Tommy,
Congratulations on such a find! If possible, please write a short story with photos and send it to me, Keith Mathiowetz, to include in the next issue of "Wheels-n-Waves;" this would be great for all IAOC members to read.
Oddly, one photo that you provided tells the whole story of the origins of this car. The picture showing the NAPA tag explains it all. In 1983, I bought my used, weathered 1964 Amphicar from Richard Holt's car lot in Hopkins, Minnesota. The late Richard Holt, to many Midwest Amphi lovers in the 1960s and now, was known as "the guy" who sold new Amphicars in the Twin Cities back then. His lot was located at 929 Excelsior Blvd, and it was here that I first spotted my car in the back row in the early 1980s. By the late 1970s, this lot sold used cars, although Richard had several leftover Amphis parked there, mine being one of them.
Fast-forward to 2006. I met IAOC members Brad and Jill Swager of Stillwater, Minnesota, at the Sabula Swim-In. When we visited, we realized that both of our Amphis were originally sold at Holt's dealership. The couple explained that they have a color photograph of the dealership in the late 1960s; the photo shows at least 14 brand-new Amphis. Brad and Jill sent me a copy of the picture. Looking at it again today, I see a big NAPA sign in front of the first row of Amphis. On the NAPA sign it says, faintly, "Carlson's..." There are two blue Amphis with black tops in the front row. Could one of them be yours?
Brad and Jill got a copy of the photo from Richard Holt's son, Rocky (Richard died in the early 1990s). Rocky owns an Amphi and is listed in the former IAOC roster (I'm not sure if he's still a member). Perhaps a phone call to Rocky will answer a few questions about how the car lot and NAPA were linked.
You have a great piece, my friend! Enjoy!
Cheers,
Keith Mathiowetz,
Editor, Wheels-n-Waves
Keith Mathiowetz
Publisher, Prewar Auto Notes magazine
E2315 County Road B
Scandinavia, WI 54977
715-445-5387
kcmath@tds.net
----- Original Message -----
From: Tommy in Tampa
To: kcmath@tds.net
Sent: Saturday, May 24, 2008 6:54 PM
Subject: RE: [General Amphicar Discussion-t-20024] Re: I did receive 469 mile Amphicar
Here are some more
Attached to this message is Amphicar new blue 011.jpg
Attached to this message is Amphicar new blue 012.jpg
Attached to this message is Amphicar new blue 013.jpg
Attached to this message is Amphicar new blue 023.jpg