Cars
I sail, therefore I am
This article explores the history and current state of amphibious cars, from the first patent in 1907 to present day attempts at large-scale production. The article also discusses the practicality and safety concerns of amphibious vehicles.
If the first amphibious car, complete with a patent, was presented in 1907 with aquatic performances both on the Seine and in the United States, and still today there are those who try to make a version capable of being produced in large numbers, we cannot exclude that someone, someday will find the answer. On the eve of the summer holidays, we thought we'd take a look at some of the amphibious cars out there. How magnificent it must be to leave the garage, drop the anchor in a bay and go for a swim. All that remains to be seen is which authority will oversee this unusual means of transport: the Automobile Club or the Nautical Club or the Port Authority?
Looking at the images that accompany this article, one thing immediately stands out: those laughing on board a car out in the water are forcing themselves to do so. Those with serious expressions, on the other hand, are often holding on tight, for fear of unforeseen circumstances. It would appear that in the 1960s, US President Lyndon Johnson had a German-made Amphicar - the only non-military amphibian car built in small series and sold normally – and loved to joke with guests at his ranch by pretending that the car's brakes didn't work and pointing the Amphicar straight at a lake!
