A 1963 Amphicar is being offered Historics at its 31 August sale at Brooklands. The rare amphibious car is one of 127 classics on Historics’ lot list, and is predicted to set and important price-guide marker, as these multi-talented cars rarely come up for public sale.

The car, which Historics describes as needing a light restoration, is anticipated to attract strong bidding at its estimate of £30,000-£35,000. The car is finished in mint green with a contrasting white vinyl roof, and is still fully capable of being used in water.

Once eased down the slipway, its wet weather handling can be explored to the limit, the Amphicar being easily capable of breaking the inland waterway limit. With a cruising speed of 7 knots, courtesy of its integral twin propellers at the rear, it recently demonstrated its remarkable dexterity afloat by towing a waterski champion.

This Amphicar – referred to by an owner as ‘the fastest car on the water and the fastest boat on the road’ – comes to sale with an extensive history file and is fully accessorised… with buoys and life jackets. Fewer than 4000 examples were manufactured between 1961 and 1968 and it is believed that this model, kept in a private collection for the last ten years, is one of only eight in the UK.

The Amphicar is powered by a 1147cc Triumph Herald engine developing 43bhp, transmitted through an all-synchromesh four-speed gearbox, the Amphicar has a top speed of over 70mph on the road, and features fully independent suspension front and rear.

For more information, visit Historics’ website, www.historics.co.uk