Amphibious Terrane Vehicle
February 19, 2007 8:28 AM Subscribe
Help identify this amphibious creature motorized vehicle.
Here are some details my father can remember about it: probably manufactured in the sixties by a Canadian company; had a two-cycle, air-cooled engine that was prone to overheating; sported a soft canvas top; propelled through to water solely by the tread of the spinning tires; could easily float with six passengers; had no real suspension; and could top 60 mile per hour on land.
Here are some details my father can remember about it: probably manufactured in the sixties by a Canadian company; had a two-cycle, air-cooled engine that was prone to overheating; sported a soft canvas top; propelled through to water solely by the tread of the spinning tires; could easily float with six passengers; had no real suspension; and could top 60 mile per hour on land.
Is it by Argo? Company site, dealer site. They are a Canadian ATV manufacturer and their vehicles are powered in water by the tyre treads (although I don't think they can do 60mph).
posted by greycap at 9:19 AM on February 19, 2007
posted by greycap at 9:19 AM on February 19, 2007
Response by poster: Oh, it only had four wheels, too.
posted by glibhamdreck at 9:55 AM on February 19, 2007
posted by glibhamdreck at 9:55 AM on February 19, 2007
First instinct from the picture is "argocat" which seems to be the cat track version of what greycap is pointing you to.
posted by twine42 at 10:02 AM on February 19, 2007
posted by twine42 at 10:02 AM on February 19, 2007
Yes, Argocat was the first word I thought of when I saw the picture too (having just re-read Alan Clark's diaries where he owns one for the garden at Saltwood).
posted by greycap at 10:16 AM on February 19, 2007
posted by greycap at 10:16 AM on February 19, 2007
This isn't the Argo. It's a four-wheeler and it has a custom shell from the look of it, perhaps a fibreglass knock off. Also it has a steering wheel, and I don't recall Argo's coming with steering wheels.
This is not to say that someone didn't tinker with an Argo or something similar.
Amphijeep in England has a base which I'm sure could be worked with.
It also struck me that perhaps this is just a four wheeler with a custom body just fording down a shallow river
posted by pezdacanuck at 11:18 AM on February 19, 2007
This is not to say that someone didn't tinker with an Argo or something similar.
Amphijeep in England has a base which I'm sure could be worked with.
It also struck me that perhaps this is just a four wheeler with a custom body just fording down a shallow river
posted by pezdacanuck at 11:18 AM on February 19, 2007
Check the amphicars website to see if it may help. From the quick look I took, there's a chance it could be an early model of a Gibbs Aquada (4 wheels, central steering wheel, etc.) but they may be too new to be correct, or even a Dutton amphibious model, most of those appear to be kit-built. Also, if not there, the Land, Air and Sea museum might also be a good place to ask for info.
posted by caution live frogs at 1:01 PM on February 19, 2007
posted by caution live frogs at 1:01 PM on February 19, 2007
Response by poster: It's not "just a four wheeler with a custom body just fording down a shallow river". My dad owned this; those are my grandparents crossing our creek. Thanks for all the help so far.
posted by glibhamdreck at 1:43 PM on February 19, 2007
posted by glibhamdreck at 1:43 PM on February 19, 2007
My apologies. However you did not indicate you had intimate knowledge.
Still is it possible that your father picked this up from someone who did this as a custom kit? I'm still ruling out Argos.
Good luck!
posted by pezdacanuck at 7:32 AM on February 20, 2007
Still is it possible that your father picked this up from someone who did this as a custom kit? I'm still ruling out Argos.
Good luck!
posted by pezdacanuck at 7:32 AM on February 20, 2007
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by phaedon at 9:07 AM on February 19, 2007