***Vendor supplied images***

Highlights

Very usable Karmann
Only 36,607 miles
Unrestored vehicle in factory correct white alpine paintwork
Car imported in 1998 and acquired in 1999
VW heritage certificate confirms VIN and engine match
Recent pre MOT test stating no faults
Garaged for 25 years and virtually unused - only 2,800 miles added in that time
Recommissioned in 2023 by a VW air cooled specialist

The Appeal

Looking at this white ‘78 Karmann you can just imagine it rolling down Sunset Boulevard in LA, the palm trees gently swishing above its curvy iconic lines. A useful VW factory heritage certificate confirms that it spent its life there until 1998 when it arrived in the U.K.

The vendor took possession of the car in 1999, drove it occasionally until 2005 when it was taken off the road and put into storage where it remained until last year when it was recommissioned by a VW specialist.

The result of that investment is a good usable Karmann. These are reliable, easily maintained four seat convertibles and with its 1.6L fuel injected USA specification, this one is efficient too and will keep up with modern traffic.

The car was subject to a pre-MOT test in April last year that can be checked in the photos. This states ‘no faults found’ and should therefore give added reassurance to buyers.

History and Paperwork

First registered in Los Angeles in 1978
VW heritage certificate shows build and delivery dates in photos
First UK registered in May 1998
Vendor acquired car in February 1999
Used for 5 years covering 2,865 miles
Then put into dry, covered and garaged storage until 2023
Recommissioned by air cool specialist in 2023
Invoices for the recommissioning are shown in photos
MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt by age
Pre-MOT test dated April 2025 as shown in photos stating ‘no faults found’

The Condition

An unrestored vehicle with factory correct white alpine paintwork that is presentable but showing some age
Superficial paint deterioration to base of passenger door and top of rear near side wing as shown
Bodywork appears to be solid and straight with deterioration largely limited to paintwork
Rust spots on bodywork recently treated to Ankor wax polish
Underside looks solid with no advisories on recent pre-MOT test
Underside shows signs of previous repair and flake of undersealing
Exterior chrome work in fair condition with some tarnish to note to bumpers
Rear chrome arch guard show some damage in photos
Fitted with white alloy wheels with polished rims in fair condition, with some age
Black folding roof with clear glass rear screen and light fade to note to the material
Black vinyl interior with headrest to front seats as shown in photos
Vendor advisors that the interior and exterior is largely original and unrestored
Over mats shown some signs of wear
We are advised of a crack in the dashboard as shown in video

The Mechanics

1,600 fuel injected USA specification 4 cylinder air cooled engine
4 speed manual gearbox
Recent recommissioning and overhaul by VW air cooled specialist
Invoices for this work provided in history file
Fuel injection system reported to work correctly
No reported faults on recent pre-MOT test
No running or driving faults advised by seller

BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
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