Amphicar Fatalities Ever? and Bits

M

Michael Echemann

Guest
That would be Jim Nichols. I believe one of our more famous amphibians
presently owns that very car???



Tidbits:
PS: More than a few 68 titles/stamped cars exist. Not many are seen with
the thick moldings and column ignition however.

How many owners have cars with the black dash treatment on the upper inside
doors above the panels?

How may owners have cars where the inside (nose to rear) was painted factory
black regardless of the exterior color?

How many types of rear bumpers were there?

Was there ever an Amphicar script Radio and if so what year (s)?

Any cars out there with the rectangle rear reflectors?

Regarding colors of cars I agree that red and white are probably the most
common. Of all the cars I've owned and seen my impressions are:
Blue cars are the most difficult to find, followed by Green (both seem to be
in the best condition (especially the green) however when found.
Whites are all over the board.
Red cars seem to me to be by far the hardest to find in nice condition.
I owned a Right hand drive car which was a factory darker green with a
factory black interior with factory reclining front seats.
I was told by one of our more knowledgeable Amphi experts that one came
factory black. (David)?

Is there any truth to the rumor that clocks were moved to the glove box door
when a tac was installed in it's place?????

Mike








----- Original Message -----
From: "Eric M" <e_mattlin@sbcglobal.net>
To: <amphicar-lovers@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2005 7:25 PM
Subject: [amphicar-lovers] Re: Amphicar Fatalities Ever?


>
>
> I'm not aware of the details but one of the past presidents did die
> while out in his Amphi. But he fell into the water and he couldn't
> swim. The person with him couldn't get the car turned and back
> before he went under.
>
> I only know because there was a picture of me standing on the front
> hood of mine in the water, usual pose, smoking a cigar. Hugh told
> me not to do that and told me the story. That was years ago which
> is why I can't recall details. I did point out to Hugh that it was
> a ver calm day and i'm a very good swimmer - otherwise I'd have
> stayed put.
>
> Later that same day I mooned Mr Dave the Wave as I recall ...
> luckily no pictures of that.
>
>
>
>
>
> --- In amphicar-lovers@yahoogroups.com, "skk0819" <skk0819@y...>
> wrote:
>>
>> Was talking with my Dad the other day, and he told me that there
> was
>> a guy who died in his Amphicar crossing Lake Michigan a long time
>> ago (late 70's or so) , and the guy was perhaps the President of
> an
>> Amphicar club in the Midwest at the time? rumor at the time was
> the
>> top was up on the car when he was trying to cross.
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> THE AMPHICAR-LOVERS LIST
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> Before posting requests for information, please check the List
> Archives:
> http://www.escribe.com/automotive/amphicar/search.html
> For more information about this List and other available services
> visit:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/amphicar-lovers/
> To Unsubscribe from this List, just send a blank email to:
> amphicar-lovers-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> Any other issues may be addressed to the List owner (Mike Israel) at:
> amphicar770@yahoo.com
> This list is provided as a free service. Please support our sponsors at:
> http://www.growerflower.com/default.asp?id=41762
>
> When insuring your Amphicar do not settle for anything less than the very
> best coverage available. Visit Hagerty Collector Car Insurance today at
> http://www.hagerty.com
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
 
J

Joe Biscone

Guest
were any '68 cars w/o the locking steering ignition?


joe


<echemike @SBCGLOBAL.NET="">
car-lovers@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [amphicar-lovers] Amphicar Fatalities Ever? and Bits
Date: Thu, 17 Mar 2005 19:50:01 -0600

<tt>That would be Jim Nichols. I believe one of our more famous amphibians
presently owns that very car???



Tidbits:
PS: More than a few 68 titles/stamped cars exist. Not many are seen with
the thick moldings and column ignition however.

How many owners have cars with the black dash treatment on the upper inside
doors above the panels?

How may owners have cars where the inside (nose to rear) was painted factory
black regardless of the exterior color?

How many types of rear bumpers were there?

Was there ever an Amphicar script Radio and if so what year (s)?

Any cars out there with the rectangle rear reflectors?

Regarding colors of cars I agree that red and white are probably the most
common. Of all the cars I've owned and seen my impressions are:
Blue cars are the most difficult to find, followed by Green (both seem to be
in the best condition (especially the green) however when found.
Whites are all over the board.
Red cars seem to me to be by far the hardest to find in nice condition.
I owned a Right hand drive car which was a factory darker green with a
factory black interior with factory reclining front seats.
I was told by one of our more knowledgeable Amphi experts that one came
factory black. (David)?

Is there any truth to the rumor that clocks were moved to the glove box door
when a tac was installed in it's place?????

Mike








----- Original Message -----
From: "Eric M" <e_mattlin@sbcglobal.net>
To: <amphicar-lovers@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2005 7:25 PM
Subject: [amphicar-lovers] Re: Amphicar Fatalities Ever?


>
>
> I'm not aware of the details but one of the past presidents did die
> while out in his Amphi. But he fell into the water and he couldn't
> swim. The person with him couldn't get the car turned and back
> before he went under.
>
> I only know because there was a picture of me standing on the front
> hood of mine in the water, usual pose, smoking a cigar. Hugh told
> me not to do that and told me the story. That was years ago which
> is why I can't recall details. I did point out to Hugh that it was
> a ver calm day and i'm a very good swimmer - otherwise I'd have
> stayed put.
>
> Later that same day I mooned Mr Dave the Wave as I recall ...
> luckily no pictures of that.
>
>
>
>
>
> --- In amphicar-lovers@yahoogroups.com, "skk0819" <skk0819@y...>
> wrote:
>>
>> Was talking with my Dad the other day, and he told me that there
> was
>> a guy who died in his Amphicar crossing Lake Michigan a long time
>> ago (late 70's or so) , and the guy was perhaps the President of
> an
>> Amphicar club in the Midwest at the time? rumor at the time was
> the
>> top was up on the car when he was trying to cross.
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> THE AMPHICAR-LOVERS LIST
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> Before posting requests for information, please check the List
> Archives:
> http://www.escribe.com/automotive/amphicar/search.html
> For more information about this List and other available services
> visit:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/amphicar-lovers/
> To Unsubscribe from this List, just send a blank email to:
> amphicar-lovers-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> Any other issues may be addressed to the List owner (Mike Israel) at:
> amphicar770@yahoo.com
> This list is provided as a free service. Please support our sponsors at:
> http://www.growerflower.com/default.asp?id=41762
>
> When insuring your Amphicar do not settle for anything less than the very
> best coverage available. Visit Hagerty Collector Car Insurance today at
> http://www.hagerty.com
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>


</tt>

<tt>THE AMPHICAR-LOVERS LIST
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Before posting requests for information, please check the List
Archives:
http://www.escribe.com/automotive/amphicar/search.html
For more information about this List and other available services
visit:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/amphicar-lovers/
To Unsubscribe from this List, just send a blank email to:
amphicar-lovers-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
Any other issues may be addressed to the List owner (Mike Israel) at:
amphicar770@yahoo.com
This list is provided as a free service. Please support our sponsors at:
http://www.growerflower.com/default.asp?id=41762

When insuring your Amphicar do not settle for anything less than the very best coverage available. Visit Hagerty Collector Car Insurance today at
http://www.hagerty.com


</tt>




--

___________________________________________________________
Sign-up for Ads Free at Mail.com

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M

Michael Echemann

Guest
<table bgColor="#ffffff">
<font face="Arial" size="2">It's unlikely any cars were made in or even near 1968 however some are stamped as 68's. Yes, I've seen a couple stamped 1968 with out the locking steering. Some other members may know more about the steering issue. I don't now how many, why or when they were made.</font>
<blockquote style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
<div style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message -----
<div style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black">From: Joe Biscone
<div style="FONT: 10pt arial">To: amphicar-lovers@yahoogroups.com
<div style="FONT: 10pt arial">Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2005 9:17 PM
<div style="FONT: 10pt arial">Subject: Re: [amphicar-lovers] Amphicar Fatalities Ever? and Bits




were any '68 cars w/o the locking steering ignition?


joe


<echemike @SBCGLOBAL.NET="">
car-lovers@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [amphicar-lovers] Amphicar Fatalities Ever? and Bits
Date: Thu, 17 Mar 2005 19:50:01 -0600

<tt>That would be Jim Nichols. I believe one of our more famous amphibians
presently owns that very car???



Tidbits:
PS: More than a few 68 titles/stamped cars exist. Not many are seen with
the thick moldings and column ignition however.

How many owners have cars with the black dash treatment on the upper inside
doors above the panels?

How may owners have cars where the inside (nose to rear) was painted factory
black regardless of the exterior color?

How many types of rear bumpers were there?

Was there ever an Amphicar script Radio and if so what year (s)?

Any cars out there with the rectangle rear reflectors?

Regarding colors of cars I agree that red and white are probably the most
common. Of all the cars I've owned and seen my impressions are:
Blue cars are the most difficult to find, followed by Green (both seem to be
in the best condition (especially the green) however when found.
Whites are all over the board.
Red cars seem to me to be by far the hardest to find in nice condition.
I owned a Right hand drive car which was a factory darker green with a
factory black interior with factory reclining front seats.
I was told by one of our more knowledgeable Amphi experts that one came
factory black. (David)?

Is there any truth to the rumor that clocks were moved to the glove box door
when a tac was installed in it's place?????

Mike








----- Original Message -----
From: "Eric M" <e_mattlin@sbcglobal.net>
To: <amphicar-lovers@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2005 7:25 PM
Subject: [amphicar-lovers] Re: Amphicar Fatalities Ever?


>
>
> I'm not aware of the details but one of the past presidents di! d die
> while out in his Amphi. But he fell into the water and he couldn't
> swim. The person with him couldn't get the car turned and back
> before he went under.
>
> I only know because there was a picture of me standing on the front
> hood of mine in the water, usual pose, smoking a cigar. Hugh told
> me not to do that and told me the story. That was years ago which
> is why I can't recall details. I did point out to Hugh that it was
> a ver calm day and i'm a very good swimmer - otherwise I'd have
> stayed put.
>
> Later that same day I mooned Mr Dave the Wave as I recall ...
> luckily no pictures of that.
>
>
>
>
>
> --- In amphicar-lovers@yahoogroups.com, "skk0819" <skk0819@y...>
> wrote:
>>
>> Was talking with my Dad the other day, and he told me that there
> was
>> a guy who died in his Amphicar crossing Lake Michigan a long time
>> ago (late 70's or so) , and the guy was perhaps the President of
> an
>> Amphicar club in the Midwest at the time? rumor at the time was
> the
>> top was up on the car when he was trying to cross.
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> THE AMPHICAR-LOVERS LIST
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> Before posting requests for information, please check the List
> Archives:
> http://www.escribe.com/automotive/amphicar/search.html
> For more information about this List and other available services
> visit:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/amphicar-lovers/
> To Unsubscribe from this List, just send a blank email to:
> amphicar-lovers-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> Any other issues may be addressed to ! the List owner (Mike Israel) at:
> amphicar770@yahoo.com
> This list is provided as a free service. Please support our sponsors at:
> http://www.growerflower.com/default.asp?id=41762
>
> When insuring your Amphicar do not settle for anything less than the very
> best coverage available. Visit Hagerty Collector Car Insurance today at
> http://www.hagerty.com
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>


</tt>

<tt>THE AMPHICAR-LOVERS LIST
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Before posting requests for information, please check the List
Archives:
http://www.escribe.com/automotive/amphicar/search.html
For more information about this List and other available services
visit:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/amphicar-lovers/
To Unsubscribe from this List, just send a blank email to:
amphicar-lovers-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
Any other issues may be addressed to the List owner (Mike Israel) at:
amphicar770@yahoo.com
This list is provided as a free service. Please support our sponsors at:
http://www.growerflower.com/default.asp?id=41762

When insuring your Amphicar do not settle for anything less than the very best coverage available. Visit Hagerty Collector Car Insurance today at
http://www.hagerty.com


</tt>



--

___________________________________________________________
Sign-up for Ads Free at Mail.com
http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup

<tt>THE AMPHICAR-LOVERS LIST
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Before posting requests for information, please check the List
Archives:
http://www.escribe.com/automotive/amphicar/search.html
For more information about this List and other available services
visit:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/amphicar-lovers/
To Unsubscribe from this List, just send a blank email to:
amphicar-lovers-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
Any other issues may be addressed to the List owner (Mike Israel) at:
amphicar770@yahoo.com
This list is provided as a free service. Please support our sponsors at:
http://www.growerflower.com/default.asp?id=41762

When insuring your Amphicar do not settle for anything less than the very best coverage available. Visit Hagerty Collector Car Insurance today at
http://www.hagerty.com


</tt>
 
B

Bill Connelly

Guest
Mike, as always, is wise and good and correct.

The unlucky fellow was indeed the President of the late 70s-early '80s
Amphicar Club, Jim Nichols, Jr. of Poughkeepsie, New York. The tragedy (an
often misused word that, so sadly, is all too appropriate here) happened in
a lake near University, Mississippi, where Jim was a graduate student at Ole
Miss, not in Michigan.

For many months...well, actually years...I have been gathering this and that
bit of information on Jim Nichols, his contribution and selfless legacy to
Amphicar ownership through a very difficult period of same, and of course
the particulars of the tragedy that took his life.

By an odd coincidence of fate, I now just happen to work with a fellow here
in Washington who was actually thanked by name in one of Jim's Newsletters
(full scans of which are available thanks in large part to longtime owner
Karl V. in the Club's 'Members Only' section) for helping him put together
his Newsletters when these were really the only beacon of light and helping
hand for our orphan marque...before Hugh Gordon came to the rescue with his
devotion to keeping the breed alive, followed by the current Club and now a
host of others too.

I have also recently been again in contact with Jim's father, from whom,
yes, I bought Jim's old car in 1994, which had been in storage for a dozen
years after his death.

One day, probably rather soon, you will be able read the whole sad but
inspiring story in a forthcoming Club Newsletter (now that I have time to
really ponder the matter thanks to Cap'n John Bevin's capable assumption of
the Club website's duties). Some sort of homage is really the least I could
do for this friend I never met, and for someone to whom we all owe a tip o'
the hat for getting Amphicars as a breed "over the hump" in a spare time for
spares.

It should go without saying that any who knew the man should contact me
offlist.

~Bilgey~

----- Original Message -----
From: Michael Echemann

That would be Jim Nichols. I believe one of our more famous amphibians
presently owns that very car???



Tidbits:
PS: More than a few 68 titles/stamped cars exist. Not many are seen with
the thick moldings and column ignition however.

How many owners have cars with the black dash treatment on the upper inside
doors above the panels?

How may owners have cars where the inside (nose to rear) was painted factory
black regardless of the exterior color?

How many types of rear bumpers were there?

Was there ever an Amphicar script Radio and if so what year (s)?

Any cars out there with the rectangle rear reflectors?

Regarding colors of cars I agree that red and white are probably the most
common. Of all the cars I've owned and seen my impressions are:
Blue cars are the most difficult to find, followed by Green (both seem to be
in the best condition (especially the green) however when found.
Whites are all over the board.
Red cars seem to me to be by far the hardest to find in nice condition.
I owned a Right hand drive car which was a factory darker green with a
factory black interior with factory reclining front seats.
I was told by one of our more knowledgeable Amphi experts that one came
factory black. (David)?

Is there any truth to the rumor that clocks were moved to the glove box door
when a tac was installed in it's place?????

Mike








----- Original Message -----
From: "Eric M" <e_mattlin@sbcglobal.net>
To: <amphicar-lovers@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2005 7:25 PM
Subject: [amphicar-lovers] Re: Amphicar Fatalities Ever?


>
>
> I'm not aware of the details but one of the past presidents did die
> while out in his Amphi. But he fell into the water and he couldn't
> swim. The person with him couldn't get the car turned and back
> before he went under.
>
> I only know because there was a picture of me standing on the front
> hood of mine in the water, usual pose, smoking a cigar. Hugh told
> me not to do that and told me the story. That was years ago which
> is why I can't recall details. I did point out to Hugh that it was
> a ver calm day and i'm a very good swimmer - otherwise I'd have
> stayed put.
>
> Later that same day I mooned Mr Dave the Wave as I recall ...
> luckily no pictures of that.
>
>
>
>
>
> --- In amphicar-lovers@yahoogroups.com, "skk0819" <skk0819@y...>
> wrote:
>>
>> Was talking with my Dad the other day, and he told me that there
> was
>> a guy who died in his Amphicar crossing Lake Michigan a long time
>> ago (late 70's or so) , and the guy was perhaps the President of
> an
>> Amphicar club in the Midwest at the time? rumor at the time was
> the
>> top was up on the car when he was trying to cross.
 
A

a_colo_native

Guest
--- In amphicar-lovers@yahoogroups.com, "Michael Echemann"
<echemike@s...> wrote:
> That would be Jim Nichols. I believe one of our more famous
amphibians presently owns that very car???

Yes one of our own has that car. I will let him speak up if he so
wishes.

> How may owners have cars where the inside (nose to rear) was
painted factory black regardless of the exterior color?

I have seen about 4 or 5 of these. Man they are hard to work on!
Makes the bilge even darker.

> How many types of rear bumpers were there?

At least 2 that I know of. I think a 3rd exists, but I don't know
fer sure.

> Was there ever an Amphicar script Radio and if so what year (s)?

Yessiree there was. I don't know what year.

> Any cars out there with the rectangle rear reflectors?

Weird Harold has 'em.

> Is there any truth to the rumor that clocks were moved to the
glove box door when a tac was installed in it's place?????

Yup, the tach fit the clock's usual place and a hole was cut into
the left side of the glovebox to accomidate the clock.

John Bevins
 
M

Michael Echemann

Guest
Re: Re: Amphicar Fatalities Ever? and Bits

Good answers John. One note is the Amphi radio's 65 to 66 but one year.
They were standard lousy Motorola AM units which simply had Amphicar written
on the dial glass. Fairly rare items!
Mike


----- Original Message -----
From: "a_colo_native" <colo_frontrange@netzero.net>
To: <amphicar-lovers@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2005 11:32 PM
Subject: [amphicar-lovers] Re: Amphicar Fatalities Ever? and Bits


>
>
> --- In amphicar-lovers@yahoogroups.com, "Michael Echemann"
> <echemike@s...> wrote:
>> That would be Jim Nichols. I believe one of our more famous
> amphibians presently owns that very car???
>
> Yes one of our own has that car. I will let him speak up if he so
> wishes.
>
>> How may owners have cars where the inside (nose to rear) was
> painted factory black regardless of the exterior color?
>
> I have seen about 4 or 5 of these. Man they are hard to work on!
> Makes the bilge even darker.
>
>> How many types of rear bumpers were there?
>
> At least 2 that I know of. I think a 3rd exists, but I don't know
> fer sure.
>
>> Was there ever an Amphicar script Radio and if so what year (s)?
>
> Yessiree there was. I don't know what year.
>
>> Any cars out there with the rectangle rear reflectors?
>
> Weird Harold has 'em.
>
>> Is there any truth to the rumor that clocks were moved to the
> glove box door when a tac was installed in it's place?????
>
> Yup, the tach fit the clock's usual place and a hole was cut into
> the left side of the glovebox to accomidate the clock.
>
> John Bevins
>
>
>
>
>
>
> THE AMPHICAR-LOVERS LIST
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> Before posting requests for information, please check the List
> Archives:
> http://www.escribe.com/automotive/amphicar/search.html
> For more information about this List and other available services
> visit:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/amphicar-lovers/
> To Unsubscribe from this List, just send a blank email to:
> amphicar-lovers-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> Any other issues may be addressed to the List owner (Mike Israel) at:
> amphicar770@yahoo.com
> This list is provided as a free service. Please support our sponsors at:
> http://www.growerflower.com/default.asp?id=41762
>
> When insuring your Amphicar do not settle for anything less than the very
> best coverage available. Visit Hagerty Collector Car Insurance today at
> http://www.hagerty.com
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
 
J

John Friese

Guest
Hello Mike,

As you might remember, my Red car is a late 67 (VIN 106522356) and had
black on the upper doors and the back side of the windshield frame.
It had the completely black interior but it was so dark in there that
I painted the inside red during the restoration. It has the larger, 6
inch tunnels and the late style throttle lock and hand brake linkages.
It also has aN "along side the tank" style of heater.

John Friese

67 White
67 Red




--- In amphicar-lovers@yahoogroups.com, "Michael Echemann"
<echemike@s...> wrote:
> That would be Jim Nichols. I believe one of our more famous
amphibians
> presently owns that very car???
>
>
>
> Tidbits:
> PS: More than a few 68 titles/stamped cars exist. Not many are
seen with
> the thick moldings and column ignition however.
>
> How many owners have cars with the black dash treatment on the
upper inside
> doors above the panels?
>
> How may owners have cars where the inside (nose to rear) was
painted factory
> black regardless of the exterior color?
>
> How many types of rear bumpers were there?
>
> Was there ever an Amphicar script Radio and if so what year (s)?
>
> Any cars out there with the rectangle rear reflectors?
>
> Regarding colors of cars I agree that red and white are probably
the most
> common. Of all the cars I've owned and seen my impressions are:
> Blue cars are the most difficult to find, followed by Green (both
seem to be
> in the best condition (especially the green) however when found.
> Whites are all over the board.
> Red cars seem to me to be by far the hardest to find in nice
condition.
> I owned a Right hand drive car which was a factory darker green
with a
> factory black interior with factory reclining front seats.
> I was told by one of our more knowledgeable Amphi experts that one
came
> factory black. (David)?
>
> Is there any truth to the rumor that clocks were moved to the glove
box door
> when a tac was installed in it's place?????
>
> Mike
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Eric M" <e_mattlin@s...>
> To: <amphicar-lovers@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2005 7:25 PM
> Subject: [amphicar-lovers] Re: Amphicar Fatalities Ever?
>
>
> >
> >
> > I'm not aware of the details but one of the past presidents did
die
> > while out in his Amphi. But he fell into the water and he
couldn't
> > swim. The person with him couldn't get the car turned and back
> > before he went under.
> >
> > I only know because there was a picture of me standing on the
front
> > hood of mine in the water, usual pose, smoking a cigar. Hugh told
> > me not to do that and told me the story. That was years ago which
> > is why I can't recall details. I did point out to Hugh that it
was
> > a ver calm day and i'm a very good swimmer - otherwise I'd have
> > stayed put.
> >
> > Later that same day I mooned Mr Dave the Wave as I recall ...
> > luckily no pictures of that.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In amphicar-lovers@yahoogroups.com, "skk0819" <skk0819@y...>
> > wrote:
> >>
> >> Was talking with my Dad the other day, and he told me that there
> > was
> >> a guy who died in his Amphicar crossing Lake Michigan a long time
> >> ago (late 70's or so) , and the guy was perhaps the President of
> > an
> >> Amphicar club in the Midwest at the time? rumor at the time was
> > the
> >> top was up on the car when he was trying to cross.
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > THE AMPHICAR-LOVERS LIST
> > ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> > Before posting requests for information, please check the List
> > Archives:
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> > For more information about this List and other available services
> > visit:
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> > This list is provided as a free service. Please support our
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> > best coverage available. Visit Hagerty Collector Car Insurance
today at
> > http://www.hagerty.com
> >
> >
> >
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> >
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> >
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J

Joe Biscone

Guest
Re: Re: Amphicar Fatalities Ever? and Bits

yes, i've seen the clock in the glove box w/tach in the clock hole . . but, it didn't look 'factory'! was this a factory or dealer-installed option??


joe '68 euro/ivory

----- Original Message -----
From: a_colo_native <colo _FRONTRANGE@NETZERO.NET="">
To: amphicar-lovers@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [amphicar-lovers] Re: Amphicar Fatalities Ever? and Bits
Date: Fri, 18 Mar 2005 05:32:47 -0000

<tt>
--- In amphicar-lovers@yahoogroups.com, "Michael Echemann"
<echemike@s...> wrote:
> That would be Jim Nichols. I believe one of our more famous
amphibians presently owns that very car???

Yes one of our own has that car. I will let him speak up if he so
wishes.

> How may owners have cars where the inside (nose to rear) was
painted factory black regardless of the exterior color?

I have seen about 4 or 5 of these. Man they are hard to work on!
Makes the bilge even darker.

> How many types of rear bumpers were there?

At least 2 that I know of. I think a 3rd exists, but I don't know
fer sure.

> Was there ever an Amphicar script Radio and if so what year (s)?

Yessiree there was. I don't know what year.

> Any cars out there with the rectangle rear reflectors?

Weird Harold has 'em.

> Is there any truth to the rumor that clocks were moved to the
glove box door when a tac was installed in it's place?????

Yup, the tach fit the clock's usual place and a hole was cut into
the left side of the glovebox to accomidate the clock.

John Bevins



</tt>

<tt>THE AMPHICAR-LOVERS LIST
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Before posting requests for information, please check the List
Archives:
http://www.escribe.com/automotive/amphicar/search.html
For more information about this List and other available services
visit:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/amphicar-lovers/
To Unsubscribe from this List, just send a blank email to:
amphicar-lovers-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
Any other issues may be addressed to the List owner (Mike Israel) at:
amphicar770@yahoo.com
This list is provided as a free service. Please support our sponsors at:
http://www.growerflower.com/default.asp?id=41762

When insuring your Amphicar do not settle for anything less than the very best coverage available. Visit Hagerty Collector Car Insurance today at
http://www.hagerty.com


</tt>




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S

skk0819

Guest
Thanks for the input. I will look forward to reading the story.

This whole thing got me to thinking, so I pulled out my Dad's old
folder of our old red amphi, my Dad kept a folder of stuff in it
between 1971 and 1982 separate from the new folder he started in
1982, when we began to actually restore the car. Before then, we
had just done stuff like pour fiber glass in the giant rust holes,
run it with about 10% brakes, no top, etc., etc., mostly on our 500
acres of private property in northern Michigan.

When we took it in the water, the bilge was going full blast, and we
couldn't stay in longer than 15-20 minutes at a time, because even
with the bilge going full time, the car was still losing ground, and
filling with water. Hence the car sinking in a more public lake
around that time, when we got carried away and went out too far. I
remember the water coming up over our ankles as my Dad frantically
chugged the thing as fast as it would go towards the shore as it
filled. It finally sputtered and stalled about 70 yards offshore,
coasted in about 10 more yards and sank in the 5 or 6 feet of
water. We just kind of rolled out of the sides of it before it
sank....

A super nice guy with a huge four wheeler backed his truck as far as
he dared down the boat ramp, so that all four tires were well in the
water. He had a pretty long chain, but a couple of guys on shore
had to go to their cars to get chains to link together, to reach the
car. My Dad waded out to the car, dragging chain with him. I
walked and swam with him, and he had me dive under and hook the
chain onto the front tow hook. The guy with the truck then janked
the car right out.....

What i was getting to was that after I pulled out the old Amphi
folder my Dad had, and looking thru it this morning, I see a few
correspondences between him and Jim Nichols, discussing top
material, owners manuals, etc. Looks like Jim sent us the one that
I still have. Before those correspondences, one with a person
named Dennis Drake, who directed my Dad to Jim and the club. There
are also a couple of publications from "The Amphicar News" in 1979
which would be the newsletter refered to earlier in this thread.
I'll have to look at the scanned copies of that old newsletter in
the members area, to see if the ones I have are there. If not, I
can get them scanned to contribute to that bit of Amphi History...

Scott


--- In amphicar-lovers@yahoogroups.com, "Bill Connelly"
<billiam@e...> wrote:
> Mike, as always, is wise and good and correct.
>
> The unlucky fellow was indeed the President of the late 70s-
early '80s
> Amphicar Club, Jim Nichols, Jr. of Poughkeepsie, New York. The
tragedy (an
> often misused word that, so sadly, is all too appropriate here)
happened in
> a lake near University, Mississippi, where Jim was a graduate
student at Ole
> Miss, not in Michigan.
>
> For many months...well, actually years...I have been gathering
this and that
> bit of information on Jim Nichols, his contribution and selfless
legacy to
> Amphicar ownership through a very difficult period of same, and of
course
> the particulars of the tragedy that took his life.
>
> By an odd coincidence of fate, I now just happen to work with a
fellow here
> in Washington who was actually thanked by name in one of Jim's
Newsletters
> (full scans of which are available thanks in large part to
longtime owner
> Karl V. in the Club's 'Members Only' section) for helping him put
together
> his Newsletters when these were really the only beacon of light
and helping
> hand for our orphan marque...before Hugh Gordon came to the rescue
with his
> devotion to keeping the breed alive, followed by the current Club
and now a
> host of others too.
>
> I have also recently been again in contact with Jim's father, from
whom,
> yes, I bought Jim's old car in 1994, which had been in storage for
a dozen
> years after his death.
>
> One day, probably rather soon, you will be able read the whole sad
but
> inspiring story in a forthcoming Club Newsletter (now that I have
time to
> really ponder the matter thanks to Cap'n John Bevin's capable
assumption of
> the Club website's duties). Some sort of homage is really the
least I could
> do for this friend I never met, and for someone to whom we all owe
a tip o'
> the hat for getting Amphicars as a breed "over the hump" in a
spare time for
> spares.
>
> It should go without saying that any who knew the man should
contact me
> offlist.
>
> ~Bilgey~
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Michael Echemann
>
> That would be Jim Nichols. I believe one of our more famous
amphibians
> presently owns that very car???
>
>
>
> Tidbits:
> PS: More than a few 68 titles/stamped cars exist. Not many are
seen with
> the thick moldings and column ignition however.
>
> How many owners have cars with the black dash treatment on the
upper inside
> doors above the panels?
>
> How may owners have cars where the inside (nose to rear) was
painted factory
> black regardless of the exterior color?
>
> How many types of rear bumpers were there?
>
> Was there ever an Amphicar script Radio and if so what year (s)?
>
> Any cars out there with the rectangle rear reflectors?
>
> Regarding colors of cars I agree that red and white are probably
the most
> common. Of all the cars I've owned and seen my impressions are:
> Blue cars are the most difficult to find, followed by Green (both
seem to be
> in the best condition (especially the green) however when found.
> Whites are all over the board.
> Red cars seem to me to be by far the hardest to find in nice
condition.
> I owned a Right hand drive car which was a factory darker green
with a
> factory black interior with factory reclining front seats.
> I was told by one of our more knowledgeable Amphi experts that one
came
> factory black. (David)?
>
> Is there any truth to the rumor that clocks were moved to the
glove box door
> when a tac was installed in it's place?????
>
> Mike
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Eric M" <e_mattlin@s...>
> To: <amphicar-lovers@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2005 7:25 PM
> Subject: [amphicar-lovers] Re: Amphicar Fatalities Ever?
>
>
> >
> >
> > I'm not aware of the details but one of the past presidents did
die
> > while out in his Amphi. But he fell into the water and he
couldn't
> > swim. The person with him couldn't get the car turned and back
> > before he went under.
> >
> > I only know because there was a picture of me standing on the
front
> > hood of mine in the water, usual pose, smoking a cigar. Hugh
told
> > me not to do that and told me the story. That was years ago
which
> > is why I can't recall details. I did point out to Hugh that it
was
> > a ver calm day and i'm a very good swimmer - otherwise I'd have
> > stayed put.
> >
> > Later that same day I mooned Mr Dave the Wave as I recall ...
> > luckily no pictures of that.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In amphicar-lovers@yahoogroups.com, "skk0819" <skk0819@y...>
> > wrote:
> >>
> >> Was talking with my Dad the other day, and he told me that there
> > was
> >> a guy who died in his Amphicar crossing Lake Michigan a long
time
> >> ago (late 70's or so) , and the guy was perhaps the President of
> > an
> >> Amphicar club in the Midwest at the time? rumor at the time was
> > the
> >> top was up on the car when he was trying to cross.
 
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