The Sea Lion, a rotary-powered amphibious prototype built to chase land-and-water speed records, is now up for sale.
An amphibious prototype that blurs the line between race car and watercraft is preparing for a new chapter as it heads to auction. Known as the Sea Lion, the one-off machine was engineered by Marc Witt with a singular goal: to set speed records both on land and water.
Powered by a 174-horsepower Mazda 13B rotary engine, the Sea Lion is estimated to reach 125 mph on land and 60 mph across the water. Witt had originally envisioned further upgrades that could have boosted land performance to an eye-watering 180 mph, a remarkable target for an amphibious platform.
The Sea Lion was not conceived as a commercial product but rather as a demonstration of engineering ambition. Developed between 2006 and 2012 by Witt’s firm, M. Witt Applied Design, the prototype features a TIG-welded aluminum monocoque chassis, modular stainless steel flotation pods, and a jet-drive propulsion system. Its hydraulically retractable wheels and deployable aquatic spoiler allow it to switch seamlessly between environments.
Inside, the vehicle is spartan but functional. It offers a single seat with dual control systems: a steering wheel for asphalt and a centrally mounted stick for navigating waterways. The stripped-down cockpit underscores its purpose as a record-setting machine rather than a practical commuter.
Although never officially clocked in an attempt to secure amphibious speed records, the Sea Lion has long been regarded as a credible contender. Its engineering, combined with Witt’s vision, placed it at the cutting edge of amphibious performance.
First offered for sale in 2012 and now listed again through Mecum Auctions, the Sea Lion represents a rare opportunity for collectors and engineers alike. For enthusiasts of experimental vehicles, it stands as both a work of art and an unfulfilled engineering challenge waiting to be realized.
