Hello sweet friends and welcome to a very fun Fashion Friday. Today a 1960’s dress is taking an Amphibious Vehicle Joy Ride.
Amphibious Vehicle Joy Ride
Recently Sweet Guy’s girlfriend, Megan, invited me along for a spin around the lake with her family.
The Amphicar was the creation of amphibious-vehicle pioneer Hans Trippel. It was manufactured in West Germany from 1961 to 1965. The vehicle looks like a regular sports convertible but features a waterproof bottom and sides.
German Hermes transmission directs power to the rear wheels on land and on the water it shifts to the twin propellers at the rear.
A Few Features
- The doors have special watertight seals.
- The front compartment contains the fuel tank and spare tire.
- The maximum cruising speed on the water is around 6 knots (7mph).
- The top speed on land being around 70mph.
- 3,878 vehicles were built through 1967, with the majority exported to the United States.
US President Lyndon B. Johnson owned an Amphicar. The President was a known practical joker. He enjoyed frightening visitors to his Texas ranch by driving them downhill in his Amphicar, directly into the property’s lake. He would shout out that he had malfunctioning brakes.
Simplicity 7804
I dressed for the occasion wearing a new frock made from Simplicity 7804.
This is a great pattern. It went together without any issues. A beginner could make the dress with a bit of assistance.
I of course had to have it because it is from the year 1968. Like me.
The pale blue cotton fabric is vintage. It was found at an estate sale. It features a subtle woven stripe.
My shoes are also a vintage estate sale find. They were just $2!
We drove the vehicle to the lake and encountered smiles, waves, and happy honks.
It was an absolutely fantastic time. Thank you Scoma family!
This Week’s Video
Of course, you MUST see the vehicle in action. There are five minutes of floating fun to be found HERE.
What a fun time! I love the photo of you in the car with your hair blowing back! Very of-the-time!
How great is that! You look very stylish for your ride!
Wicked cool!! And I love the chorale group!
Interesting! I don’t think I have ever heard of these.
How cool is that! We visited LBJ State Park when were in Fredericksburg last month and heard about his amphibious vehicle and how he licked to play that joke on people.
Oh dear! I meant liked, not licked!
How fun was this!!!!!!! You look fabulous and that car is amazing.
What a riot! You must have had such fun and the dress is a triumph.
This is absolutely fabulous! I’ve ridden in the Duck Mobile in Washington DC but never an automobile. I wonder what he has to do to maintain it after it goes in the water and then driving it on land? Anything special? I love the joke LBJ would play on unsuspecting riders, lol!
Oh my soul, YOU HAVE TO HAVE ONE OF THOSE PHOTOS PRINTED OUT!!! Love the outfit, the shoes AND the car/boat. How cool is that?!
Oh my goodness you’re adorable. You totally fit the part as a 1960’s gal. You rock my friend. 😉 Cindy