Highlights
- Lesser-spotted Karmann Ghia cabriolet
- 1500cc i4 with manual transmission
- MOT valid until April 2025
- Evocative period colour scheme of Lotus White
The Appeal
While Volkswagen had no doubt changed the world of motoring by the mid-50s, it couldn’t be denied that their cars were decidedly austere compared to much of the European market. Fearful of becoming known as a company of ‘cheap cars’, the top bods at Wolfsburg were all too pleased when Karmann and Carrozzeria Ghia presented this delightful, distinctly sporty car to head office.
Smoothed with English pewter, hand-assembled, and still carrying those oh-so-simple Volkswagen mechanics, the Ghia was inspired by the work of interestingly bold American auto manufacturers - but carried a unique European elegance that was bound for success. Over 19 years, it sold nearly half a million units, and successfully took the idea of a ‘VW’ upmarket.
This 1966 example comes to us in fine fettle, with plenty of time on its MOT and a Volkswagen ‘Birth Certificate’ accompanying its paperwork file. Mechanically sound, and looking nice and solid, we’re sure this car will garner plenty of interest.
The History and Paperwork
- Built in 1966
- Originally shipped to Hannover as a left hand drive car
- Previously based overseas
- Arrived in the UK in 1980
- Converted during this period to right hand drive
- Since then, the car has had 12 registered keepers
- Car was SORN and kept undercover from 2010 to 2015
- In current ownership since June 2023
- Currently indicates 66,971 miles on a five-figure odometer
Paperwork file includes:
- V5c document
- MOT certificate
- A collection of older MOT certificates
- Volkswagen Auto Museum ‘birth certificate’
- A selection of invoices
- Handwritten mileage record from 1998 to 2016
- A selection of tax discs
The Condition
- Evocative Lotus White paintwork
- Some light signs of wear, particularly to the passenger-side door top
- Driver-side door recently repainted
- Attractive lines appear to be free of dents or dings
- Some light bubbling to the boot door
- Brightwork carries light patina
- All badging appears present and correct
- Soft top looks in fine order with no rips or tears
- Colour-matched disc wheels look in good order
- Some rough edging under the sills
- Underside appears solid with only soft surface corrosion
- Internally, the car is in fine fettle
- Upholstery is free of rips or tears and has clearly been looked after
- Dashboard in good order with evocative under-dash shelf in good order
- All instruments are clear and legible
- A Gene Berg shifter joins the original steering wheel
- Carpets look in good order
The Mechanics
- 1500cc flat-four
- Four-speed manual gearbox
- Engine bay looks in fine order with minimal wear
- The engine looks to be in fine fettle with nothing of concern we can spot
- This is supported by the car’s advisory-free MOT
- Suspension and clutch adjusted in August 2023
- We understand the car to be in fine working order
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.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
