1971 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Convertible

Highlights

  • Complete history from America, Spain, and the UK from 1997 to present
  • Renovated in Spain with a full respray, new convertible roof, and new carpets
  • Imported to the UK in 2015
  • Fully stripped and resprayed in current ownership
  • Many new parts including new alloy wheels, tyres, and windscreen

The Appeal

The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is a timeless classic, blending the reliable mechanics of the Beetle with elegant, sleek styling by the legendary house of Ghia - built by the equally legendary Karmman factory. It's perhaps amongst one of the most beautiful cars in the world, which is no mean feat for what is effectively a beautifully dressed 'bug'.

This 1971 Karmann Ghia has a rich history, having travelled from America to Spain and finally to the UK. It has been meticulously maintained and renovated over the years, including a full respray and new convertible roof during its Spanish tenure. The current owner has stripped and resprayed it since, followed by fitting numerous new alloy wheels, tyres, and a windscreen.

With a comprehensive history file and many new components, this Karmann Ghia is a compelling choice for any classic car aficionado.



History and Paperwork

  • Built in 1971 for the US market
  • LHD imported from America to Spain in 1997 (all documents with dates are present)
  • All MOT documents from Spain are included
  • Renovated in Spain with a full respray, new convertible roof, and new carpets
  • All invoices from Spain are included
  • Remained in Spain until UK import in 2015
  • First UK owner performed annual maintenance and checks
  • In current ownership since 30 October 2021
  • Photos of the car from the purchase date are available
  • Many photos from work done during current ownership are available
  • All parts from Californian Classics (all invoices present)



The Condition

  • Bodywork has some light areas of bubbling, though these are quite isolated
  • All 4 old original wheels plus the spare are included
  • Underside is solid with no reports of perforating corrosion
  • Seats are original
  • Passenger seat has a small split on stitches (not visible in photos)
  • Car has a non-original steering wheel, but the original is included
  • Spare wheel needs paint
  • Along with the respray, in recent years the car has had:
    • New floor mats and carpets
    • New alloy wheels and tyres
    • New windscreen
    • New rubber seals
    • New headlights complete
    • New sun visors
    • New door cards
    • New radio with DAB and phone connection but classic look
    • New mirrors and many more small bits



The Mechanics

  • 1,584 cc 4-cylinder powerplant
  • Manual transmission with 4 gears
  • Needs carburettor calibration by a professional
  • New brake lines installed
  • Chrome kit for engine
  • The vendor reports that the car drives decently
  • However, that carb retune would aid in sorting out its 'fussiness'
  • Other than this, the car appears to be an excellent example through and through



BEFORE YOU BUY 
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected] 

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Auction Details
  • Year 1971
  • Make Volkswagen
  • Model Karmann Ghia
  • Colour Silver
  • Mileage 89,166 Miles
  • Engine size 1584
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Liskeard
  • County Cornwall
  • Country United Kingdom
  • Auction ends
Bidding history
28 bids
  • david-k•••• £8,700 05/07/24
  • carter.•••• £8,500 05/07/24
  • david-k•••• £8,300 05/07/24
  • mohsen-•••• £8,200 05/07/24
  • mohsen-•••• £7,700 05/07/24
  • mohsen-•••• £7,600 05/07/24
  • carter.•••• £7,250 05/07/24
  • sgohil £7,000 05/07/24
  • carter.•••• £6,750 05/07/24
  • bruno-v•••• £6,500 05/07/24

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