Highlights
- Matching numbers
- Very usable
- Opportunities to improve
The Appeal
A vibrant V-Dub scene awaits any owner of the aesthetic beauty that is the Kharmann Ghia and, let’s face it, it represents one of the coolest cars in which to be seen at any classic meeting. Despite the dashing coupe styling, it won’t win any races, but it should certainly win some hearts.
This car offers a high degree of originality and is very usable but could use a little TLC to bring it back to its best. The current owner intended to use it as a rolling project and started acquiring the parts to improve it, then life got in the way. It’s now offered up for auction with all the parts included and the next owner will have the chance to make it their own.
This car offers a high degree of originality and is very usable but could use a little TLC to bring it back to its best. The current owner intended to use it as a rolling project and started acquiring the parts to improve it, then life got in the way. It’s now offered up for auction with all the parts included and the next owner will have the chance to make it their own.
The History and Paperwork
- Manufactured 1972
- First registered in the UK 1 July 1996
- Purchased by a Belgian collector at auction in 2015
- Current owner brought the car back to the UK in July 2020 as an rolling project
- Parts accumulated during the last two years, at a cost of over £900, include
- Early second hand bumpers
- Bullet indicators, also used
- Correct new rear ‘Karmann Ghia’ decal
- New chrome window trims
- New bonnet and boot rubbers
- New door hinge fittings
- Paperwork presented in a wooden box from the previous Belgian owner includes
- Invoices to the tune of £1,800 from marque specialist Beetlelink from 2011-12
- Old MOT certificates
- Auction paperwork
- Haynes manual
- Sony audio instruction book
- List of recently purchased parts
- Seller offering the car for sale with all the accumulated parts due to a lack of time
- MOT exempt
- V5 present
The Interior
- Black vinyl upholstery
- Original and complete
- In need of attention but usable
This very original and complete interior would clearly benefit from some attention, but is perfectly usable as is. The black leather-grain vinyl upholstery displays a few rips and tears and the front seat base squabs are a little saggy but the rear seat looks fine. The door trim pocket elastic has expired but replacement items are readily available.
The matching dashboard has the common split on the top but otherwise is intact with all the standard gauges and switches. The original KPH speedo was replaced by a rare MPH one at some stage and an additional electrical cut-off switch and starter button have been installed under the dash along with a Sony CD/radio with USB connectivity. The owner assures us that all the essential electrical equipment functions.
The headlining and carpets are generally acceptable and may be improved with a simple tidy and clean. There is some surface rust visible on the front passenger footwell area and in the front boot. The latter contains a spare wheel and, although the dash wiring is a little untidy as is often the case, it’s generally in good order.
Overall, then, there are some jobs to attend to but nothing that would stop you enjoying the car in the meantime.
The Exterior
- Patinated white paintwork
- Straight bodywork
- Presents reasonably well
The extremely stylish body work on this Karmann Ghia is generally very straight and ding-free. The white paintwork really suits the car and has a very pleasing mellow patina - more akin to Old English white. The hand built body left the factory with lead filled seams and these appear fine.
There are some signs of bubbling to the front panel below the grille, beneath the windscreen and to the bottom of the doors. Some surface rust is also visible around the bonnet and boot openings too, but nothing that yet looks to be a cause for concern. Similarly, the underside shows some surface corrosion but looks solid enough.
The eagle eyed enthusiasts amongst you will no doubt have clocked the incorrect front bumper and indicators on this model year. As mentioned, the owner has some correct second-hand replacement items. The rear lights, chrome and glass present well and the wheel trims and wheels, although not perfect, are acceptable. The rear bumper chrome is beginning to peel.
Again, then, some opportunities for improvement but it’s still a design to be savoured and a car to enjoy.
The Mechanics
- 1570cc engine
- Manual gearbox
- Goes well
The Karmann Ghia air-cooled engines started life as 1192cc 30bhp units and gradually increased to 1584cc. This standard looking 1570cc was introduced from 1970 and produces around 50bhp, has a Solex carburettor and points ignition. Any servicing requirements should have been attended to in recent years but the last written evidence currently available is from Beetlelink during 2011/12. A new alternator was fitted in 2010.
This VW starts on the button (literally) and ticks over nicely. We didn’t detect any exhaust smoke or play in the bottom pulley. The owner confirms that this VW accelerates smoothly and is comfortable at 55-60mph. The steering, suspension and brakes are also said to operate effectively. In all, while it will clearly require a level of maintenance, it’s good to go.
The Summary
A very usable example of the stylish and desirable VW coupe that would make a perfect rolling project for an enthusiast.
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