Description
Registration - 618 XUS
Chassis No - JT153JSEthe details below
M. O. T - March 2024 (although MOT exempt!)
Odometer - 93000KM
This delightful early lefthand drive Ghia came off the production line on December 4 1958 and was first registered in Lebanon 11 days later. By 2009 it had found its way to Finland, which is where it was purchased by the vendor and then imported to the UK a year later.
Following a period of dry storage between 2019 and early this year, it was recommissioned by Karmann Ghia specialists Californian Classics of St. Leonards, East Sussex. The work included: the installation of a new starter motor and push button switch, Codan R9 ethanol-proof fuel lines, battery, plugs, coil, HT leads and wheel cylinders etc; a full engine and brake service; carburettor rebuild; plus the cleaning and relining of the fuel tank.
The front of the car was updated back in the day, however early replacement items are still available. The rest of the car retains all of its original Lowlight period features such as the stunning painted dash, the original beautiful steering wheel and gearstick/ handbrake combo.
The interior has been retrimmed with the correct material by respected trimmers C A Upton of St Leonards along with repadding of the super comfy seats. The original steering wheel and handbrake lever were restored.
Particularly aimed at the American market, the immortally striking Karmann Ghia 2+2 was Volkswagen’s answer to creating a halo model for its unashamedly austere Beetle range. Available in both coupe and convertible guise, it was styled by Luigi Segre of Carrozzeria Ghia and hand-built around Beetle mechanicals by the famed German coachbuilder Karmann of Osnabrück – hence the name. German production ran from 1955 to 1974, during which 445, 238 examples were built, of which 364, 401 were coupes like this one, and 80, 837 were cabriolets. A further 41, 689 were constructed in Brazil between 1962 and 1975.
In summary:
* A well-presented early lefthand drive example
* The subject of much sympathetic restoration
* Has benefited from the low humidity climates of Lebanon and Finland
This must be the cheapest, up-and-running 'needs no work' 50s-era Karmann Ghia on the market right now.
