This week’s Feature car of the week is
probably one of the most recognizable and also one of the crowd favorites at
the Anoka Show. The “FloatMe” boat as
everyone knows her as, is owned by Mark Mathiasen of Champlin. This 1964 Amphicar was made in Germany. There are really just a handful of these
amazing cars left still in existence today.
When he bought it in 1999, there was only 16,000 actual miles on it and
it was still in amazing condition.
However, given that it goes into the water, Mark wanted to be sure she
was “sea ready”. He hated the thought of
taking someone for a “swim” as it could’ve been their last because the seals
were gone or worse yet bondo! Bondo absorbs
water so this could not be an option for Mark.
So he underwent a complete restoration.
There was no bondo on this beauty which made things much easier. He kept the colors the same restoring it back
to factory. They call this a 770—which
means it can go 7 knots on water and up to 70 on the road. He bought it out of St. Michael and paid only
$8,000 for the car. Most recently,
singer Alan Jackson just sold his Amphicar at auction and got $135,000 for
his.
I am pretty convinced that Mark got
a real steal with this sweet and wet ride.
Mark has owned several other classics and still has a very nice vette,
but when asked which his favorite is, you could see on his face the passion he
has for this one. It definitely commands
attention on the road; I cannot imagine the looks he gets as the car launches
the water!! If you haven’t gotten a
chance to speak to Mark about this car, make it over to the pavilion to see
this incredible work of oddity and German workmanship. You won’t be disappointed. He stated he will take on ANYONE for a
race……just meet him at the dock……Oh, and Mark?
I have GOT to get a ride sometime!!!
Stats:
- Blue/yellow/white color combo
- Triump/Haroldson Engine
- 43 hp
- Needs BOTH license for the road and also
carries a DNR license for the water
- Dual props in the back
- White walled tires
