Highlights
- Fully restored 2009-2011
- Orignal Californian car
- Incredible folder of history
- Dry stored
The Appeal
Italian designed, German engineered. The beautiful Karmann Ghia was Volkswagen's first sports car and
indeed their first Halo car. Produced from 1955-1974 the Ghia utilised the drivetrain and chassis from Volkswagens Bettle, packaged into a stylish, sleek body designed by Carozzeria Ghia and hand-crafted by coachbuilders Karmann.
Widely considered one of the most beautiful Volkswagens produced, the Ghia has become a hit with enthusiasts and collectors worldwide, all looking for that opportunity to own one of these distinctive and sought-after classics.
This 1970 Type 143 is in fantastic condition and comes with a meticulously documented history, including letters to Volkswagen about the order and collection, original purchase invoice plus loan application, importation documents and even its original shipping certificate. It spent its early life in the state of California, where it was used sparingly but maintained vigorously, with invoices and receipts for this period all filed. It was imported into the UK in 1998 and later underwent a vast restoration between 2009-2011.
In recent years the car has been kept stored, with less than 100 miles covered in the last 4 years. Its standout Amber paint makes the already eye-catching car unmissable, with a gorgeous interior to match. It's a fantastic example of a historic and iconic car, that would be a wonderful addition to any collection.
History & Paperwork
- An enormous folder of history accompanies the car
- Registered 1970, California USA
- Imported to the United Kingdom in 1998
- Extensively restored in 2009
- Original VW order dated April 1970
- Numerous original documents including loan application, shipping documents, import
- documents
- Letters to VW regarding order dated April 1970
- Maintenance invoices covering decades of its early life
- Meticulously maintained, with even envelopes of letters retained
- Californian registration docs covering decades of single ownership
- Numerous maintenance invoices dating 2005 - 2012
- New engine 2009
- Complete body restoration & paint 2009
- Current ownership since 2019
- Dry stored at a specialist unit
The Interior
- Chic & stylish
- Black leatherette seats with orange piping
- Fully restored in 2009
- Very good condition
Inside the Ghia, your greeted with outstanding, minimalist 60s beauty. The interior was retrimmed as part of its 2009 restoration and its in fantastic order still to this day. The black leatherette seats are in fantastic condition and look great with the added orange piping, which is believed to be an added feature during the restoration process. The interior adds a pleasant charm to the car, a little fun to its beauty and is a very nice place to be indeed.
The Exterior
- Stunning, stand-out car
- Complete respray to the original Amber colour
- Chromework in great condition
- Small blemish on its rear right side
Arguably one of the prettiest Volkswagens ever produced and one of the most attractive sports cars of the era, the Karmann Ghia is a stunning car to look at. It certainly stands out, not just because of the bright paintwork but because of its sleek, sweeping design and alluring shape. It's a gorgeous classic, restored to its original Amber colour, the mix of paint kindly written down too. There's a small blemish to the right under the side chrome trim but not noticeable to most eyes.
Having lived in the state of California for most of its life the car has only benefited from the dry environment, likely to have provided a great foundation for its restoration. It is also currently dry stored, which has further helped keep the car in that superb state.
Having lived in the state of California for most of its life the car has only benefited from the dry environment, likely to have provided a great foundation for its restoration. It is also currently dry stored, which has further helped keep the car in that superb state.
The Mechanics
- Air-cooled 1600cc Flat-4 Engine
- New engine fitted in 2009
- Less than 100 miles covered since 2019
- Starts faultlessly & runs smooth
Under the beautiful Ghia shell, you’ll find the renowned air-cooled flat-4 and drivetrain from the Volkswagen Beetle. A new 1600cc engine was fitted in 2009 as part of that restoration and is believed to have covered a few thousand miles since. During our visit, the car was started and manured multiple times with no issues or faults. The recognisable sound of the flat-4 is something that will never get old, rumbling and burbling away, it in itself provides a draw. Its simple mechanics too, easily & affordably maintained.
Summary
The Karmann Ghia is stylish, quirky and enjoyable, everything you want from a 60s Sports car. This attractive Amber variant has lived a very cared-for life, with its initial owner recording everything from the original order form to the envelope the shipping receipt was sent in. Years of living in a dry climate, pages of maintenance plus a stunning ground-up restoration have resulted in a tremendous car. It has been stored in a secure, dry location for the past four years, driven for less than 100 miles but the time has come for its next chapter in life.
Notice to bidders
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.
