Rugged Puddle Duck

Remember the Amphicar? While this dear little seaworthy convertible will always hold a special place on my wish list, its soaring collector value and purported swampability issues conspire to make it impractical as a daily swimmer-driver. Owners (at least the ones I’ve spoken with) tend to treat it more like a showpiece, and nervous once-yearly nautical outings are often all a restored Amphi can expect. It’s still a neat vehicle, but wouldn’t it be cool to have an amphibian—short of a WWII-era DUKW—that you could actually beat on a little? As it turns out, a small contingent of late-model civilian amphibians are vying to improve upon the original Amphicar’s design. Check out this Dutton S2 Commander, based on the Suzuki Samurai, whose 4-wheel drive enables it to run aground on all kinds of nasty terrain (the old Amphi’s RWD made boat ramps a near-necessity for water exits). The Commander’s plastic body rules out rust, and doors that open above the waterline reduce anxiety about sinking your investment. Purchased as either a conversion kit or a complete vehicle, the Commander isn’t exactly cheap—but one could rationalize that it’s less than the cost of a car and a boat combined.