WaterCar Python

The WaterCar Python was billed by its maker, WaterCar of Irvine, California, as the fastest and highest-performing amphibious vehicle ever built. It was designed from the start as an amphibious hot rod, and the maker claimed over 95 km/h (60 mph) on water and around 200 km/h (125 mph) on land. A quarter mile took about 12.5 seconds, and 0-100 km/h about 4.5 seconds.

Design

The Python is built on a lightweight frame of 304 stainless steel, with a planing hull and a Dominator jet for water propulsion. The rear-mounted engine is the owner's choice of aluminium GM LS-series Corvette V8 (LS1 to LS9), driving through a four-speed manual transmission and a Mindiola gearbox. Other features include power steering, four-wheel power disc brakes and wheels that retract pneumatically. Two sealed doors give access from the water. Inside, the layout is boat-like, with captain's chairs in front and a wraparound bench behind, seating five in all.

The car weighs about 1,720 kg (3,800 lb) and measures about 6.25 m long and 2.08 m wide.

Use and sales

To switch to water mode, the driver selects neutral, engages the jet and raises the wheels at the push of a button. The car has both road lights and navigation lights, and can tow a water-skier. In the United States it has to be registered as both a car and a boat.

Each car was hand-built to order, with a wide choice of colours and finishes. WaterCar sold rolling chassis without engine and transaxle, with installation by approved fitters, and completed cars started at about US$200,000.