This 1964 Amphicar, painstakingly restored with all original parts by Don Hahn of Auburn, Washington, makes three to four crossings of glacier-fed Lake Tapps each summer. This versatile convertible, one of only 1400 left in the world, is registered for both highway and lake use by the state of Washington and features a Triumph TR-2 engine, two bilge pumps, two propellers, two paddles, running lights and all of the required personal flotation devices. Since the front tires act as the rudder, "Our turning radius is a bit wide. I try and avoid the need for any close maneuvering," says Don. While most of the lake crossings last only about ten to fifteen minutes at 7-8 knots, Don feels confident that his "go-anywhere" amphibious car could sustain an hour or longer voyage.

Don and his son Ralph have been restoring vintage cars for over twenty years and have an impressive collection of classic automobiles. The walls of Ralph's shop are adorned with the model planes, helicopters, racing cars and boats that he has built and run in his "spare time" over the last nineteen years. Repairing lawn mowers and small engines is Ralph's professional focus, but the walls of his shop give clear evidence of his mechanical creativity and love for making things run.

Ralph & Don Hahn
R&D Small Engines
222 A Street, SW
Auburn, WA 98001
(206) 939-2408