I met Hugh about 30 years ago at an intersection in MI, because his cottage was hard to find. I didn't know Hugh, but he knew I would recognize an Amphicar. I was with my ex-wife and I was driving an SUV. Hugh immediately said, "Ride with me, you have got to experience this 1500", so I got in. My ex tried to keep up with us. No way! The twisty road was tree lined, and Hugh was driving his Amphi like it was a Ferrari. Seriously, 4 wheel drifts! It was absolutely nuts. I was terrified, I truly thought for the first time in my life that I was really going to die! At the time I was a skilled driver of European sports cars, so I knew. I asked him to slow down, but he said, "Don't worry, I know what I am doing, plus I have radials!" Miraculously, we didn't spin out and hit a tree. I'm not a betting man, but I would have bet on it.
Anyway, Hugh, I thank you for all you did. Without you, my life would be very different! I would not have just gotten back from a great Amphicar swim-in in Las Vegas. I wouldn't have owned many Amphicars in my lifetime. I probably would not have owned one if it wasn't for you! Who would buy a car that is amphibious that you can't get parts for? Hugh, thanks again! I will be one of the hundreds that will really miss you.
Rob