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It reaches up to speeds of 290kmh on land and 72kmh in water. And at a bargain-basement price of US$295,500 (S$374,600) in the United States, the world's first amphibious sports car could be yours.
For those who have always fantasized of driving on land and sea, this car is a dream come true.
Inventor Marc Witt spent six years turning his dream sports car into a sea-worthy vehicle and this brushed aluminum and stainless steel car-boat hybrid is finally up for sale at a California-based Fantasy Junction, where collector automobiles and vintage racing cars are sold.
Developed by a one-man operation, Sea Lion is powered by a 174-horsepower 13B rotary engine pulled from a 1974 Mazda RX3 and designed with a body which could function as a road-vehicle, yet also be waterproof when it hits the lakes or sea.
When Witt first started building the car, he aimed to reach 96kmh, which is now the water-record speed set by an amphibious car among competitors, although there is no official body to rule on this.
According to the listing, there has been talk of creating a corporate event, similar to Burning Man or Kinetic Sculpture Race, which records and awards competitors with specific acknowledgements.
"This, however, may be more of a detriment than assistance. The addition of rules and requirements always diminish scientific achievement and exploration. And it just plain ruins all the fun!” said the listing.
Sea Lion: World's first amphibious sports car
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(Photos: Internet, YouTube) |
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World record aside, Witt designed and built the entire vehicle with CAD and "spreadsheet calculations". The gearing has been set to handle speeds of up to 288kmh.
With a flick of a switch, the car automatically converts itself from being road-worthy to sea-worthy.
The front wheels are hydraulically moved into wheel wells once the car ventures into water with a massive spoiler in front to split through the waves.
However, the Sea Lion is a single-seater, so you can't bring friends on a spin in water.
Writing on Fantasy Junction, Witt said: "Building Sea Lion has been an enjoyable exploration. I have provided the basic architecture for the car and resolved every conflicting interaction between car and boat.
"The next chapter of this project is to provide an ultimate engine and begin speed trials. There are many highly qualified rotary engine builders who have decades of experience making reliable high performance improvements.
"It is best to bring a specialist builder on board for the rest of this endeavor and bring the car up to its full potential.
Purchasing the Sea Lion also means that you get it modified by the inventor himself, as Witt wrote that he is willing to continue working with the buyer on all future modifications.
"I will remain available as a consultant, engineer, machinist and psychiatrist for whoever decides to venture further into the amphibious record books."
klim@sph.com.sg
 
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