Quirky cool crafts comfy on road or water
You know that feeling when you can't help smiling? That kind of goofy ear-to-ear grin that isn't coming off, even with a 10-foot crowbar?
Yep, that was me last Christmas - all because of something called an Amphicar.
One wasn't wrapped under my tree. It was way, way better than that - it was on a lake. More importantly, I was in it.
My wife and I road-tripped to Orlando, Florida, in December to spend the holiday season at Disney World. Before heading to the wonder-filled parks, we made a stop at Disney Springs to visit the Boathouse. It's a high-end, marina-themed restaurant that opened in April and sits right on Lake Buena Vista.
Boathouse popped up on my radar last fall when a local friend who had just dined there shared that it had "cars that went in the water." Faster than you could say "under the sea," I had added it to our itinerary and started counting down the days until we arrived there.
The venue is the brainchild of Steve Schussler, who's responsible for creating such other unforgettable places as the Rainforest Cafe and the T-Rex Cafe. He's also a passionate boating enthusiast who set out to combine that love with fine dining. The food is top-notch as the restaurant is managed by Gibson's and serves the same quality steaks, seafood and chops that you can get at any of its Chicago-area locales.
Beyond the tasty fare, a big part of the draw to go is a never-ending parade of colorful Amphicars. These quirky cool crafts were made in West Germany during the mid-1960s and can both drive on land and navigate about in water. A tiny Triumph four-cylinder engine powers the wheels as well as two rear propellers.
Prior to opening his newest establishment, Schussler went around the country collecting his retro auto armada. He found eight, the first of which came from "Fast N' Loud" TV star Richard Rawlings of Gas Monkey Garage. The vehicles were stripped down and rebuilt to factory specifications and now spend their days ferrying paying guests around the lake. They operate, weather-permitting, seven days a week from 10 a.m.-11 p.m., completing anywhere from 40 to 90 trips per day.
The loading area and boat ramp is adjacent to the restaurant and dozens of inquisitive spectators crowd the area to watch the curiously quaint cars come and go. My wife and I had the chance to hop in a Fiord Green example, piloted by one Captain Gary. My senses heightened and started to go into overdrive as our affable skipper put the car in gear and eased toward the gently lapping waves.
We picked up speed and with a big splash we left dry land and began to bob gently out into open waters. I was simply spellbound. My mind gleefully tried to fathom how cool it was that these are actual, authentic vintage vehicles and then to the fact that I'm really in the middle of a lake motoring around in one.
Being in a classic car on asphalt is one thing but to be in one on water - that's a once in a lifetime opportunity. We putt-putted around the lake as Gary chatted, pointing out landmarks. All too soon our little seagoing excursion came to a close and he pointed the bow of our little Amphicar back toward the wharf. He revved the throttle and our car's wheels made contact with concrete.
In a whoosh, the water sloshed away and we drove up to be greeted by a cheering crowd, who never tire of seeing the fascinating transition. I got out beaming, fully convinced this area is the happiest place on earth.
• Share your car's story with Matt at auto@dailyherald.com.