LAKEPORT, Calif. – It's a duck, it's a Rambler, no, it's an Amphicar, one of several that will visit Lake County this weekend for the annual Clear Lake Splash-in.
The largest celebration of seaplanes – and aquatic cars – in the Western United States takes place through Sunday in Lakeport.
Planes and cars arrived Friday afternoon at the old Natural High School property, located in the 800 block of N. Main St. Some 30 seaplanes are expected to take part.
The automotive world is filled with quirky little bits of history. The Amphicar is one such example that is as curious as it is ingenious.
Built in Germany between 1961 and 1968, the Amphicar is, in fact a floating car, capable as the name suggests, of a land speed of 70 miles per hour and a water speed of seven miles per hour.
The Amphicar remains the only non-military amphibious car ever to be put into production. They're capable of long swims: Amphicars have traveled from San Diego to Catalina Island and Africa to Spain, as well as multiple trips across the English Channel.
The front wheels act as rudders when in the water, and two transmissions are featured in the car, a two speed for water use and a four speed for driving. The engine is a rear-mounted four-cylinder that produces 43 horse power.
After the Kelseyville Pear Festival on Saturday – where the cars are set to appear in the parade – the Amphicars will be on display for the Splash-In at Skylark Shores Resort for the largest Amphicar/seaplane meet in the Western U.S.
Amphicar owners are known for giving rides, so come on by. They guarantee that watching seaplanes take off over head in the lake from a Amphicar “is a blast.”
For more information about the event visit www.clearlakesplashin.com .