Highlights

• Incredible documented 9,876 miles from new 
• Full and remarkably detailed history from first registration 
• Highly original and unrestored car in time-warp condition 
• Only five registered keepers
• Previously owned by the frontman of a famous band
• From the final year of production

The Appeal 

This incredible Karmann Ghia is surely one of, if not the lowest, mileage example of Volkswagen’s pretty coupe available in Europe. Maybe even the world. Bold claims, but this car has covered less than 10,000 miles from new. Thanks to a huge history file amassed by its five keepers, we know that figure is correct. It is also one of the last cars built and registered from the final year of production.

Once you’ve recovered from that barrage of information, you’ll discover a timewarp Karmann Ghia in remarkably original condition. Across the stand-out yellow paintwork and period-appropriate brown vinyl cabin, there are few indications of the passage of 49 years since it left the dealership in Wisconsin, USA. That history can be fully absorbed by the new keeper because all the original factory paperwork, right down to the dealer key tags, is retained in the history file.

The car arrived in the UK in 2004 and has passed through the hands of just two registered keepers - The first UK keeper is the frontman for one of the biggest bands to come out of Britain, and the current one, who is involved in Formula One, has owned it since 2006. If it's provenance you're after, well this car certainly has it. 

This is a rare, perhaps unique, opportunity to acquire a museum-quality Karmann Ghia, and we're certain that there will be very few examples with genuine mileage this low. This is not an opportunity to be missed.

The History and Paperwork

• First registered 31st December 1974 according to the seller 
• ‘144’ chassis prefix confirms this as a 1974-built car
• Karmann Ghia production ended in July 1974
• Only 5,608 coupes like this car were built in 1974 
• Supplied to first keeper by Volkswagen dealer in Wisconsin, USA
• Passed to second USA keeper in early 1976 according to seller
• Third USA keeper acquired car in 2001 with 7,951 miles on odometer according to seller 
• First UK registered 1st June 2004
• Two registered keepers since arriving in the UK 
• Current keeper since December 2006
• Vendor is involved with Formula One 
• Fascinating and highly detailed history file as shown in photos 
• This includes all original supplying dealer paperwork as shown 
• 2 sets of keys as shown with original supplying dealer tags 
• Old tax discs from UK 
• Receipt for Zeibart rustproofing in April 1976 
• Original factory book pack including customer ID card, warranty voucher, guarantees and service book 
• Well annotated history file stored in thick folder as shown 
• Car retains original dealer stickers, chassis numbers and other records as shown in photos 
• Last MOT expired 21st December 2023 with 9,851 miles showing and no advisories
• Displaying 9,876 miles in photos which may increase slightly prior to sale 

The Condition

• Stand-out original yellow paintwork in unrestored and very good condition
• Due to the originality there are some light marks to paintwork as shown in photos 
• Due to the car’s provenance these arguably add to rather than detract from the car’s value 
• Bodywork presents very well with flush panelwork and very good panel fit
• Arches, sills and panels present well with no unsightly corrosion or deterioration 
• Vendor advises that the doors continue to ‘thunk’ shut as a good VW should 
• We are told that the car is ‘all original with no upgrades or modifications’
• Retains its factory stickers as shown in photos and they are in good condition 
• Sits on correct steel wheels with chrome trims with rim edges showing light corrosion 
• Underside in good order with light aging to note but no structural advisories on 2022 MOT
• Chromework in good order being original and some light aging to be anticipated
• Michelin tyres fitted showing some cracking to sidewalls and may benefit from replacement
• Retains its factory-fitted screen wash system cleverly powered by pressure from spare tyre
• Brown vinyl interior complements the yellow paintwork and is original and well kept 
• Few signs of age to cabin except those to be typically expected of such age 
• These include light fade to brown carpets and other signs of light patina 
• We are advised the driver’s door card has a small split and same on vinyl dash top 
• Vendor advises that these are not immediately visible and are not unsightly 
• Later car with revised dashboard with ‘impact resistant’ finish 
• Retains many original features include factory fitted radio 
• Headlining presents well with light marks and some deterioration to edge above driver

The Mechanics 

• 1,584cc air cooled 4cyl Volkswagen engine 
• 4spd manual gearbox 
• We understand this car is a matching-numbers example 
• Vendor reports that everything works correctly
• Vast history file to verify low displayed mileage 
• No reported running or driving issues
• No mechanical or running gear advisories on last MOT 

BEFORE YOU BUY