Katie and I spotted this on a stroll along the Seine one evening.Yes, slavering boytoy fans, it is indeed a 1960s Amphicar (note the exhaust pipe way up near the tailfins), the coolest ever amphibious veehickle! Sitting there, cute as a button on its launching ramp.
Woohoo!
I looked into it some more and here is what I found. (if you click on the link there are photos, but here is the text)
The amphicar in Paris is owned by Undersea Architect and visionary Jacques Rougerie. Its a 1964 and he has had it for about 15 years.
It was restored in France, with all of the parts being purchased from Hugh Gordon in California. Jacques and I have cruised the Champs-Elysee many times in it, but Ive yet to take it in the Seine. It has some very unique cleats above the front wheel wells. I have no idea where they came from, but they look great.
The boat that it sits on is a Pineche, or French river barge that has been converted to his home and office. Inside, he has an aquarium full of lake sturgeon which you can actually dive into and hang out in a bell. The rest of Jaques daily life is equally as interesting.
Totally fucking cool or what!
20 comments:
I hope this post means you a a little better!
Nice car....
Wow, what a great story. And cool snowman with an itty-bitty head!
Mum: On the mend, thanks. I'll be heading back to London tomorrow.
Robyn: Isn't that just the coolest little car?
These cars are fabulous. There are quite a few of these cars in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Every year the owners meet on the St. Croix River (forms the border for parts of MN. & WI.) and puts on a sort of river parade. Most years there are 12 to 15 Amphicars in the parade. I love these cars and you need a watercraft license to take them on a lake or river.
...totally!
Mark: I'm amazed there are so many of the things still going. It's great to see them though. Lots of people have made amphibious cars over the decades but none so cool as this one.
Karin: Indeed!
That is so cool!
It sure is, Vanda. Don't you just want one?
Definitely fucking cool!
I always wanted an amphibious! Too cool.
Such a cute car! Too bad he's never actually taken it on a trip up the Seine; people would freak.
I remember seeing this. Wish I'd seen it in action!
Really cool and amazing! And thanks for the link to the website. It'd be cool to see one in action some day!
Does amphibious mean the thing can actually navigate like a boat? Or just drive through the water, wheels on the ground, without being destroyed? Either way, pretty amazing indeed. And I've NEVER seen the thing. Is it over on the western end of Paris like it looks from the buildings?
Todd: it most certainly is.
Neetzy: Me, too. James Bond eat your heart out.
Katie: I would love to see it on the water but if he's had it that long and kept it dry I have a feeling it will stay that way.
Cali: Check out the photos in the link; there is even one being used to tow a water-skier!
Ms.M: Looks like you'll have to go see Mark in Minnesota and watch their river parade.
Kim: Yes, it's a proper boat when it's in the water, just like the military DUKW, only much cuter.
We found it on a riverside stroll between Place de la Concord and Ile de Cité so it's right there in the middle of town should you wish to go visit (or steal it … hee hee).
I like the idea of an amphicar but since this one's been out of the water for so long, I wouldn't want to be the first one to take it back in.
Party pooper.
I'm with you there, Petrea. I'd be happy going for a drive up the Champs but not going for a swim in the Seine.
It makes me think of drive ins and going out for malteds. I want to put my hair up in a ponytail and go for a ride.
Malted milkshakes and car hops!
Maria and Todd:
Carhops and malteds in an Amphicar? They'd need diving suits. The idea of a drive-in for boats is quite enticing though.
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