WaterCar
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive, Specialty vehicles |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Founder | Dave March |
| Headquarters | Fountain Valley, California , United States |
| Products | Amphibious vehicles (Panther, Python prototype, WaterCar EV) |
| Owner | Dave March |
| Website | watercar |
WaterCar is a U.S.-based enterprise focused on producing premium amphibious vehicles, with its headquarters situated in Fountain Valley, California. Established in 1999 by entrepreneur Dave March, the company drew inspiration from the iconic Amphicar of the 1960s. What began as a personal interest project gradually transformed into a commercial operation, culminating in the 2013 debut of its signature model, the Panther. This vehicle achieves a maximum speed of 80 mph on roads and 45 mph on water, establishing WaterCar as a notable contender within the amphibious vehicle sector.
With ownership of 27 patents in amphibious technology, WaterCar also holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest amphibious vehicle, highlighting its commitment to innovation and industry leadership. The design and manufacturing processes take place at Fountain Valley BodyWorks, an 85,000-square-foot facility owned by March that supports the company’s expansion through vertically integrated production.
WaterCar’s business strategy is built on proprietary technology and visionary leadership from founder Dave March, who continues to play a pivotal role in shaping corporate direction and operational effectiveness. The company targets specialized markets that demand high-performance amphibious transport solutions, which contributes to its unique positioning in both automotive and specialty vehicle industries.
From 1999 until 2010, WaterCar developed three amphibious prototypes, including the Python. Equipped with a 450-horsepower Chevrolet Corvette engine, the Python achieved land speeds up to 127 mph and water speeds of 60 mph, securing a Guinness World Record in 2010. However, due to elevated manufacturing expenses, it remained at the prototype stage.
In 2011, March initiated development of a more dependable amphibious vehicle utilizing advancements from the Python and earlier designs. By June 2013, WaterCar unveiled the Panther, its first commercially available model. The Panther found significant demand in regions such as the Middle East, with customers including the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai’s Crown Prince, and technology enthusiasts from Silicon Valley. The vehicle carried a price tag of US$140,000.
In January 2014, March set a milestone by becoming the first person to pilot an amphibious vehicle from Newport Harbor to Catalina Island—a journey covering 30 miles completed in 70 minutes while consuming approximately 13 gallons of fuel from its 25-gallon capacity.
WaterCar EV
In 2024, WaterCar launched the WaterCar EV, a hybrid amphibious model engineered to eliminate the need for boat trailers and docking expenses. It is powered by a 115-horsepower Mercury Pro XS engine for aquatic propulsion combined with a 48-volt electric motor for terrestrial travel. The EV attains speeds up to 35 mph on water and 25 mph on land with an operational range of 100 miles per full charge.
Each WaterCar EV is meticulously handcrafted with more than 1,000 man-hours invested in assembly. It carries dual registration as a Low Speed Electric Vehicle (LSV) for road use and as a boat when on water.
Technology
The WaterCar Panther is equipped with a rear-mounted Honda Acura 3.7-liter engine linked to a "Panther"-Jet boat propulsion system, allowing seamless transition from land to water in less than fifteen seconds. Its hydraulic off-road suspension system retracts wheels within eight seconds, enabling water entry at speeds reaching 15 mph. Once afloat, the driver engages jet propulsion and raises the wheels hydraulically to operate like a conventional boat; this process is reversed when returning to land.
Constructed on a lightweight chromoly steel frame integrated into a fiberglass hull, the design optimizes weight distribution for superior amphibious functionality. The interior features road suspension seating along with US Coast Guard-approved closed-cell Styrofoam for enhanced safety.
In the media
The WaterCar Panther received notable attention in 2014 when it appeared on ABC's The Bachelor (Season 18, Episode 6). Additionally, it was showcased on USA Network's Royal Pains (Season 5, Episode 15), featured in CNBC's Jay Leno's Garage during the episode titled Just Add Water (Season 2, Episode 11), and included in the movie Vanguard, all contributing to increased brand recognition and market presence.