Auctioned! Amphibious Chevrolet Corphibian 1961

FLORIDA - Even though the idea of an amphibious vehicle attracted many car makers and even more independent manufacturers, nobody managed to construct an every-day, usable, normal-looking automobile that could float on water and ride on asphalt.

Don’t get us wrong, there are cars out there that can do both, but they looks so quirky and out-of-place, both on land and at sea, that few actually bothered to even glance at them, let alone show any interest. But with this 1961 Chevrolet Corphibian things are a little different, as the vehicle looks – relatively – okay for an early 60’s automobile that can double as a vessel and a pick-up.

Based on the Corvair Rampside pickup, this one-of-a-kind creation features an extended body and fiberglass hull in order to allow users to enjoy both terrestrial and aquatic travel, further “escalating” an a already capable design – or so Mecum says, the auction company that sells this amazing, one-off piece of history.

The Corvair model family was powered by an air cooled, flat-six, boxer piston engine, and this well preserved prototype keeps its mill with only 157-miles (253 km) of wear and tear in the rear, under the loadbed. As you can see, the Corphibian is in a remarkably good condition, retaining its original automatic transmission, two propellers and, of course, the powerplant.

The interior is all in its original shape as well, with minimal signs of wear on the steering wheel, the dashboard, and floor liner. But what did you expect from a car so well-preserved that it comes with its original wheels and tires. You didn’t expect that, did you?