Highlights
- Well presented LHD example
- Stands today in very original form
- Rarer 1500 variant
- Tax and MOT exempt
The Appeal
What happens when you mix revered German automotive engineering with exotic Italian styling? You get what is widely regarded as one of the best Volkswagens ever made.
The Karmann Ghia was Volkswagen’s first ever sports car and mixed tried and tested Beetle running gear with an impeccably styled Carrozzeria Ghia body to create a truly excellent automobile. The model is widely regarded today as one of the all time greats from throughout the marque’s impressive history and has become an incredibly sought after piece of Volkswagen history among collectors and those looking for a gorgeous classic sports car to really stand out from the crowd.
This 1970 LHD model comes to market in charming, highly original form, with presentable bodywork and a robust driveline, it's one that is simply longing to be enjoyed and in its desirable deep green colour scheme, will make an excellent candidate for anyone looking to get into the world of Karmann Ghia ownership.
The History and Paperwork
- Manufactured 21/02/1970
- LHD variant, understood to have originally been a US market car
- Imported into the UK circa 1999
- History file well stocked with invoices for parts bought and servicing work undertaken on the car
- Selection of former MOT certificates available
- Due to the age and historic status of the car it is both tax and MOT exempt
- Fully UK registered with V5 registration document to hand
- Accompanied by an assortment of spare parts
The Condition
- Charming, honest example, presented in generally smart order
- Exhibited in seemingly very original form, notably lacking in signs of modification
- Finished in a classic deep green hue
- The paintwork itself is in largely good form though there is some notable tarnishing to the finish on the roof panel of the car
- Bodywork and external chrome trim are in fine form throughout, with some gentle patina in places and marking commensurate with age
- Desirable “towel rail” style chrome bumpers front and rear
- Lighting and glass work are in good presentable order
- 15” steel wheels with classic decorative chrome trim reside at all four corners
- Fifth full size steel wheel resides in the front storage compartment of the car
- Classic green bodywork is complemented by a period white cabin, presented in a similar honest, gently worn condition we find the exterior of the car to be in
- Seating front and rear is in great shape, with quality upholstery throughout that appears to be lacking in rips or signs of heavy use
- Wonderful twin spoke white rimmed VW steering wheel
- Period radio head unit still in place
- Clean, well fitting white headlining and door panels
- Interior switchgear and fixtures present in good order
- Body coloured central dash panel exhibits some general deterioration and patina throughout
- Wood finish gear knob
The Mechanics
- Legendary rear mounted air cooled flat four engine setup
- This particular car left the factory as the less commonly seen 1500 variant
- The engine and surrounding engine bay look to be in truly fine fettle and are presented very cleanly
- A H30/31 PICT carburetor was sourced and fitted and looks to be in great clean shape
- The previous keeper reports that new front brake pipes and fuel pipes have been fitted along with an electronic distributor
- This Karmann fires into life incredibly comfortably with a classic air cooled four cylinder engine note
- The manual transmission provides clean quality gear changes and respectable power delivery is given while on the road
Summary
That beautiful shape, that alluring green paintwork, and that legendary driveline. Might this just be the perfect usable classic?
In the Karmann Ghia, one is getting a truly wonderful piece of engineering, in a genuinely usable yet stylish package. This smartly presented, LHD example is ready for a new owner to thoroughly enjoy over the next few months, perfect for a slow cruise, a classic car show or just a run about town, the legendary piece of Volkswagen history will stand out wherever you go.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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