Gibbs Aquada coming to America
Looking a bit like an MX-5 that got tired of land-bound living and returned to the sea, the Gibbs Aquada is nearly the automotive equivalent of a dolphin. It's sleek and fast in the drink, but the little amphibious roadster can still crawl out of the soup and go prowling around on four wheels. Once on dry land, the Aquada's no slouch, either; it's capable of running 100 plus mph.
Popular Mechanics managed to snag a ride in a stateside example and while messing about in boats, PM got some exciting news. No, we still don't know what's in Spam, but the Aquada is coming to the States to be sold with the Federal seal of safety approval. You may need to get a boater's license before you can take to the seas, but Gibbs contends that the Aquada will resist sinking mightily, even if swamped. That's comforting for something with such little freeboard, but don't worry, you'll bob like a cork after your wallet's been lightened at the dealer. The sale price in the US is expected to slot in around $100,000, a veritable fire sale compared to the $200,000 tab across the Atlantic. A good convertible will set you back at least $20,000, and an enjoyable runabout will cost at least as much, plus fuel, docking, and winter storage, to name a few. So $100,000 will likely be cheaper than owning a car and a nice little boat once the final tally is in. We wonder if Gibbs is going to try to circumvent shipping the cars, and just shove them off from the dock with an encouraging "off you go, watch out for rogue waves."
[Source: Popular Mechanics]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
bestmacs 9:33AM (6/14/2007)
G'day Dan,
Please jog my memory, mate. Isn't the Gibbs Aquada the same nifty craft that Sir Richard Branson took for a high-publicity spin on the Thames about a year ago?
Cheers
David McMahon
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gerard Vandenberg 10:16AM (6/14/2007)
Do they really think this plan will succeed. I don't know how long this idea exists about a sailing car? I think almost as long as cars exists. This is, I think, some sort of "Einstein" type , who thinks he invented the Wheel!
If the man still wanna try it, I would try the state of Florida with its Amusement Parks for a debute!
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Jon 10:11AM (6/14/2007)
Just a note:
According to its website, "SPAM CLASSIC is made of JUST a FEW SIMPLE INGREDIENTS: HAM, PORK, SUGAR, SALT, WATER, a LITTLE potato starch, and a mere HINT of sodium NITRATE to help Spam keep its color. Sounds deLIcious, and it IS!"
http://spam.com/whatisspam/
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BC 10:40AM (6/14/2007)
Time is money, and I know that where I live, it is not too much of a stretch to think that this could be a viable commuter car for some people.
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Guenther 11:45AM (6/14/2007)
Are you in the bay area?
I wonder what it would take to upfit something like a late-model MR2.
There is only one way to sell these, and that's through yacht dealers. As a road-going tender, this could be quite viable. Besides, whats 100k, when you're dropping a million on a boat.
starlightmica 11:40AM (6/14/2007)
@bestmacs:
Yes, Branson is pictured driving the Aquada during its trans-Channel run in the linked article.
The rich get all the goodies: waterfront property and a new way to avoid traffic congestion. Can they give it an engine upgrade?
http://www.gibbstech.co.uk/aquada.php
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bmoredlj 11:01AM (6/14/2007)
Very cool. Finally, the Amphicar returns to America! Not as stylish as that 1960's oddity, and almost as expensive as my LS600hL, but try dunking a Lexus in the drink to see if it'll swim! It's nice to see this idea is still alive and well. This is a whole other kind of hybrid.
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ssgtakeo 11:08AM (6/14/2007)
It'd be great for crossing the bay, and skipping the bay bridge.
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jeff in toronto 1:47PM (6/14/2007)
So $20,000 and $20,000 is more money than the $100,000 for this car??? Not only is your math wrong, but economics is too. What you end up is with a $100,000 "thing" that isn't a very good car or boat and will depreciate like there's no tomorrow. You know why they don't make a combination surf board and snow board? Because it would suck at both! By a good used Miata and a 16' bowrider and save $50K towards a cottage.
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Dan Roth 2:49PM (6/14/2007)
Jeff, the purchase price of a boat is only a part of it. Having grown up around boats, I know that you need to factor in the cost of winter storage, hauling and launching, maintenance, insurance, registration, etc.
A single vehicle that fills both roles is likely more economical.
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G Jenkins 10:22AM (7/03/2007)
If you like amphibious cars check out this face book group; http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2587625909
Amphibians are great.
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