I do love amphibious toys. They seem to sum up the Sixties.
Sunshine, secret agents and the seaside!
Old sales listings are full of them online.
This beautiful car-boat was by West German Schuco. Its probably also the origin of the T in a Circle/ Tai Hing version.
One we know ell, the Aquacar by HSi.
Here it is in an unusual camouflage livery. Not sure if its HSi or maybe its been painted?
Marx released this wonderful DUCK set complete with soldiers and extra craft.
Again, the Marx DUCK was probable the source for T in a Circle/ Tai Hing's own version of DUCK here.
Finishing with a swirl of Amphicat-style buggies in two sizes, the big one is actually labelled Amphicat.
Are you amphibiously inclined?
I like those. I have the little yellow one and I turned it into the Moonbase Alpha buggy which you have to do really.
ReplyDeleteCool kev. I think we've sen it on Moonbase. Have we?
DeleteI think so, I'll send pictures again, just in case.
DeleteThe HSi Aquacar is a Seep, or Sea Jeep. This was a WW2 US military vehicle, based on the Jeep. It was an amphibian with a boat shaped hull, like the larger DUKW. The normal military version was open, like most Jeeps. The enclosed bodywork looks civilian. Finishing the Aquacar in military colours is therefore simply a case of returning the vehicle to its military roots.
ReplyDeleteA Seep! ha ha, that's a new one on me. Not a great name for a car-boat, seep. Its related to leak!
DeleteWhen I was a kid I begged my dad to get an Amphicar, all he got was Morris Marina's, kinda close, both terrible cars- MJ Southcoast base
ReplyDeleteDo you mean a toy Amphicar or a real one MJ?
DeleteOh a real one of course! MJ
DeleteDisney Springs Orlando Florida has vintage Amphicars that can be rented for tours! https://www.theboathouseorlando.com/amphicar-tours/
ReplyDeleteAlso as a kid growing up in the '60s I remember a children's TV show called 'Orlando" (no, really!) starring the actor Sam Kydd and the opening credits showed him driving an Amphicar, probably up the River Thames.
Don't recall Orlando at all Charlie but I know the name Sam Kydd. For me the standout buggy back then was the one in the opening titles of the Banana Splits Show! Now that was telly!
DeleteThat Amphicars tours in Orlando jobby looks amazing! I want to go!
ReplyDelete