There is a story about a racing driver who, many years ago, found himself piloting a stripped-down Ferrari Enzo (the predecessor of the F80) along a winding mountain pass.
As any Ferrari driver would, he pushed the car to its limits. However, mid-corner, the rear end stepped out.
Reacting swiftly, he counter-steered masterfully, but the Ferrari shot across the road, narrowly missing a tree before careening off the other side.
Still counter-steering while off the pavement, the Ferrari miraculously weaved past three more trees.
Then, in an unexpected twist, the car ended up in a lake at which point the driver finally lost control. In hindsight, he might have been better off in an amphibious car, one designed to thrive on the water rather than sink into it.
For drivers like him and anyone fascinated by vehicles that can seamlessly transition from land to water we’ve put together a list of 10 impressive amphibious cars that can genuinely function as boats.
The idea of an amphibious vehicle isn’t new. However, not all of them turned out to be practical. Take the Amphicar, a model sold in the 1960s, for example.
It was slow, unstable on the road, and often prone to leaks. Its front wheels were meant to assist with steering in the water but were about as effective as a helicopter without rotor blades.
Fortunately, the amphibious vehicles featured in this list actually work most of the time.
10. Rinspeed sQuba
Engine: Electric Motor
Horsepower: 75 hp
Torque: 118 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 7.1 seconds
Ever imagined finding a Ferrari at the bottom of a lake? Or perhaps, after watching The Spy Who Loved Me, you’ve always dreamed of owning James Bond’s submarine-like Lotus Esprit?
German company Rinspeed created the sQuba, a vehicle designed to be as comfortable in water as a fish. As an added bonus, it’s electric meaning even Greta Thunberg might approve (well, maybe not).
Built on a Lotus Elise platform, this sporty two-seater weighs 2,000 pounds and is powered by a 72 hp motor, reaching speeds of up to 75 mph on land. Underwater, twin electric motors take over for propulsion.
The sQuba is equipped with a sophisticated water ballast system and can dive to depths of up to 33 feet. For safety, it features an open-roof design and an onboard air supply system that provides oxygen to the occupants.
However, drivers and passengers must wear a diving mask, which might not be the most convenient feature.
If exclusivity is what you’re after, the sQuba is the ultimate collector’s item. Only one functional unit was ever built and later sold, as mass production proved impractical.
9. WaterCar Panther
Engine: 3.7-liter V6
Horsepower: 305 hp
Torque: 271 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds
Unlike many amphibious cars, the Panther stands out as a rare commercial success. WaterCar founder Dave March spent 14 years developing this vehicle, securing nearly 30 patents along the way. When it finally debuted in 2013, it made waves both literally and figuratively.
Resembling a Jeep Wrangler, the Panther is powered by a 3.7-liter Honda V6 that produces 305 horsepower. It can hit speeds of up to 85 mph on land and an impressive 45 mph on water, making it more than just a boat it’s a speedboat.
The chassis is crafted from Chromoly steel, while the hull is constructed from fiberglass. On the road, power is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission.
In water, propulsion is handled by a jet drive. A standout feature of the Panther is its innovative wheel retraction system, which allows the wheels to fold up into the hull electronically, reducing drag when in boat mode.
With a starting price of around $200,000, the Panther is far from cheap—but there’s no denying its cool factor.
Also Read: 10 Best Amphibious Vehicles Ever Built That Master Land and Water
8. Gibbs Biski
Engine: 500 cc Inline-2
Horsepower: 55 hp
Torque: Approx. 30 lb-ft
0-60 mph: Approx. 8 seconds
Think four wheels are outdated? Want to make a splash literally among amphibious vehicles? Then the Gibbs Biski might be just what you’re looking for: a motorcycle that seamlessly transitions from land to water.
Measuring about seven feet in length and three feet in width, this single-seat amphibious bike weighs approximately 500 pounds and is powered by a 55 hp two-cylinder gasoline engine.
Thanks to its relatively low weight, the Biski can hit speeds of up to 80 mph on land. With the push of a button, it transforms into a high-speed amphibious vehicle in under five seconds, with its wheels retracting via a patented Gibbs system.
On water, the Biski is propelled by a custom dual-jet system, allowing it to plane in less than three seconds and reach a top speed of 37 mph. Steering remains intuitive, with the handlebars controlling movement on both land and water.
Despite an expected price tag of around $40,000, the Biski unfortunately never entered mass production. But for those who dream of a two-wheeled amphibious ride, hope remains.
7. Ford GPA
Engine: 2.2-liter Inline-4
Horsepower: 60 hp
Torque: 105 lb-ft
0-60 mph: Not happening…
What could be better than a World War II-era Jeep? A Jeep that doubles as a boat, of course! Following the approval of the standard Jeep for military use in 1941, a yacht designer was brought in to create an amphibious version, intended to weigh 2,600 pounds.
However, by the time the four-wheel-drive Ford GPA made it to production, its weight had increased to 3,500 pounds.
Its four-cylinder engine still produced only 60 horsepower, and it quickly became apparent that its low freeboard made it ill-suited for rough waters or open sea operations. Soldiers soon gave it an unflattering nickname: the “Seep.”
Despite its limitations, the GPA functioned well enough to contribute to the war effort. Still, it couldn’t match the performance of its lighter, faster, and more maneuverable land-based Jeep counterpart.
Nearly 13,000 units were manufactured, with 35% being distributed to Allied forces including 3,500 units sent to the Soviet Union.
6. WaterCar EV
Engine: Electric Motor
Horsepower: 7 hp
Torque: N/A
0-60 mph: Say what?
WaterCar’s newest innovation, the EV, is essentially a boat with extra perks. Equipped with a 7 hp Yamaha electric motor, it can travel at speeds of up to 25 mph on land with a range of approximately 20 miles.
That said, it’s definitely not the vehicle of choice for a cross-country road trip. And since it’s more of a boat with wheels than a traditional car, it isn’t street legal.
However, once you transition to water, the EV truly starts to make sense. With a 115 hp Mercury outboard motor, it can reach speeds of 35 mph, making for quite the ride (pun intended).
For those looking for a more eco-friendly option, WaterCar also offers the EV with a Mercury Avator 35e electric outboard motor.
Ideal for those who live near a lake and don’t want the hassle of towing a boat trailer, the WaterCar EV starts at approximately $150,000.
5. Avtoros Shaman 8×8
Engine: 3.0-liter Inline-6 turbocharged
Horsepower: 197 hp
Torque: 258 lb-ft
0-60 mph: A bridge too far, really…
Need to compensate for something? Want to leave the neighbors in awe? Look no further than the Avtoros Shaman 8×8.
Yes, it’s a true eight-wheel-drive vehicle with a low-range transfer case. Yes, it can function as a boat, albeit at a modest 5 mph. Yes, it’s capable of conquering mountains. And yes, it allows you to showcase your dominance to up to eight passengers at once.
This massive machine is powered by a 3.0-liter Iveco turbocharged diesel engine producing 197 hp. A fully enclosed frame protects key mechanical components such as the transmission, and its enormous 68-gallon fuel tank provides a range of roughly 650 miles.
On land, it has a top speed of 44 mph. Fully loaded, it tips the scales at nearly 13,000 pounds.
If you’re looking for something bigger, bulkier, and even more imposing, this Russian-built giant is the ultimate choice. Priced at around $250,000 (not including shipping yes, another pun), the Shaman is in a class of its own.
4. Amphicruiser
Engine: 4.5-liter V8 turbocharged diesel
Horsepower: 202 hp
Torque: 317 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 18 seconds on a good day
The Toyota Land Cruiser 76 is renowned for its durability. So much so that it’s often seen in war zones, equipped with mounted cannons in its load bed.
Given its legendary reputation, what better platform for an amphibious 4WD than the Cruiser 76, powered by a robust 4.5-liter V8 turbo diesel engine?
Introducing the Amphicruiser. Built in the Netherlands by a seasoned marine engineering company, this off-road beast can reach speeds of 87 mph on land and 6 mph on water.
Propulsion and steering on water are handled via jet drives, while its legendary 4WD system complete with live axles and locking differentials ensures it can tackle just about any terrain.
Buyers can choose from three versions of the Amphicruiser: the ‘Rescue’ pickup, the ‘Worker,’ and the ‘Adventure.’ Prices start at approximately $180,000, with the fully equipped Adventure model reaching up to $400,000.
3. Gibbs Aquada
Engine: 2.5-liter V6
Horsepower: 173 hp
Torque: 177 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 9 seconds
The Aquada isn’t just another amphibious vehicle it’s classified as a High Speed Amphibian (HSA). Capable of hitting 100 mph on land and exceeding 30 mph on water, it’s ideal for those who need to move quickly, no matter the terrain.
What sets the Aquada apart is British manufacturer Gibbs’ hydraulic suspension retraction system, which allows it to plane on water and achieve high speeds.
This system works alongside a computer-controlled self-leveling mechanism with variable ride height. Powering the Aquada is a 173 hp Rover V6 engine that drives the rear wheels, meaning you can even get a little ‘drift’ action if you’re feeling adventurous.
Designed as an open-top sports car, the Aquada features a three-seat layout with the driver positioned in the center. Unfortunately, it was only produced as a ‘proof of concept,’ never making it to mass production.
A small number of units were built for private collectors, making it a rare amphibious gem.
2. Volkswagen Schwimmwagen
Engine: 1.1-liter Flat-4
Horsepower: 25 hp
Torque: Approx. 40 lb-ft
0-60 mph: Not happening.
The Volkswagen Schwimmwagen holds the title of the most-produced amphibious vehicle in history, with nearly 16,000 units built.
Designed for the German Army during the Second World War, this versatile machine was engineered to tackle both land and water with ease.
Weighing under 3,000 lbs when fully loaded, the Schwimmwagen featured a completely new, patented body-tub design.
It also introduced several unique mechanical innovations, including a drivetrain that engaged 4WD exclusively in first gear, self-locking differentials on both axles, and rear portal axles for additional clearance.
Despite its modest 25 hp engine, the Schwimmwagen could reach 50 mph on land and 6 mph in water.
Its front wheels doubled as rudders, meaning the steering wheel controlled movement both on land and in water. For its time, the Schwimmwagen was an advanced and highly innovative amphibious vehicle.
1. Terra Wind
Engine: 7.2-liter Inline-6 Turbocharged
Horsepower: 330 hp
Torque: 800 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 28 seconds on a downhill.
Want to make the neighbors envious both on land and in water? Meet the Terra Wind, a luxury RV that transforms into a high-end yacht. Yes, really.
On the highway, this amphibious motorhome cruises at 70 mph, while in the water, it glides at a respectable 8 mph.
Designed specifically for lakes and rivers (so don’t plan any transatlantic voyages), the Terra Wind is equipped with two separate drive systems: a standard 330 hp RV setup enhanced with a snorkel system and a marine drivetrain featuring a rudder and twin 19-inch propellers, both powered by the same Caterpillar engine.
To ensure it stays afloat, the Terra Wind includes a three-zone bilge pump system with alarms to prevent any unfortunate sinking incidents. If you want to go all out, optional radar and sonar systems are also available.
Inside, luxury takes center stage. The interior is adorned with leather (lots of it), high-end wood finishes, an advanced entertainment system, a gourmet kitchen with a marble floor, and an opulent bedroom and bathroom.
The price tag? The model featured here comes in at around $1.2 million.