1962 Amphicar 770

Once the province of specialized military hardware, the first amphibious car sold to the public arrived in 1961 at the New York International Auto Show. The Amphicar was the result of 15 years and $25 million in development time and cost, with nearly 4,000 built over the car's seven-year production run. On the road, the Amphicar drives like any other. Pull up to the boat ramp, however, and special seals in the doors are set, the frunk is locked, and a lever redirects power from the wheels to dual propellers. The front wheels steer the craft, acting as rudders, while the rear wheels could be engaged with the propellers for returning to shore. A great automotive oddity from an era never to be seen again, the seaworthy example pictured here goes to auction in Phoenix, Arizona this January.