The H-20 is a hydroplane powered by a massive 762-hp engine. Weighing in at a whopping 2,200 pounds, the H-20 is a heavy boat, but the powerplant that drives it is truly massive. The 762-hp engine is roughly the size of a small car, but is more than three times the size of a typical high performance V-12 engine.
There is one way to travel the world, and that is in a submarine. It is what every man, woman and child has dreamed of doing since the beginning of time. But, the problem is the cost. Dreaming is free but, getting the chance to do such, is not. So, what is needed is a vehicle with the ability to travel around the world without a crew in the middle of an ocean.
This vehicle is the hydrocar, and its ability to travel the world is demonstrated by the Amphibious Hydrocar that was recently showcased at the 2012 New York International Auto Show. From converted jet skis to Jeep-inspired Panthers, the idea of combining car and boat has led to some interesting designs.
Some, like Amphicar, have reached mass production, while others remain fascinating one-offs. And now one of these unique amphibious vehicles, the Hydrocar Dobbertin, is for sale.
Dobbertin Hydrocar is an amphibian car from the brain of a very hot race
Dobbertin Hydrocar | Barrett-Jackson
Before building his first amphibious vehicle, Rick Dobbertin built a solid reputation as a builder and designer of hot rods. His work was rewarded by publications like Hot Rod in the 1980s, Silodrom explains. But his imagination soon led him to other projects.
Dobbertin’s first project was the Surface Orbiter, an amphibious vehicle designed to fly around the earth. Although Rick and his wife Karen did not have enough money to complete the trip, they covered a considerable distance, notes Silodrome.
The duo covered 27,300 miles by land and 3,000 miles by sea, visiting 28 countries and 38 states. After his return, Dobbertin sold the car and some hot rods to fund his next project, Hydrocar, reports Wired.
The Dobbertin Hydrocar is not designed as a survival boat around the world, Silodrom explains. Although it incorporates the lessons of the surface orbiter, it looks more like a speedboat by comparison. Given what it entails and what motivates it, it’s an understandable statement.
Underneath its wild exterior lies a Chevrolet V8 and more
Dobbertin Hydrocar Rear 3/4 | Barrett-Jackson
Underneath the aluminum body panels, the Dobbertin hydrocarbon is built on a chassis with a stainless steel tubular frame, reports Motor1. It is powered by an all-aluminum World/Merlin Chevrolet 9.4-liter V8 engine with 762 hp and 712 lb-ft of torque.
In the field, this power is transferred to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission and an Atlas transfer case. This intermediate gear also transfers power in the water to the propeller via the Arneson surface drive. All this gives the Hydrocar a claimed top speed of 125 km/h on land and 60 km/h in the water.
But the Chevrolet V8 isn’t the only trick Dobbertin Hydrocar offers. The amphibious vehicle is equipped with air suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and rear-wheel steering, notes The Drive. And the aluminum side panels also serve as hinged pontoons. But despite its size, the Hydrocar has only two seats (Recaros) and no air conditioning, notes The Drive. Although a cup holder to get to the cabin could have eased the last part.
Dobbertin Hydrocar for sale – onlyleft
The HydroCar prototype has been in use at the Auburn auction since September 1 of this year, having been produced for one million dollars over ten years. A sacrificial march with a 762-horsepower Chevrolet engine taking to the road and the water. pic.twitter.com/xI4VCukKhH
– GQ France (@GQ_France) 23. August 2018
If you like the design and/or appearance of the Dobbertin Hydrocar, you are in luck. Barrett-Jackson is currently planning to auction off the amphibious vehicle and trailer in Las Vegas in 2023. The auction will take place from 17 to 19 June 2023 and the Hydrocar will be offered without reserve.
Given its unique nature, it is difficult to say at what price the Hydrocar will be sold. It should be noted, however, that this is not the first time Daubertin’s creation has passed the auction block. In 2018, it was sold by Worldwide Auctioneers for $60,500, reports The Drive. And earlier this year, the sale on eBay failed with a purchase price of $120,000.
Let’s see if anyone wants to give this amphibious vehicle a good home.
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