphibious cars below complete with pictures. So, don't stop to read.....
Schwimmwagen by Porsche
I think we are familiar with Porsche. But we probably never thought that Porsche have created amphibious car. The man behind this creation is Ferdinand Porsche. This man was succeeded to create the first mass-produced amphibious vehicle. This car was produced outside America. The first name of this vehicle is Kubelwagen but it changed become Schwimmwagen. Why it was changed because of the mobility and the hard condition during the war, so it can be used on the water. Although Schwimmwagen was produced in large-scale, but finally it used for military. Erwin Komenda as the designer use Volkswagen four-wheel drive for the machine. This car as the category of Four Wheel Drive or 4WD, equipped with ZF differential lock on both front and rear axles. He's so genius.
Amphicar
This car was first presented at the Geneva Salon Show in 1959. Who is the man behind the successful of this car? The man who has idea to create this car is Hans Trippel after the end of the Second World War After got involved with the Germany war, Trippel work in Bugatti company at French and began to build amphibious vehicles for the Wehrmacht. From his experience in building amphibious car, he got an idea to make amphibious car which can be sold for civilians, particularly in the United States. And then he made the prototype at the same years with Geneva Salon Show. But Amphicar start to produced at 1961, with a big hope it can be sold out around 20.000 unit every year.
Amphicar specification:
- Convertible two-door four-seat, equipped with a folding fabric on top.
- The speed can reach 7 knots above water and 70 mph (110 km /h) on land.
- For engine it was used 1.2l four-cylinder overhead-camshaft, the engine was placed in the rear. And two nylon propellers also placed under the car.
- Power output is 43 hp at 4750 rpm.
- Price around $ 2.800 - $ 3.300, it was very expensive at that time.
The fact is Amphicar as the only car which can cross the English Channel. This was good history of amphibious car.
Aquada
The idea to create amphibious car was never stop. From experiment to another experiment have done to make amazing amphibious car. There is a company who create another great amphibious car after doing seven years for research. Gibbs Technologies, as company in Michigan which develop High Speed Amphibian (HSA). This is great technology which applied in amphibious car. From this company the Aquada was born. Aquada uses jet system which generates about one ton of thrust. Aquada was launched for the first time at England, 2003.
Aquada specification:
- Speed: 160 km/h on the land and 50 km/hour on the water.
- Engine: 175 Hp, 24 Valve, V6 with EEC compliant immobiliser.
- Gearbox: 5 speed Auto and Reverse
- Brakes: All Round Power Assisted Discs. Front Ventilated
- Fuel: 95 Ron Unleaded
- Wheels: Front 16 x 6.5 J Alloy 6 Spoke; Rear 16 x 6.5 J Alloy 6 Spoke
- Steering: Power Assisted on Road and Water
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 15 Gallons / 67 Litres.
- Weight: 1.350 kg
- The new Aquada sold with the price around $225.000
I heard that Gibbs Technologies will donate Aquada to the city of Jakarta which is often flooded. It said by Allan Gibbs, CEO Gibbs Technologies after saw the flood in Jakarta. I hope this is immediately realized...amen.
Python, the newest and the fastest of amphibious car
Phyton is the new generation of the amphibious car. The physical appearance of Phyton likes sport car. This car was produced by California WaterCar as an autos company. With the top speed until 96 km/hour, it is faster than speedboat. Who is the designer of this car? The man who made Phyton is Dave March. How do we drive this car on the water? We have to neutralize the gears, turn on the steering of water jet and entered the wheel. If we want to continue the trip on the land, we must do the opposite. Lower the wheel and activated the land steering. It looks easy, right!
On the land Phyton using Chevrolet Corvette V8 engine, this engine was able to produce energy of 640 hp (horsepower). While on the water using Dominator Jet engine, this engine was able to produce energy of 500 hp (horsepower). Python is also equipped with jet engines that make it capable of speeding over the waves. Phyton also equipped with five passenger seats.
Phyton specification:
- Weight: 3800 Lbs, Height: 66”, Length: 20’ 6”, Width: 82”
- Water Speed: 60 Mph
- Land Speed: 125+ Mph
- Engine: 1 Rear engine Gm LS1 - LS9
- Transmission: 4 Speed Standard
- Octane Used: 91 Octane Pump gas
- Wheel: Size: 20” X 255
- Brakes: Four Wheel Disk Power Brakes
- Price: £125.000
Other amphibious car by lamborghini
You can also read:
Terrafugia Transition, A New Technology of Flying Car
There is a solution for the crowded street which couldn't accommodate millions car. I think this car also became a human's dream. This car will release in 2011. Terrafugia, as a company in Woburn, Massachusetts, USA will release a new car. This car called Terrafugia Transition. The amazing of this car is it has wings. Of course, this car could fly on the sky.
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I really appreciate for your coming to this hub. James. I see your picture profile that you really love boat and the sea of course. That's a great job. You are the first reader of this hub. I hope you enjoy with all information here. Thank you very much.
Warm regards and blessing,
Prasetio
Interesting technology!!!
That is a terrific hub you put together there. Thank you for the pleasure reading and learning.
My choice would be Aquada..she's a real beauty! I had no idea there were so many aquatic vehicles or that they were conceived so long ago. Very informative and great photos.
This is another great hub by the Maestro! This was very well done! I like all of the vehicles. I'm going to wait on Cadillac to come up with one! (waiting on my wallet too)
Wonderful hub as always Pras! this is absolutely my dream car, sigh..how much is the cost you say? You will definitely give a discount for me right? hahaha..Rated up of course!
Prasetio, maybe you have a good idea - we get a lot of rain in Scotland. All I need now is the money.
I saw the 1961 amphicar and noticed it looked too plain,but these new amphibian models are sleek and hip;)
Thanks, Carolina for coming to this hub. I hope you enjoy all information here. And learn about car technology, like amphibious car. Good night!
Good to see you again, Hello. I am glad you felt healthy right now. Thanks for visiting this hub. Good to read your comment. Have a good day.
Prasetio
This is too kewl! I want one... it floods alot here where I live and a car like this would really be practicle to have. Thanks for the great Hub!
Hub on!
Welcome to this hub, Green Lotus. I am glad you pick one of these amphibious cars. Aquada was totally great and beautiful. You have good choice. Thanks for coming to this hub. I really appreciate that. Thank you very much. Prasetio
My brother, Micky. You always accepted here. Thanks for your compliment about this hub. I am glad you liked all this information inside here. I think it will great if Cadillac want to create such of this vehicle. Good night, Micky.
Prasetio
Good to see you again, Febrie. Thanks for coming and rate up this hub. I really appreciate that. If I am a dealer of Aquada or Phyton, I'll give you big discount..hahaha. Have a good day. Cheers....
Thanks, Amilar for giving your time to visit this hub and give nice comment. I don't know before if you get a lot of rain in Scotland. I think this vehicle become good solution .But back with the budget. It need a lot of money. I wish you could buy this one....amen.
Prasetio
Presetio, I used to think only James Bond has permission to ride an amphibious car.Great info and beautiful hub indeed.I've rated it up. thanks :)
Thanks, Mentalist acer for visiting this hub. We know the technology in the past, I mean in 1961. But now we can see how technology create something great and amazing. People easily to make something futuristic like this vehicle. Good comment from you. Take care!
Welcome to this hub, poetvix. I am glad you love this hub. I hope amphibious car become good solution for the places when the floods often comes. Thanks for share your comment. This vehicle suitable for your area. I hope you have one...amen. Thank you very much.
Prasetio
Thanks, andromida for your compliment to this hub. This is not a dream anymore. When we saw this on the movie, like in James Bond movie. But we can see this in reality. Even we can ride this car, if we have a lot of money, right! See you...
I enjoyed looking at these special cars. Thanks.
I want one to play with! Very interesting hub Prasetio. I didn't know there were so many types of amphibious cars.
Lots of great information here. I can't get over how the tires fold to the side. Cool.
You are totally blasting out the cars - awesome! I can't imagine having enough dollars to pay for one of these things but it surely would be a kick, eh? I kinda like the python - although the name would probably send me into fainting as I'm not a fan of snakes! Unbelievable pics! I wonder if we could all like volunteer to 'test drive' them?
Thanks, Sandy. I hope this hub give us much information about many types of amphibious cars. Good evening!
Very interesting prasetio30! Now all we need to do is make enough money to buy one!
Good morning, Pamela. Thanks for share your thought about this topic. I hope you can learn from this hub and know many types of amphibious cars.
Thanks, suziecat7 for stopping by. This is a technology. I hope you can imagine hoe the tires fold to the side. Good to see you again.
Thanks, akirchner. I know phyton like the name of snake. But I hope this phyton good to ride and we can see beautiful side of land and river or sea. Test drive is a good idea. Have a good day!
Prasetio
Good to see you again,Duchess OBlunt. I know we need a lot of money to buy this vehicle. But I am glad yo liked this hub. See you.....
Don't you think we are fortunate to live in this age? :)
prasetio! This is so cool my friend! Like you, I am intrigued by this sort of subject! I'm really surprised at the fact that there are quite a few models that were made! Really cool pics too! You did a fantastic job on this hub! Really great! Always enjoy reading about your interests. The passion is on the page! Excellent! Best, G
This is really a great idea for when it floods. Should be an option for all cars. Love the Aquada and the red convertible, both are cool and James Bond looking! The video was interesting, I felt like I was on a ride! Voted-up/rated.
prasetio, Ew neat I want one of the evolutionary Amphibious Cars. What fun we could have. I liked the video it was really interesting and a great contribution to this hub, rated it up and all good as all your great hubs. Thanks and Peace :)
Welcome to this hub, quicksand. I hope you enjoy this all information about amphibious car. I say, we are fortunate to life in this age. Why I said so, because we life in modern era and technology support our life. Technology give us easiness and help us to enjoy this life. So why do we sad? I hope we all happy forever, no matter what with this life, right!
Good morning, GPAGE. I am glad to read your comment. I have total to write about something. I want you to know that I made this for two days, include the research. But I hope the result not disappointed you. Thanks my friend for your compliment to this hub. You always come with brought happiness and cheerfulness. That's why, I love you so much. Send my warm greeting to your family.
Prasetio
Hi, Support Med. Thanks for coming to this hub and give me wonderful comment. When the floods come don't forget with the one of amphibious cars. I think the government should have it more and it give to all the state. With the big hope as alternative for emergency. I know the price was too expensive, but for humanity reason money is not everything, right. Thanks for always rate my hub. Peace:-)
Good morning, Katie. I am glad you want to visit my hub. I was impressed with your comment. I also have the same passion to have one of these amphibious cars. But I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for rate this Up. God will repay your kindness, my friend. Have a great day.
Prasetio
I love information about these cars. Living right by Lake Erie, I think it would be fantastic!
Hi, wow I don't know how I missed this one! I love this sort of thing, can you imagine just driving along the road, and then going straight into the water! great idea, really good info cheers nell
Good morning, HappyHer. I am glad you love this information. I never now about Lake Erie. But it looks fun when we ride this cars on this Lake. Thank you very much, my friend.
Hi, Nell. Thank you very much for give your time to visit this hub and also give beautiful comment. Actually I have the same idea with you. It will be great moment when we driving this car alone. With open roof, so we can feel the fresh of air and to see the clear of water...Oh, God. I wish this dream will come true. It will be so much fun.
Prasetio
Thanks for sharing a very interesting hub. I loved looking at all the pictures. I would love to have one of these cars.
When submerging and driving ashore, make sure to keep a little fish to throw out the door like Rodger Moore! Great hub!
this is great i will site you if i use for a projecti am working on thanks for the photos and info
Nancy. I am glad you liked this information. Sorry for late to reply your comment. But the most important thing is we still keep in touch, right. Thank you very much.
Prasetio
Good night, nifty@50 for remind me again about Roger More. It was funny, indeed. Thanks for share your thought about this topic.
Thanks, guest. You are my good guest. I hope you enjoy all information about amphibious cars.
Interesting hubs.... good work... and Keep up with the great hubs!
Thanks,Bima. I am glad you liked this hub. I'll try to give the best to all of you. Good to see you here.
What a great hub!!! I have known about amphibious vehicles called Ducks which are used in touristy areas to take people on land and water tours. Unfortunately in the U.S. one recently got run into by a barge and two visiting foreigners drowned. First time I have heard of an accident with one but obviously there is always a chance in any type of vehicle.
So many gorgeous photos of ones in this hub.
Have you also heard about the cars that can also fly? They have made and tested some. I saw it on the television news several weeks ago.
Now that would be something...a combination car, boat and airplane! Taking James Bond to the ultimate! Rating this up and also useful. Good job!
Good morning, Peggy. Thanks for share your thought about this topic. I got good input from you about Duck as an amphibious vehicle for tourist. I never know about this before. But it looks interesting. But unfortunately for that accident. I felt so sorry to hear that. I hope there is a good development for this vehicle. But I think we all don't want like this happen to us. That's destiny and sometime technology can stop something like that, right.
You missed my other hub about "terrafugia Transition", this is a car but it can fly. You can check about this hub next time. I also impressed with kind of this vehicle, technology provide us simplicity in life. But I hope we use it wisely.
I agree with you that maybe we can see more futuristic vehicle in the future. Like a combination between car, boat and airplane. Awesome..... Thank you very much, Peggy. God bless you!
Prasetio
Creativity at its height!!! implementing those innovative thougths is again a superior task.simply awesome man.
Too cool. I'd love to have one of these cars!
Thanks top ten cars for coming to this hub. I am glad you liked this information.
Habee, I wish you could have one of these cars. It would be great if we can ride this car around the city and a long the river also. have a good day, my friend!
very interesting article.thanks for sharing this with us.
Good morning, riyan. I am glad you love this article. I hope you enjoy with this hub. Thank you very much for coming.
I saw an Amphicar many years ago, and thought it the strangest thing I had ever seen. It was a real traffic stopper! Thanks for an update on a fascinating vehicle.
Thanks, RedElf for coming to this hub. I am glad you love this information. I know it looks strange to see this vehicle, but we get double benefit by the amphibious car. See you again.
Prasetio
Unique vehicle, great info, thanks.
Your welcome, Aris Budianto. I hope you enjoy all information about these cars. Good to see you again. ~prasetio
I see everything which is good I like see more of it!
Welcome to this hub, Paul. I hope you enjoy all information inside this hub. Thank you very much for your appreciation.
Prasetio - you come up with the most awesome hubs! These cars are both useful and ridiculous and I loved the pictures.
Good morning, Dolores Monet. Nice to see you again. I am glad you love this hub. I hope this could be inspiration for us and become a solution in the future. God bless you!
This is really cool. I had no idea amphibious cars were still being made. I was only aware of the Amphicar from the 60's
Thanks, dwicklund for share your thought here. I am glad you want to visit this hub. I hope you enjoy this information and learn about amphibious cars. Have a great day!
Prasetio:)
Awesome! This is different...thanks for sharing!
Your welcome, CollisionBlast. I hope you enjoy this hub. Take care!
These are sweet! Loved the pictures.
Your welcome, Dr Rockpile for coming to this hub. I am glad you love this information. ~prasetio
James McV Sailor 22 months ago
Very interesting Hub Prasetio. I enjoyed it very much, especially being an old boater myself. JM