The Karmann Ghia was originally developed to help Volkswagen grow in American markets and it had a fascinating gestation.
Three companies worked together to make it happen. Volkswagen, the Italian styling house Carrozerria Ghia and Karmann, an independent car builder which already had a contract to produce convertible variants of the VW Beetle, joined forces on a three-way collaboration to create a new and strikingly beautiful car, which would go on to be a huge hit, especially in California.
Between them, they came up with sleek, teardrop styling and delicate interior details. It mattered not that underneath that curvy exterior was the chassis and running gear of a Volkswagen Beetle because as a boulevard cruiser, the Karmann Ghia looked like nothing else on the road. It still looks absolutely stunning today.
This example is as good as they get. A multiple award-winning show car, it was restored over a three-year period in California and most recently picked up trophies for best car in show and best interior at the 2021 VW White Noise Festival amongst 600 other Volkswagen show cars. That’s how good this one is.
Door trim and carpets in Paprika and Espresso Tweed
Refurbished original-spec steering wheel
Concealed high-spec Alpine audio system
With its dark red Corbeau sports seats, Paprika and Espresso Tweed trim and basket weave parcel shelf, the Ghia is a gorgeous thing to admire, with the exterior every inch as good as the outside and a real showpiece in its own right.
The carpets and headlining are new. The seats retrimmed in rich dark red leather, the door trims faultless. It’s beautifully done, with a smart rear louvred blind, an Empi gear shifter and the welcome addition of a concealed Alpine audio system with Boston Acoustic speakers hidden behind the seats, controlled via a remote controller. The dash itself features the original Sapphire push-button radio, to retain the original look.
The Karmann Ghia is a pretty car at the best of times but this one, restored in its original Oriole Yellow, is something else altogether. It’s in incredible condition, as flawless as they come, with a superb paint finish, immaculate replated chrome and trim and a spotless underside.
A set of 15-inch Fuchs Flat-Four alloys with brand new Continental tyres completes the look. The photos speak for themselves as a means of judging this car – it’s simply stunning.
Uprated gearbox, clutch and suspension aimed at modern use
Disc brake conversion
Runs and drives perfectly
The mechanical specification of the Ghia is something else… it has a 2,110cc fully rebuilt air-cooled stroker engine with auxiliary oil cooler and twin down draft Weber carbs, with a disc brake conversion on front, uprated gearbox, clutch and suspension aimed at making it far more usable in modern road conditions.
The engine specification includes an 82mm crank, 5.4-inch Mahle pistons, 90.5mm rings, a Mahle cam, Berg chromoly pushrods and an 8.0:1 Ignition with Mallory distributor, Hyfire V1 Spark plugs and twin Weber 44-IDF carbs. It uses a Weber matched and ported exhaust system with a 5/8-inch sidewinder Dynomax exhaust system.
It uses a Kennedy Stage One clutch, while the suspension is lowered by 2.5-inches with KYB shocks. In short, every element of the car has been gone through and improved, and it’s in fabulous order.
Needless to say, the under-bonnet presentation is just as good as on top. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful thing.
There are show cars and then there are cars like this one, which take the show car theme to the next level – a level where perfectionism and attention to detail are the absolute key.
This car is an absolute stunner. A restoration carried out to the highest of standards – no nut, bolt or screw ignored, and presented in the most incredible condition. It’s a car that deserves the pile of trophies that come with it – a reluctant sale as a result of a growing family, it now deserves a new home with an owner who will continue to give it the show exposure it deserves.
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.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
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1969 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia 2110cc
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