Excellent bare metal restoration, show condition quality
Gorgeous specification
Only 1,500 miles covered since restoration
Excellent mechanical condition
The Appeal
Known as Volkswagen's first “truly beautiful car”, and arguably retaining the title of their most beautiful. Built on a beetle chassis, the striking coupe was a departure from the stolid, practical appearance of typical existing VW products. The vehicle prototype was received enthusiastically by the Volkswagen leadership in the mid 50’s, and the production of both the coupe and convertible began for the 1955 model year.
This 1966 model we have presented here retains most of the original 1955 styling, and has been treated to a rather comprehensive and handsome restoration both inside and out. Fully stripped down and sent off to Creative Coachworks, a VW specialist based in Wem, the restoration was carried out some in 2016 and remains in jaw-dropping condition to this day. The keeper states that the entire restoration process cost between 60-70 thousand pounds, no expense was spared and no bolt was left untouched.M4RP7oFrTz2iBda8QLWVtuh2Ak53KUX0dQ0Cz7CE.jpg634.47 KB
The History and Paperwork
Originally registered in the UK on the 3rd of September 1993
Declared manufactured in 1966
Believed to originally be a California car, however never verified
Restored with the current custodian in 2016, by Creative Coachworks
Plethora of invoices and paperwork available from throughout the restoration process with a total of somewhere between 60-70 thousand pounds
Partial restoration images present with the car to show the progress
Extensive engine restoration carried out
Welcome suspension upgrades
V5C is present with the vehicle and ready for transfer of ownership
The V5 does indicate the vehicle colour as yellow, which would need to be changed through the DVLA due to the colour change
Vehicle is MOT exempt, however the owner put the car through a few MOT’s after the restoration to ensure it remained in good mechanical condition
Most recent MOT was done on the 5th of May 2022 and passed with no advisories, as did every MOT since 2016
Beautifully restored interior, featuring tan leather upholstery
Three-spoke steering wheel with a wooden rim
Colour-matched dashboard with a RetroSound radio and Vibe speakers
Outstandingly finished
Simplicity is sometimes what makes something beautiful, and certainly, that seems to be the case here with no unnecessary distractions present. Restored along with the rest of the vehicle, the seats, door cards and gear gaiter are finished in a beautiful stitched tan leather, with German Square Weave floor carpets in ‘biscuit’ and an impressive level of quality throughout - better than you would receive back in the 60’s.
Up front, you’ll find the two front seats in outstanding condition with virtually no signs of any wear, all of the stitching remains intact, and even the seatbelts appear in excellent condition with no signs of ageing. Right in front of the driver seat, the lovely three-spoke steering wheel is handsomely kept with the Flat4 emblem sitting proudly in the centre. The gauge cluster just behind shows some very gentle hints of patina, a rather charming touch in an otherwise flawless car, however remains clear and easy to read with no fading, and the surrounding dashboard is in beautiful condition with a high quality paint finish. Brightwork here around the dials show only the slightest hints of age.
Moving across the beautifully simplistic dashboard, we find what appears to be a RetroSound radio in functional condition, offering some modern features including bluetooth wireless connectivity with the advantage of keeping the period-correct look of the vehicle's interior. At the time of install, a brand new wiring loom was made and the installation of Vibe speakers into pods in the rear boot compartment was completed.
The rear seats are pretty much untouched, with no signs of any use since the restoration, all of the stitching and leatherwork remain beautiful, and the belts unscathed. Interior door panels in both the front and rear are exquisite, bound with the same tan leatherwork as the seats, with the interior door handles showing just the smallest hints of originality. The windows are reported to function flawlessly, too!
The original vinyl headlining was torn and cracked, so it was removed and refitted with a fresh one made in a similar perforated vinyl which remains intact with no sagging throughout and no discolouration, and the sun visors are very much the same. Floor carpets are unmarked and undamaged throughout, as to be expected with the wonderful condition of the rest of the interior! This Karmann Ghia is undoubtedly a show stopper, the level of quality and craftsmanship is truly admirable. Fr2lB9oDzeVndtSwY59j65ltA5qGIQQTR54y4KnD.jpg719.73 KB
The Exterior
Complete bare metal respray in Porsche Splittgrau metallic
High attention to detail body restoration
Flat 4 BRM wheels shod in Continental tyres
Excellent brightwork throughout
The Karmann Ghia is among one of the easiest cars to sit and stare at - especially when they’re presented in such outstanding condition with such a high quality restoration. The entire vehicle was stripped down to a bare shell, and piece by piece sent off to Creative Coachworks, a VW restoration specialist. Upon receiving the Ghia in their workshop, it appeared in reasonable condition with some small areas of rust and perforation visible, with correct bodywork and distinctive lines. After removing the old paintwork from the vehicle, some bad news came to light, revealing previous repairs and extensive perforation in the sills and heater channels. The lower 6 inches of the bodywork were removed and replacement heater channels were sourced, as well as rear wing forward panels from Custom and Commercial.
After the extensive bodywork carried out and the in-house fabricated parts were all complete, the body was put in epoxy primer and smoothed with high build polyester and 2k stoppers. Wet sanding commenced and the gorgeous Porsche Splittgrau metallic paintwork was sprayed to perfection.
Standing at the front of the lovely Ghia, we’re welcomed with absolutely stunning brightwork, and seemingly flawless paintwork showing no visible signs of any damage or wear. Both front headlights remain functional as you would expect, and the indicators much the same. Bodywork appears smooth and without flaws, and has excellent panel gaps around the bonnet.
To the side, we get our first glimpse of the handsome Flat4 BRM wheels, which are all shod in Continental tyres. The wheels show no signs of any damage with good, deep black paintwork and good finishing of the lips and diamond cut faces. There are some very small areas of the diamond cut which show the lacquer degrading, an extremely common issue with cut wheels. All of the bodywork along both sides remains excellent, no dents or dings to be seen, no visible scratches, and some very admirable brightwork. The bodylines of the Karmann Ghia are unlike anything else, the profile exudes sheer class and style, it’s difficult to look away from.
Around to the rear of the vehicle, all remains the same with outstanding paint and bodywork condition, no visible damage and dazzling brightwork to finish it off. This Ghia is among one of the best you’ll be able to get your hands on, an unfathomable amount of skill and dedication has been poured into this charming VW, and it was all absolutely worthwhile.NC7CaFB99uuR1LBcVxNbGOqeS135i9Q4IHl4Um37.jpg921.57 KB
The Mechanics
Fully rebuilt 1,776cc Type 1 VW engine
69mm forged counterweighted crankshaft
Rancho gearbox imported from the USA
Welcome suspension upgrades
Much like the rest of the vehicle, the engine has had a stack of cash thrown at it to make it as good as can be. With an extensive mechanical specification, and rather desirable parts fitted, this Karmann Ghia drives just as good as it looks.
During the restoration process, the 1,776cc engine was rebuilt and upgraded in-house at Creative Coachworks, using a plethora of welcome upgrades such as; a 69mm forged counterweighted crankshaft, Scat C25 high lift camshaft and matching followers, CB Performance Unitech connecting rods, Mahle forged barrels and pistons, steel backed main bearings, twin Weber 40 IDF carbs, stainless steel valves with heavy duty springs with cro-moly retainers, CSP catch can, CB Performance rotary electric fuel pump, a new oil cooler, full flow oil system including external cartridge filter and oil cooler, and a Vintage speed sport exhaust with new heat exchangers to finish it all off.
Though it wasn’t just the engine that received a vast amount of investment. The gearbox paired to the engine was a Rancho box, imported from the USA costing an eye-watering amount, and fitted with a lightened forged flywheel and a Kennedy stage one clutch. The suspension has also been excellently attended to. The standard VW front beam has been narrowed by 2 inches and fitted with Sway-a-way height adjusters, CB Performance dropped spindles, brand new long travel ball joints, new tie rods and steering box, KYB gas shock absorbers all round, a gearbox mid mount brace kit and the rear suspension dropped by one spline.
So of course, not only is this vehicle's engine in excellent mechanical health, the suspension and running gear is fantastic too. The owner tells us that the car truly is a dream to drive, with great linear power and steering input. Braking force remains strong thanks to a CB Performance front disc brake kit, and a CB Performance rear disc brake kit - a welcome addition over the factory units. z3146qm2nRzcapM2vjylBfw1zpRCA580ODRmZl3A.jpg1.01 MB
Summary
Gorgeously finished, show-winning condition and quality. This Ghia is an outstanding example of what can be achieved with dedication and a vision, with the value of these beautiful cars only going up, this would make a great investment piece as well as a collection piece that you could take out to show off in the sunny weather. This is a no-brainer for any car enthusiast.
Notice to bidders
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