TVR, the esteemed British sports car manufacturer, once embarked on a unique endeavor to create an amphibious off-roader known as the Scamander. Conceived by Peter Wheeler, TVR’s owner from 1981 to 2005, the Scamander prototype has persisted through the years and is now under the ownership of his son, Joe Wheeler.
In a recent video featured on Harry’s Garage YouTube Channel, Joe Wheeler offers a detailed look at this extraordinary vehicle. Resembling something out of a science fiction film, the Scamander boasts a central driving position akin to iconic supercars like the McLaren F1 and McLaren Speedtail.
Notably, its design emphasizes modularity, with a rear passenger compartment adaptable for various purposes, including conversion into a pickup bed or a machine gun mount.
Conceived as a versatile vehicle, Peter Wheeler envisioned the Scamander to cater to his passion for both track driving and outdoor adventures.
Originally outfitted with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, the prototype now features a 275-horsepower V-6 sourced from Ford, delivering power to the rear wheels via an automatic transmission.
Initially experimenting with rear-wheel paddles for water propulsion, Wheeler eventually opted for a rear-mounted propeller reminiscent of the famed 1960s Amphicar.
Despite its ambitious design, the Scamander prototype remains a fully operational vehicle, although it had remained dormant for a decade before its recent unveiling in the video.
Meanwhile, TVR finds itself in a state of uncertainty. Despite teasing the release of a new Griffith sports car since 2017, the company has encountered challenges in bringing the V-8-powered vehicle into production, leaving its prospects hanging in the balance.