When Wheeler sold TVR to Nikolai Smolenski, he saw it as an opportunity to build the car he'd always wanted to, something that combined his passion for driving fast with the ability to literally go anywhere.

"Lots of people are fed up with their traditional sports cars, like Ferrari and Lamborghini produce, so I wanted to create an alternative," Wheeler told EVO Magazine last November. "I created it for me, to be honest. I enjoy shooting, sailing and driving on track, so I wanted something that could cover all these elements. I call it an RRV, for rapid response vehicle."

Wheeler's solution for the ultimate vehicular paradox was similar to the formula he used to make TVR super cars so incredible - build it as light and as simple as possible. Instead of using four- or all-wheel drive combined with a separate water propulsion system, he instead spec'd 35-inch diameter tires designed to function like those on a tractor and removable paddles for the only driven wheels, the rear ones. The body consists of foam-filled plastic pods fixed to a central aluminum tub. All together this keeps weight down to just 2,425 Lbs.

This prototype is powered by a 2.0-liter Ford Zetec engine, but Wheeler intended that the finished product use the light, simple 4.6-liter Rover V8 that he had so much luck with at TVR. He also envisioned a system called "fiddle brakes" capable of individually braking the wheels to act as a sort of super limited-slip differential.

For optimum control, the driver sits centrally, with room for passenger race buckets under the awkwardly shaped cabin behind them. Vision is enhanced by the massive canopy in addition to the portals in the front wheel wells, those enable accurate placement of the front wheels for tricky off-road maneuvering.

Behind the passengers, under a large plastic hatch is a pickup-style bed. This hints at the vehicle's intended purpose. To get around the "stupidity of all this CO2 nonsense," Wheeler said he intended to classify the Scamander as a commercial vehicle.

We don't currently know what will come of the Scamander RRV following Wheeler's death. It appears that he was privately financing the unfinished project, meaning it's unlikely we'll ever see it reach production. That's a shame, because he had big plans for it.

"We're developing a remote control unit for it so you can control the Scamander even when no-one is on board. You'll be able to start it up and make it ‘swim' to your boat to pick you up from your mooring, for example, or you could send it back to the beach and park it up for the night. It'll be the biggest remote- control toy ever!"

Check out EVO Magazine for more pictures and a complete first drive of the Scamander RRV.

We're not sure what the relevant laws are but the photos seem to indicate its sea-worthiness. However, a look at the vehicle on the road shows four tiny wheels and a general layout not exactly best for road-worthiness. These are for sale worldwide so, if you run a marching band out of Mackinac Island, maybe give them a call.

Company Notes

A traditionally neglected segment of the mass transit market has been the Amphibious Vehicle Segment, which is now about to go mainstream on a global scale. This is due to the huge undertaking by our company. We have reworked and reinvented the amphibious tourist vehicle as everyone knows it. By creating a unique and exciting vehicle that is going to transform the world of city and harbour tours etc. A new vibrant industry will be created offering investors excellent returns for their money. Soon people will no longer be satisfied with just a city coach tour, they will want the complete package, a city coach tour with a water cruise built in. Investors involved in the early stages with these new vehicles, will achieve huge returns for their investment.

The starting point for this undertaking was the setting of criteria and targets that had to be met. The final product had to overcome all the shortcomings of previous attempts, assess where others had failed, and improve on previous successes. It also had to be very safe and easy to operate with minimal training and maintenance. The final hurdle was the one that thwarts most new projects; basically that it is relatively easy to build a one off prototype as a showcase or concept vehicle. However, the final production model has to be buildable on an industrial scale, whilst keeping within a realistic budget. It also has to be very saleable, and it has to comply with all relevant legislation worldwide to be truly considered a success.

The Amphicoach is a fifty seat road coach, which is also a true amphibious vehicle which has been developed over six years under professional supervision. It can compete with any luxury standard road coach on the basis of performance, level of finish, passenger safety and comfort, ride comfort, stability and manoeuvrability. On the other hand its sailing capabilities are accepted by marine experts involved in the project as being astonishing. This feature consequently makes the vehicle suitable for extended water tours. Its stunning good looks also grant it the opportunity to operate tours from five star hotels whilst fitting in with the opulent surroundings. The Amphicoach is able to operate day and night, in both fresh and salt water, which is highly unusual. All this amazingly enough has been achieved with full compliance to all relevant E.U. Legislation for Passenger Vehicles and Passenger Vessels. This legislation is widely known to be the most extensive in the world, and is achieved without any need for exemptions for the vehicles dual purpose capability.

Whilst boasting of all the amenities associated with a traditional tourist coach, such as A.B.S. Ventilated Disc Brakes all round, Pulse Electric Wiring, a Complex Electronic Engine Management. It also has a state of the art Communication System to keep the pilot informed on all aspects of the vechicle's performance in real time, Air Conditioning & Heating can also be incorporated. Excellent all round vision is aided with a Reversing Camera to assist the driver and all necessary Navigational Equipment from Navigation Light's to VHF and Depth Sounder. LCD Screens, DVD players and PA Systems are now standard equipment; furthermore the vehicle can be specified to include extras such as GPS, Autopilot, Toilets and Luggage Compartments. All electronic equioment on our vehicle is backed up by an additional power suppy to eliminate electronic failure, our vehicles are also supplied with the world famous Seago life jackets which are excellent. Naturally a full Medical Kit, Flares, Boat Hooks, Life Belts etc are also supplied.

Furthermore, reliability issues are minimised due to the use of the well proven Iveco Tector common rail turbo diesel power plant. These are available in outputs varying from 250HP TO 300HP in both two and four wheel drive versions, to suit each and every individual application. All engines conform to EURO 5 standards, making the vehicle "future proof" as EURO 5 will not become compulsory till 2016 and ensure a lucrative long term investment opportunity. This produces impressive green credentials due to its low emission and consumption figures. Our vehicles are supplied with a twelve month warranty for parts and labour. We also supply a customer service regime second to none, to provide clients with technical support should they require it.

The Coaches hulls are built using 6mm Marine Grade Aluminium (Hydro 5083). This is the best suited material for this application, due to its lightweight and superior strength qualities. The uniquely designed watertight compartmented hull design includes collision bulkheads which help to make the coach relatively unsinkable. In the unlikely event that the hull is breached or swamped, the vehicle will remain completely upright and afloat, making it in our opinion and of our experts surveyors, the safest amphibious passenger vehicle in the world.

The Amphicoach utilises a marine jet drive unit specifically designed for the amphicoach by one of the worlds leading manufacturer in jet propulsion, this is driven by the vehicles main power plant. An electric propulsion system is also available, and is the ultimate in green power for areas which would benefit from the silence and zero emission levels achieved from this technology. This would still provide equal performance to the standard marine propulsion. An onboard whisper quiet generator is incorporated into the drive train, so that the vehicle can be used as long as required without any loss of power. The system is then recharged by a high powered alternator system whilst on the road segment of the journey.

The final but possibly most important innovation to the drive train is a one-off wheel retraction system that retracts the rear wheels into the hull when under sail, dramatically reducing drag. This permits speeds in excess of eight knots whilst fully laden in the water, truly exceptional for an amphibious vehicle with full EU Certification. This feature can be supplied as an extra to clients wishing to have this fitted.

Standard safety equipment includes: self inflating lifejackets, safety belts, the latest Pyrogen Patented Automatic - Manual Fire Suppressant Systems for instant eradication of danger in the event of fire in the machinery area. (This includes electronic temperature sensors strategically located and calibrated for their working environment. Electronic air density monitoring equipment which are linked to a digital control panel situated on the dashboard). Automatic Bilge Pumps are fitted in every compartment, including manual back up pumps. Banks of sensors which include visual and audible warnings constantly monitor every aspect of the vehicle to ensure smooth, problem free running and ensure complete passenger safety at all times. The passenger area is also sealed from the from the engine and machinery compartment for ultimate safety.

The Amphicoach is the one and only fully Amphibious Passenger Vehicle to fully meet all relevant E.U Legislation and is certified meet UN/ECE R66 Roll-Over Protection legislation, which was achieved by a physical test and not by calculation. Every single Amphicoach that rolls out of the factory is independently assessed and inspected by Professional Surveyors and Engineers and they are delivered with full TUV Classification Society certification for road use in Europe. It is possible however to also have a vehicle built to comply with all the relevant legislation in other countries throughout the world including certification as above, should this be required; there is no extra charge for this service.

The high level of customisation, finish and legislative compliance is only possible due to the highly skilled and experienced craftsmen used throughout construction and design. These include a unit that has previously been commissioned to affect modification to various US Naval Units in the Mediterranean fleet. This is the ultimate accolade possible for naval engineers as it requires an unparalleled standard of work, with impeccable attention to detail. They have Lloyd's certification for welding and all other qualifications required to build our vehicles.

Vehicles can be finished in any colour specified by the client, with a level of finish that is normally only seen in automobiles; custom one-off, artistic paint jobs are also possible. Interior trim options are varied, and range from industry standard touristic levels to the height of VIP and diplomatic luxury. Whatever the trim and finish chosen it is certain that it will surpass any expectations as it is hand assembled using latest techniques, equipment and technology.

All exterior components are treated with the latest corrosion barrier products which can withstand up to 3500 hours of constant immersion in the highest concentration of salt water without any adverse effects. The amphicoach can be serviced at any truck or bus service station which shows that this product has been designed and built with ease of maintenance and limited down time in mind, clients will also have full access to all components and tooling to ensure years of uninterrupted service.

Meanwhile as the first consignment is ready for service, Our Search and Rescue Vehicle concept is complete. This has been designed using some of the technology of the Amphicoach, but they are 4 Wheel Drive All-Terrain Trucks that can carry 10 tons of cargo or in excess 50 whilst travelling at 20+ knots in the water and 70mph on the road. The uses for a vehicle like this are endless, Search and Rescue, Armed Forces, Amphibious Troop Carrier, Navy Ship Tenders, for collecting supplies from normally inaccessible areas, Remote Island Emergency Fire Tender, Customs Intervention Vehicles, Flood Rescue Vehicles etc. etc. These vehicles can be armoured built for use by the armed forces. We are confident this vehicle will become a permanent fixture fixture with several Government and Military Agencies throughout the world.

[Amphicoach via 4wheelsnews via Le Blog Auto]

HELP WANTED: NAME THE ILL-MOBILE

Nike 6.0 and the BMX Crew are at the first stop of the AST Dew Tour in Baltimore. We've created this beast of a machine and we need help coming up with a suitable name. It's a souped-up, tricked out, action sports shred-mobile: part amphib, part 1970's camper, 100% rock and roll. Let's name this thing!!

The 8-wheeled ill-mobile is capable of crossing deserts, climbing mountains and taking the team to any secret spot. Racks for bikes, surfboards, wakeboards, skateboards, mean going anywhere for any scene. There's an on deck bbq for grilling up fresh meat, a deluxe camper shell salvaged from a junkyard in remote corner of Oregon and a basement couch for a front seat.

Rails to grind are featured on both sides, and a quarter pipe folds down for impromptu sessions. The stereo system requires 2 car batteries, a set of jumper cables and a little luck, but once it's blasting, it's like a stick of dynamite in your eardrum.

[Nike via Core77, special thanks to Recovry4x4 at Steel Soldiers for the ID assist.]

When the boat-car debuts, it'll be the first major amphibious civilian vehicle since the Amphicar went to market in 1961. The three seat Aquada will be able to hit 110 MPH on the street and about 40 MPH or 35 knots on the water and will sell for about $85,000. Production location has not be set yet, but Michigan is also high on the list for that one as well. We're just wondering how the insurance companies would handle water damage on an amphibious car. [Detroit News]

If you're worried you'd never be able to own a car this stylish and functional, one of the blogs pointed out that this car is likely based on the Volkswagen Santana, which is just the Chinese version of the B2 Passat. Project car anyone? [Blog.Sina.com via The Tycho]

Sort of a cross between a Jet Ski and a quad bike, the Quadski can reach speeds of 40 mph on land and water. Not just a big toy, it can be a valuable tool to rescue workers and military personnel that need to rapidly cross varied terrains. The Aquada is intended to work as a sports car on the road and a speedboat on the water. Capable of reaching 110 mph on land and 40 mph on water, its 175 HP motor is capable of towing water-skiers as well.

We're really looking forward to getting our hands on both machines. Anyone know where we can get "Save the Enzos" printed on a Speedo? [via WWJ]

SPECIFICATIONS
1.Dimension (L x W x H) 4.830x1.900x2.150(m) (With the handle frame) Or 4.830x1.900x1.950(m) (Without the handle frame)
2. Complete Vehicle Kerb Mass 2100 kg
3. Wheel Space 2700 (mm)
4. Track 1520 (mm)
5. Maximum Speed (km/h)
- On Land 110
- On Water 10.5
6. Maximum Gradient 60%
7. Maximum Angles of Approach / Departure (Degree) 35/30, Maximum Angles of Ingress / egress (Degree) 45/30
8. Minimum Ground Clearance 0.25 (m)
9. Minimum Diameter of Turning Circle
- On Land < 12 (m)
- On Water < 13 (m)
10. Maximum Laden Mass
- On Land 425kg (or 5 persons)
- On Water 800kg (or 15 persons)
11. Maximum Towed Mass
- On Land 800kg
- On Water 4000kg
12. Displacement of Normal Laden Mass 2425kg
13. Draft (under the normal laden mass)
- 0.75m from bottom of the wheels
- 0.35m from low side of the hull
14. Maximum Cruise Time on Water 10 hours (with 70 liter fuel tank)
15. Fuel Consumption (liter/100km)
- On Land 7
- On Water 70
16. Capacity of Fuel Tank
- Standard version 70 (litters)
- Option 100 (litters)
17. Cockpit Volume 5000 (litters)
18. Maximum Wave-Height Allowed (m)
- Offshore 1.3
- In-land water 1.5
19. Average Water In-let Leaks < 10 (litters / hour)
20. Normal Service Time of Main Water Proof Components 3 years
THE CHASSIS AND ITS SPECIFICATION
21. Type of Engine JMC 493QZ Diesel Turbo Charged
22. Maximum Output 68kw (87hp)/4000 RPM
23. Maximum Torque 215 N.m / 2000 RPM
24. Fuel 0# light diesel
25. Main Gearbox MT-75 (5-speed Fully synchronized)
26. Tire 215/80 R16
MAIN PROPULSION COMPONENTS OF WATER DRIVING
27. Self Designed Transfer Case for On-water Propulsion
28. Propeller Diameter 0.45 (m)
[Boatcar.net]

49061

Ramphos

The albatross began with his vengeance early with this one. While the VW-based Schwimmwagen was a largely successful amphibous vehicle and its larger sister the DUKW entertained a measure of success at Normandy and remains affectionately remembered today, the Ford GPA was simply not the cat's pajamas. In low-water fording situation, the standard Willys machine often did better, and the Seep suffered a fate not dissimilar from a painted ship upon a painted ocean. It wasn't exactly the answer to a question nobody asked, but it was maybe at best a hard C response to what at the time was a rather pressing query. Bruce, large Amercan truckage, 1. Seep, not so much. – Davey G. Johnson

Ford GPA [Wikipedia]

Related:
Must... Have... Amphicar... [Internal]

My dream of scoring a cherry Simca Vedette with Ford Cammer 427 power has been brushed aside. Obliterated, actually. All it took was one glance at this nicely restored '63 Amphicar on eBay. With an Amphicar, you drive to the beach... and then keep going into the water! Hot damn! Of course, there's the somewhat troubling issue of that $45,000 high bid, with reserve not yet met. Hmm, what's a kidney worth? – Murilee Martin

1963 Amphicar [eBay]

Related:
Water Water Everywhere: The Dutton Commander S2 [internal]

Not so fast, Loverman. I will concede that the DAF Swim Car is a rather impressive piece of machinery. In theory. Everyone knows that amphibious cars barely work. How many Sherman Duplex Drives ended up at the bottom of the English Channel before they reached Normandy? But a 2CV on the other hand — a 2CV can be turned into a speedboat, as Dear Leader Spinelli pointed out long ago. And it's a short jump from a 2CV to a FAF, not unlike the minor leap from great ape to DAF defendant. Music! – Davey G. Johnson

2CV Nautiques; DAF vs. FAF: Military Pony, Meet the A FAF, Take One Look and Die; More: DAF vs. FAF: Froggy Mehari Gets Whooped By DAF Pony Military Vehicle; More: DAF vs. FAF: Get Your YA-YAs Outta My Face, Jonny: Mehari! [Internal]

We're not even entirely sure what we're looking at. But we do know DAF has check-mated old Johnson and his French non-hackers. This dear friends, is the DAF Swim Car. It is an off-roader. It is a convertible. It has a propeller. It has four-wheel steering via a second driver who faces backward. It floats. It looks the same coming or going. The engine cover can probably be used as a picnic table. It makes Davey say, "Uncle." It kicks the cheese-eaters in the nads. Make the jump for more photos. – Jonny Lieberman

Related:
DAF vs. FAF: Military Pony, Meet the A FAF, Take One Look and Die; DAF vs. FAF: Froggy Mehari Gets Whooped By DAF Pony Military Vehicle; DAF vs. FAF: Get Your YA-YAs Outta My Face, Jonny: Mehari! [Internal]

While we're waiting for China-built cars to land on American shores, farmers in rural China are taking matters into their own hands. This, from Virtual China:

Mr. Hu lives in Loudi city, Hunan Province, in southern China, and has spent his life working on ships plying China's rivers and canals. He calls his invention "the Happy Boat" ... He and his wife plan to take the vehicle on holiday during China's National Day vacation, to explore scenic waterways in other parts of his province. Mr. Hu will apply for a patent for his vehicle, too.

It's powered by a five-horsepower diesel engine and a one-horsepower electric engine (a hybrid!). Turf above, surf after the jump. – Mike Spinelli

[via Make]

Related:
2CV Nautiques! [internal]

Want to see a Panda swim? (No, LingLing, get down from that diving board.) Earlier today, a modded Fiat Panda 4X4 left Folkestone, Kent in the UK bound for the French coast — in an attempt to cross the English Channel. The car, wrapped in a set of water wings fit for a car, isn't an ordinary Panda, it's the Terramare 4, a model that's been fitted with a waterjet propulsion system and other marine-ready tweaks by a former engineer of the iconic, Chevrolet-powered Iso Rivolta of the 1960s. After arriving in France, the engineer, Maurizio Zanisi, plans to drive the rest of the way home to Milan, though may want to leave the pontoons on in traffic, at least until he gets his land wheels.

Panda Terramare 4x4 with inflatable flotation belt [Gizmag]

Related:
The Littlest Monster: Fiat's Special-Edition Panda [internal]

The Department of Defense is looking south of the equator for new amphibious, personalized-type landing craft, having signed a development contract with New Zealand-based Gibbs Technologies to evaluate mil-spec versions of their Aquada, Humdinger and Quadski vessel/vehicles. We're wondering if the SEAL-carrying Aquada variant will carry a large set of speakers that blare the "Miami Vice" theme to strike fear in the hearts of beachfront men with RPGs. Meanwhile, we still want a DUKW with a GMC MotorHome body grafted on.

Related:
Gibbs Humdinga, Big Brother to Aquada Amphibious Vehicle

Although this isn't the same water-car as the CAMI Spyder we showed off last week with the 400 hp Chevy LS2 engine — it's definetly a good video of what that wet-and-wild speed demon could do. Anyone know anything else about this "found on YouTube" safe-when-wet car/boat?

Related:
Surf and Turf: The CAMI Hydra Spyder [internal]

From their name, there's no mistaking their intentions. Cool Amphibious Manufacturers International — makers of the TerraWind motorhome — has worked up a new car/land prototype — the 2006 Hydra Spyder. With a body of fiberglass, over flotation foam for buoyancy, the 3,330-lb. front-driver is powered by a 400-hp Chevrolet LS2 V8, making it powerful enough to pull a waterskier or buzz a cove of picnickers. Its retractable front and rear suspension system allows switching from land to water faster than a steakhouse diner can crack open a lobster tail. No word on price, but the company says if you order now they can have one ready in six months. Plastic bib not included.

The New 2006 Hydra Spyder [Born Rich]

Related:
Break Like The Wind: Terra Wind; More amphibious vehicles [internal]

Oh sure — this'll end well. An amphibious jeep based on a 1996 Suzuki Samurai? We'd rather brave the seas atop a screen door pulled behind Lyndon Johnson's old Amphicar. Now, now, that was Tim Dutton's old-model amphibious vehicle — and he's been at it as long as we've been alive. The UK's AutoExpress water-tested one of his newer models, the Commander S2, which is based on a Suzuki Jimny (an updated Samurai sold in the UK) and has a monocoque structure made of glass reinforced plastic (GRP). So how does it fare on water? Better than a screen door, it would seem.

Dutton Commander S2 [AutoExpress]

Related:
More on automotive amphibians [internal]

We had at least three French Navy jokes locked and loaded on this one, but the Paris motor show is coming up later this year, and we don't want any offended party to spit in our amuses bouche. It seems converting old Citroen 2CVs into competitive race boats, or 2CV turbo nautiques, is all the rage in Anjou. These little buggers go around 60 mph on water, and one even crossed the English Channel in 1989, only to be turned back in Southampton by a customs agent with a particularly weak stomach.

Races of Citro n 2CV on the Water [PBase]

Related:
Citroen Madness: Not Quite 101 Things to do With a 2CV [internal]

The g'day folks at Gizmag bring us another amphibious concept vehicle. This time, it's one designed by a marine-design student from New Zealand, who created the futuristic SeaLegs Anaconda for possible rescue and recreational uses. The SeaLegs — whose inadvertent reference to imitation crab meat makes us kinda queasy — has yet to see the prototype stage, but the designer appears optimistic that it might get that kind of support, and hopefully in time for "Baywatch 2015."

The SeaLegs Anaconda Amphibious Concept [Gizmag]

Related:
Shore to Ship: The Amfibidiver Amphibious Submarine [internal]

We'd imagine that the worst thing about being a deep sea diver, aside from the whole brain bubbles issue, would be finding a boat crew willing to take our tank-breathing asses from dry land all the way out to the deep. Why wait for a bus when you can invent a car, was what one Belgian dive enthusiast and inventor must have been thinking when he created the Amfibidiver, a personal amphibious, submersible watercraft. The boat can drive itself off its trailer, down the road, into the sea, out to a dive spot and down under the water, to cruise or act as a base station for divers, then up and back to shore as needed. The only thing it can't do is talk a bunch of crap about how peaceful, life-affirming and soul-enriching being down there is. Only humans can do that.

The Amfibidiver: an amphibious submarine [Gizmag]

Related:
Chinese Amphibious Assault: The Roadawg [internal]

Chrysler's Chinese Jeep-building partner, Beijing Jeep — maker of several amphibious vehicles — has sold the marketing rights to a line of off-roaders the company recently showed at the Bejing motor show. The buyer, a company called Rodedawg International Industries, Inc. aims to distribute the amphibious 4x4 off-road vehicles, branded "Rodedawg" (we would have gone with "Surf and Turf") to a worldwide audience of sportsmen, farmers and, possibly accidential sailors. Once only used by the Chinese military, the Rodedawg, the company says, would be ideal for border patrol agents patroling Rio Grande river as well as civilian use, and will have a price point of around $50,000. A marketing blitz is planned, with demo models slated to appear in airports and shopping malls. And, we'd imagine, boat shows.

Related:
Beijing Jeep Shows New Amphibious 4x4 [internal]

DD Tanks [Wikipedia]

Related:
Gibbs Humdinga, Big Brother to Aquada Amphibious Vehicle [Internal]

Man, this site rules so much that it's hard to really know where to start with it. Ever since we saw a parade of Amphicars tool down the Sacramento River, we've been smitten with the idea of amphibious vehicles. John and Julie Giljam founded Cool Amphibious Manufacturers International out of a frustration that they couldn't find non-military-surplus amphibious vehicles for their tour company. Now they've got an amphibious RV, a Ford Excursion-based yacht tender, and an LS2-powered amphibious sports car in their lineup, as well as their original design, the Hydra Terra. We've seen the Terra Wind on TV, and the thing is simply mind-boggling.

Cool Amphibious Manufacturers International

Related:
Duck Soup: Tour Boston in an Amphibious Vehicle [Internal]