by The Unique Sea Lion Amphibious Car
The automotive world has seen many unusual vehicles, but the Sea Lion is something special. This amphibious car, created by Mark Witt over six years, combines high speeds on land with the ability to travel on water. It is equipped with a supercharged 13B rotary engine from a Mazda RX-7, which allows it to reach speeds of up to 180 miles per hour.
In 2012, the Sea Lion was recognized as the world’s fastest amphibious car. It is now being prepared for auction, and its technical solutions continue to impress. For example, for movement on water, it uses a jet thruster, and control on both land and water is managed by a single steering wheel.
Mark Witt claims that at the time of its creation, the car could reach speeds of up to 130 miles per hour.
Technical Features
The Sea Lion is not just a modified production car. Witt independently developed the chassis, body panels, and systems that ensure its functionality. The body is made from CNC-machined and TIG-welded 5052 aluminum.
For swimming, the car uses side pontoons and a jet propeller. Interestingly, the steering wheel controls both the front wheels on land and the direction of travel on water. However, some solutions, such as the rising spoiler that blocks the driver’s view, raise questions about practicality.
It is currently unknown whether the Sea Lion remains fit for operation on land or water. Furthermore, the car is a single-seater and likely does not have official approval for use on public roads. Despite this, it remains an impressive example of engineering skill and creativity.
The auction where the Sea Lion will be sold is scheduled for September 20th. Although this car can hardly be called practical, its uniqueness and technical solutions undoubtedly attract the attention of enthusiasts. If you like unusual vehicles, this specimen is worth your attention.
