I have just returned from a great Amphib- Sweden tour 2016.
The 30th time that Amphib international is held.
It brought also a scoop to our event!
After a tour from 1400 km, I arrived at Lake Vättern, Gränna, but it seems
to be in Bunn, 10 km from Gränna.
Most of us did the trip including ferry, but I preferred the trip by the Ӧresundbridge.
A lot of other visitors were already present and it was nice to see all our friends.
During the first announcement it was mentioned that there were 38 vehicles, but there
were allmost 50 present.
7 Ford GPA’s
5 DUKW’s
12 Amphicars
5 VW Schwimmwagens 166
3 Alvis Stalwart’s
4 Russian GAZ 46
4 Dutton
1 Jet Ranger
1 Voyager 44A
1 Citroën CX Amphibian
1 LuAZ-967
1 Panther Watercar
This was the first time we saw this Panther Watercar on the road and saw it speed on the water.
An unbelievable experience to see it going.
Powered by its 6 cylinder Honda Acura 3.7-liter engine it is very fast on land and on water.
The wheels are lifted during water navigate.
Thomas Terräng and his crew organised several trips on road and on the water with
special trips and lunch breaks.
There was even a new phenomenon introduced; “Thomas Time”.
( this means flexible times for briefing , departures and program)
Wednesday we visited the Husqvarna museum, and I am still surprised of the variety of products this company produced.
There was an byplane Russian airplane, an Antonov AN-2, where our group was able to participate
in an 20 minute flight over our campsite area for the costs of a small amount of money.
We had also a day off with the possibility to visit a scrap yard with old military items.
A lot of other visits and events were organized this week.
I had a small problem with the brakes of my GPA, but luckily my Dutch Amphib friends arranged the parts I didn’t have with me, a wheelcilinder and brake hose.
After some work, the GPA drove again perfect.
Others were less lucky than I; sinking, broken differential and broken transmission.
Saturday, the last day the program was there to do a long trip over lake Vättern.
I was preparing my GPA for this 9 km long crossing to the Island Visingsӧ with surf shield and safety rope, when my GPA friend advised me to take the ferry instead of to do the crossing.
After a look at the rough conditions, and some bouncing Amphicars that started the trip, I decided
to do the crossing on a safe way.
Three DUKW’s, three Amphicars, one Dutton, two GAZ 46, the Voyager and the Citroën CX ventured the crossing.
On the ferry I spotted the problems that our Belgian Dutton owner had.
At the arrival place on the island we heard that the Dutton sunk to the bottom.
The co-pilot nearly drowned, but fortunately made it to the surface.
The car is now at the bottom of Lake Vättern at 94 meters below.
At this time it is unknown if the car will be salvaged.
This is the first time in 30 years International Amphib, that an Amphib vehicle really sank.
Below the Dutton in better times
All & all it was a great week with a lot of fun and nice trips.
During the farewell diner, on Saturday evening, Bob Skinner announced that Amphib 2017
will be held in Great Britain, near London on the river Thames.
I am already looking forward to this!
Bob