Highlights
- Highly impressive restoration undertaken in 2017
- Beautiful deep green paintwork with contrasting interior
- The distinctive ‘Sporty Beetle’ with incredible parts availability
The Appeal
The 1950s were a time of increasingly stylish automobiles, so it’s perhaps little wonder that Volkswagen were eager to follow. In a high-profile collaboration, the combination of Karmann’s bodywork, Carozzeria Ghia’s design and Volkswagen’s simple, practical mechanics led to perhaps the company’s most beautiful motor. Distinctive, stylish bodywork and that simple-layout made for a stylish but utterly accessible car. They continued in much the same format for nearly twenty years, with the engines only growing more powerful and refined over time.
This final year example, ergo, is perhaps one of the best versions of those originally registered in the US, has been subject to an extensive restoration in 2017, and is in impeccable fettle - creating the perfect opportunity to take on a stylish piece of 50s auto history.
The History and Paperwork
- Sadly we don’t know very much about the history of this vehicle
- First registered in 1974
- Originally based in the United States
- Purchased by a couple in Rome who embarked on a full restoration
- Was then purchased by the current owner, who has kept it in dry storage
- Indicates 38,848 miles, however this is on a five-figure odometer and can’t be verified
- Includes an enormous stack of invoices for the restoration
The Interior
- Exceptional restored beige vinyl interior
- Deep gold carpets with a black contrasting dash
- Original period instruments in exceptional order
Stepping into this Ghia is like a timewarp. Straight away, it embraces you in a land of Abba and bell-bottom trousers. Everything here has been beautifully brought up to snuff with the car’s factory finish, reflecting wonderfully on the quality of care the car has received.
The beige vinyl seats are in superb order, with no rips or tears and barely a sign of patina in their firm bolsters, something which continues through to the nicely presented door cards, which carry only the slightest signs of wear to their lower extremities.
The carpets look to be in good order, with minimal signs of wear, while the inner lining of the soft top appears clean and well-kept.
The dashboard is a beautifully kept example, with no cracks or damage we can discern and all of the period features in perfect working order, according to the vendor. The period radio, chrome-trimmed dials and branded wheel all set a stylish, 70s milieu, with no chips, cracks or faults we can highlight.
The ‘frunk’ space - though small - is beautifully presented with no clear issues we can highlight, and looks to be very nicely kept.
The Exterior
- Impressive deep green colour scheme with chrome trims
- Sweeping Ghia-designed bodywork makes for a highly impressive looker
- Nicely presented contrasting soft-top
With its exceptional colour scheme, this cabriolet is a distinguished, beautifully appointed little roadster that seems to demand attention - surprising for its diminutive size. With brightly polished chrome trims and a contrasting soft-top, it’s hard to ignore.
This Ghia has been beautifully looked after, with only the very slightest signs of wear to the paintwork and chrome. We’ve rarely seen an example in this kind of fettle. We did spot the odd chip to the door lip, and a small scratch on the right-hand rear wing, but these blemishes are so small that they only appeared upon close inspection.
The lenses and glasswork all present perfectly, with no chips or cracks we can highlight, while the car’s distinctive branding is all present and correct, contrasting nicely against the car’s livery. The soft top appears to be free of rips and tears, with the rear window still being clean and easy to see through.
The car is sitting on its original wheels, which are polished up nicely with only the slightest signs of patina. The tyres are also nice and clean, with plenty of tread still on display.
Underneath, the car has been painted and treated to a very high standard, resulting in only slight signs of wear and no issues with corrosion we can discern. This includes the wheel arches and the sills, which look nice and solid.
The Mechanics
- Powered by Volkswagen’s trusty 1.6L Flat-4 engine
- Manual transmission
Clean and well presented, the engine of this Ghia looks superb. Despite its increasing years, everything is nice and clean with no signs of corrosion we can highlight and only a soft patina.
We’re informed of no mechanical faults with this superb little car, with it reportedly starting, accelerating, shifting and braking with zero complaints. This appears to be very much in line with the excellent standard of care the car has experienced.
Summary
Beautifully kept, with a highly desirable colour scheme, we can think of no real reason to resist this superb opportunity. The 70s may have been the era that fashion forgot, but it did result in the finest examples of this smashing little cabriolet.
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.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Shipping and transfer
Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased. Car & Classic may refer a shipping company that also deals with import/export paperwork. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders. For more details, email [email protected].
