Lehmann produced the “UHU Amphibian Auto” from 1907 to 1938 and was designated EPL 555. It was modeled after an odd rocket-shaped electric car that had set a world land speed record at the time. Lehmann added fins to the wheels to simulate an amphibious vehicle and recorded on the hood the places the car had traveled: Berlin, Paris, Liverpool, New York, etc. Upon a winding the car moves forward nicely on land as the driver moves in realistic fashion, but these tin windups are not waterproof and were never intended to get wet. They have a celluloid windshield with lanterns on each side, and the driver in period attire has a real cloth jacket.
This toy is shown with its rare original box.
Recent Comments