BMW’s Mini compact-car division said Sunday it would unveil a new amphibious model called the Yachtsman during the New York International Auto Show this week. The announcement fufills a Mini tradition of prank press releases on April Fools Day, but since 3000 people bought Amphicars 50 years ago –– seriously –– anything's possible.
The Yachtsman looks a standard Mini with the bow of a military landing craft grafted to its nose, and is said to be equipped with a number of special features including shark-resistant undercoating, a rod and trolling reel for catching marlin and an emergency sail rigged to the vehicle’s antenna. It's finished in a handsome Royal Navy Blue.
“Our exciting MINI Cooper Yachtsman is the ultimate extension of the MINI brand, expanding our line-up to seven models in the USA and offering consumers even more ways to enjoy MINI ownership in a manner best-suited to their individual taste and location,” said Jim McDowell, vice president of Mini USA.
McDowell also said the new vehicle “will become an instant status symbol, a car/boat combo that evokes ‘land/sea envy’ in equal measure.”
In its spoofy press release Mini said the Yachtsman will cost $236,000 and come with a warranty that includes 3-years of free mooring, “annual dry-docking and free barnacle removal, for the original captain.” ––Paul Duchene
