An amphibious truck made by Chevy in 1961 will be up for auction next month in Florida.If you’ve got roughly $100,000 to spare along with a penchant for 1960s engineering marvels, you might be interested in becoming the owner of a one-of-a-kind amphibious Chevy truck that’s headed for auction, Fox News reports.
In the 1950s, Chevy engineers went to work modifying a Corvair Rampside pickup and eventually created the ill-fated Corphibian.
While the Poseidon-like pickup proved to be both road and and lake worthy, it didn’t pass muster with GM executives who ultimately decided that there were not enough fish in the sea interested in the odd-duck.
Even with deck chairs mounted in the bed above a flat-six rear engine and throttle controls both in the cab and in the bed, no one was taking the bait following the prototype’s completion in 1961.
However, time has an interesting way of honoring engineering hits and misses. The fiberglass prototype—only one was made—has survived nicely and is currently on display at a marina in Indian Lake, Ohio. Mecum Auction in Kissimmee, Fla. expects this January that the Corphibian will reel in $75,000 to $100,000 at auction.
“Showing 157 miles, the Corphibian Prototype is in remarkable condition,” states the listing on mecum.com. “Retaining its original air-cooled engine, automatic transmissions and two propellers, it’s been refreshed in correct red-and-white livery and still sits on the original tires.
“The interior is also in outstanding condition with the upholstery, door panels, trim pieces, steering wheel and floor liner showing minimal signs of wear. The dashboard shows as new and is complete with a radio.”
Ready to take the plunge? Visit mecum.com (Lot S253) for more information.
