President Lyndon B. Johnson owned an amphibious car....

[Katashi_itto]

American president Lyndon B. Johnson owned an amphibious car (a car that could drive on water). He would use it to scare guests by driving them into his lake while screaming about brake failure.

"Johnson would get his guest and drive down a steep incline toward the lake on his ranch, pretend to lose control, and then yell, "The brakes don't work! We're going in! We're going under!" The car would splash into the lake, and as everyone else was screaming, Johnson would be doubled over laughing."

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/08/28/lbjs-amphibious-car-caught-friends-dignitaries-surprise/

[Vinca]

1. Someone in our town owns a bright red one.

The first time I saw it going down the Connecticut River I nearly drove off the road.

[MADem]

2. Yes, he did--there are pictures and videos of him in it.

He used to drive it round his ranch.

[kentauros]

6. Great home movies!

I wonder who took them... maybe a Secret Service agent?

The same kind of car was also used in "The President's Analyst" (1967.) I wonder if LBJ's use of it inspired them to put it in the movie, considering the time period was the same for when he was in office

[MADem]

7. Or a staffer...or one of his extended family. They probably did get the idea for the movie from him

I remember that movie--that was quite 'outre' for the day! James Coburn! LOL!!!!

[kentauros]

8. "Everyone hates the phone company!"

And even today, with multiple phone companies, that sentiment hasn't changed

I still enjoy watching that film. So many great character actors in it, too

[Act_of_Reparation]

3. He's also the basis for Frank Underwood.

If the next season of House of Cards does include Kevin Spacey riding around the Potomac in an amphibious car, I will write Netflix an angry letter.

[Katashi_itto]

4. Seriously!!!? Wow, I may have to watch it then.

[Brother Buzz]

5. The Amphicar is on public display at the LBJ ranch (Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site)

[1939]

9. German Amphicar

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphicar


Between door seals rotting and beginning to leak and sheet metal rusting through, the cars were a nightmare. Crappy car and crappy boat. Just the kind of novelty that a rich guys would like.