Nissank was the second amphibious car created by former Top Gear UK presenter Jeremy Clarkson. Nissank is the directly successor to Toybota although with same spelt their names. It competed in the Amphibious Car Challenge - redux against fellow presenter Richard Hammond's Dampervan Mk.II and James May's Triumph Herald sailcar, which was extremely similar to his car in Amphibious Car Challenge. Nissank is currently isplayed at the World of Top Gear in National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, and set its valued at £2.3 million.
Design[]
Nissank heavily based on the principle of having a powerful engine attached in the back of a pickup truck, used by it's predecessor, the Toybota. To prevent the Nissank from sinking like the Toybota, Jeremy attached some empty barrels in the back for stability, welded the car more thoroughly to prevent water entering the cabin and also added a hull and a keel. In addition to the anti-sink attachments, Clarkson kept two large fishing rods, to wait for James May in case he gets lost.
The Challenge[]
The challenge was to cross the English Channel and arrive at Calais, France from Dover, England. All the three cars entered the water, and the Dampervan's engine could not keep up with the rough seas and started to sink, and James May was washed ashore and got stuck. Jeremy drove the Nissank vigorously into the water, causing it to sink, but he then managed to straighten it. Just like the last challenge, Jeremy rescued Hammond and took him abroad as crew. Soon, James was also rescued by Jeremy.
With the three presenters aboard in the Nissank, they all united and set a course for Calais, avoiding massive oil tankers, ferries, cruise ships and cargo ships in the Channel. But the presenters only managed to arrive in Sangatte, France. Part of the challenge was to break the record set by Richard Branson for crossing the Channel in an amphibious vehicle, but none of them managed to do so.
See Also[]
- Toybota - The predecessor of the Nissank.
- Dampervan - Richard Hammond's amphibious vehicle.
- Turboat - Tanner Foust's (Top Gear USA presenter) amphibious vehicle.