Kamfibie (Citroën CX amphibious camper)

The Kamfibie (from Kampeerauto-Amfibie, "camper-amphibian") is a home-made amphibious motor caravan built in the Netherlands by Erik Jan Elmers from a 1983 Citroën CX Familiale estate car.

Construction

Elmers first turned the CX into a camper with a lifting roof that doubles as an open top, reasoning that "an amphibian must be open". He then welded hatches behind the doors and sealed the floor. By June 2002 the rear half was watertight enough for a flotation test, and he was working on sealing the rest of the car; he had also entered the unfinished vehicle for the Amphib 2002 meeting.

In April 2003 he reported to the archive owner that, after many hours of work spread over several years, the Kamfibie drove, floated and could be steered on the water: he simply drove in, started the outboard motor and continued the journey afloat. Several successful launches had been made, though he felt more work was needed before tackling a river.