Highlights
- Right-hand drive South African car from new
- Comprehensively restored prior to import
- Running and driving really well, having recently taken part in the Isle of Man Festival of Motoring
The Appeal
Based upon the floor pan and running gear of the humble Volkswagen Beetle, the Karmann Ghia proved that, while the automotive industry was changing, coachbuilding was far from a lost art. With its flowing lines penned by Carrozzeria Ghia, the Karmann Ghia remains a serious contender for the most beautiful car ever made.
Examples such as this delightful 1961 car are now especially prized by collectors and original right-hand drive Karmann Ghias are even more of a rarity. Supplied new to South Africa, this Volkswagen was restored in recent years before being imported into the UK. The present owner acquired the car in 2021 and has since enjoyed it sparingly.
The History and Paperwork
- Supplied to South Africa in L289 Blue White / L398 Pacific
- Volkswagen Heritage Certification present
- Right-hand drive since new
- Originally 1200cc - now 1500cc
- Restored in South Africa before making its way to the UK
- Owned by the vendor for approximately a year
- Registered by UK Sports Cars as is confirmed by correspondence between the DVLA and themselves
- V5C present
- Photographs show the restoration process
- MOT expired in May 2022 although one is not required due to age
The Interior
- Totally restored
- Very good condition
- Period-correct appointments
Climbing inside, it becomes immediately apparent that no screw head remained unturned during the restoration of this Karmann Ghia. The restorers clearly aimed to ensure everything had a period look and feel and just about every item has been restored to some extent, so there is really no wear or damage to speak of.
The Volkswagen Heritage Certificate helpfully shows us that the interior was originally finished in Ice Blue Leatherette and, given the exterior colour change, we can see why it now sports a black interior. The seats and door cards all present exceedingly well and display very few signs of use, let alone excessive wear.
The painted steel dashboard looks to be in good order and we particularly like the period retro Sanyo Rally II stereo. All of the switchgear appears to be original and we couldn’t see evidence of later electrical editions. Situated directly in front of the driver, the gauges will be familiar to most air-cooled VW enthusiasts and we’re informed that they work as they should. Atop the dash, the black vinyl pad looks to be free from cracking and in great condition.
Clearly, the carpeting has been replaced throughout the car and the headlining appears in good shape. You’ll find versatile rubber matting inside the boot (which of course is located at the front of the car) and this is where the spare wheel is housed too.
The Exterior
- Cream paintwork presents really well
- VW steel wheels shod with whitewall tyres
- Very smart underneath
It isn’t often you see a Karmann Ghia on the road and when you do you can’t help but stop and stare at its curvaceous bodywork. This example is now painted cream and from the photographs of the restoration process it is clear that this was completed to an exacting standard.
Walking around the car, there are very few blemishes and all we could really see was some minor crazing on the lower portion of the rear valance - but we are being picky! The chrome bumpers look to be very straight and while there is a little pitting around the seams, they are eminently presentable. You’re bound to find the odd stone chip here and there as this car does get exercised, but overall the paint finish and bodywork is in great shape, especially when you consider how old it is.
A glance underneath reveals the car to be exceptionally clean and we couldn’t see any evidence of corrosion. It sits upon Volkswagen steel wheels which are resplendent with hubcaps and shod in attractive whitewall tyres.
The Mechanics
- 1500cc air-cooled flat-4
- 4-speed manual gearbox
- Apparently last serviced around 6 weeks ago
The vendor remarks that they use this and indeed their other classic cars quite sparingly but it has been exercised fairly regularly between spells in dry storage. Recently, this Volkswagen took part in the Isle of Man Festival of Motoring where it reportedly never missed a beat. We understand that it was last serviced around 6 weeks ago with no issues to report.
With a drivetrain borrowed from the enduringly popular Volkswagen Beetle, the Karmann Ghia is a more simple machine than its exotic styling suggest, so thankfully maintenance is not a terribly complex affair. Originally supplied with a 1200cc engine, we now understand that a 1500cc single port unit is fitted. Under the rear deck lid, it looks to be in good order and close examination of the engine itself suggests that it has been well attended to with fairly new looking barrels and pushrod tubes.
Summary
This is a really smart restored example of Volkswagen’s beautiful Karmann Ghia. As an early car that has been right-hand drive all of its life, it is sure to attract a great deal of attention from Volkswagen enthusiasts and would be the jewel in the crown of any air-cooled collection.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
