The stat line on this thing is insane: 40-years old; 4x4; 4-wheel steering; Wankel rotary powered; seating for 6; less than 100 miles on its odometer; 1 of only 60 ever made; AMPHIBIOUS. It’s a 1983 TAG Croco 4x4 and if you’re as excited as we are about it, you’ll be pumped to hear that it’s up for no reserve auction at Artcurial in Paris.
While you might initially think this one will be well out of reach for the everyday 4x4 enthusiast, Artcurial has put an astounding estimated value of between just $27,245 and $49,040 on it. Live bidding starts on March 18, 2022 at 3pm, but if you’re not able to be in Paris, you can set your absentee bid online now!
ABOUT THE 1983 TAG CROCO AMPHIBIOUS VEHICLE
When we first heard about this thing, we could have sworn it was named for the semi aquatic reptile. It’s both green and amphibious like a crocodile, but it actually gets its name from the term “CROss COuntry.” Weird, right? The TAG Croco was designed by CroCo AG, a Swiss company belonging to the TAG group, better known for its Formula 1 presence and fancy watches.
It was designed for places that are difficult to access for traditional 4x4s that don’t enjoy 4-wheel steering, the ability to float (flotation provided by the knobby tires) and a slip-on propeller system. It also has no suspension, instead achieving excellent wheel articulation courtesy of its construction which consisted of two tubs that rotate around a central point. The low-pressure tires are great for climbing terrain, but they also provide some comfort for the driver in lieu of a suspension system.
We loved Silodrome’s writeup of this amazing little beast and encourage you to head over there to read it if you’re thirsty for more. Here’s an excerpt:
The desire to build the next Willys Jeep has led to a staggering array of fascinating off-road vehicles over the years. The simple design and excellent capabilities of the original Jeep inspired automakers around the world – leading to the Land Rover, Unimog, Land Cruiser, and countless others. Perhaps the one chink in the armor of the Willys Jeep was its inability to cross waterways. During WWII the Germans had the amphibious Volkswagen Schwimmwagen which had proved effective, but was produced in far lower numbers than the American Jeep. In the years since the war many engineers have tackled the design challenge of creating a simple, off-road capable amphibious vehicle with varying degrees of success. The TAG Croco 4×4 Amphibian is one of the most interesting of them.
SPECS
This thing is so amazing. Compact, but technologically advanced and highly capable, the TAG Croco 4x4 is the ultimate off-road/in-water utility vehicle. With about 30 horsepower and a top speed of about 35 miles per hour, the Croco isn’t going to get you there fast, but it’s going to get you there.
Here are some of the specs behind this amphibious gem:
MECHANICAL & DRIVE:
- 440cc single-rotor NSU-Wankel engine
- Two forward speeds and one reverse
- 4-wheel steering system
INTERIOR:
- Seating for 6
- Seat belts
- Paddles
- Life jackets
BODY & EXTERIOR:
- Green and white paint
- Forestry Corps graphics
- Soft top
- Body made of two steel tubs that double as hulls in the water
- Tubs are articulated about a central axis
- NSU Wankel rotary engine
- Slip on propellor system
READ MORE FEATURES.
Like this 4x4, but not sure if it’s exactly right for you? Perhaps these other amazing featured 4x4 rigs for sale might be just the ticket.
