1970 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

Karmann Ghia for Sale

1971 Model Year. (Built in December 70)

33k documented miles, matching numbers engine.
Just had 12 months MOT passed with no advisories.

This Ghia is in amazing condition. Not your usual rusty or restored example. Lemon Yellow is super bright in the sunshine and a more subdued tone in the shade. It seems a different shade every time I take her out. A iconic 70’s colour.

I’m the 4th owner. It was a California car, Imported to the UK in 1991 where it had a very light restoration (Just a repaint really). Body was kept on the pan. It was repainted in the original Lemon Yellow colour and had new window rubbers, headliner and carpet. It has never been welded and the underside is in amazing condition. Seats, seat belts and door panels are original and in excellent condition. The paint has held up remarkably well and you’d never believe 30 years have passed since it was repainted. The last 30 years she has only done 4k miles. It’s been garaged the whole time.

I have loads of history including correspondence from the 3rd owner with the original owner's nephew in california.

I had the engine rebuilt in 2023 by Reichspeed Aircooled.
It’s the original matching numbers case, but with sensible modifications to improve power whilst keeping drivability and longevity.
Current Motor spec:
Stock Crank, Rotating assembly balanced.
Scat C25 cam.
Case full flowed, with remote filter.
90. 5mm pistons. So capacity is now 1776cc.
Stock DP heads, rebuilt with new valves and guides and mild port and polish
Genuine dual Weber 40 IDF’s, CSP Linkage.
123 Bluetooth Ignition.
Vintage Speed stainless exhaust. Matched to the original heater boxes, so you still have heat.
Parts and labour to rebuild the motor came to over 6k, no expense spared.

It is a joy to drive with a decent power upgrade over stock (Approx 85hp) and sounds great. Included is the original stock correct carb, distributor and manifolds etc if you wanted it back to original spec.

Lots of little details such as original date stamped heat exchangers, Thermostat is present and working. This vehicle is remarkably original. No rust at all. Original US 3 point seat belts.

Other things I’ve done in my ownership:
Regular Oil changes.
I cleaned and painted the floor pans (Which are perfect and original).
New front shocks.
New Balljoints on front.
New Bosch battery.
Replaced all the fuel hose with correct ethanol resistant lines.
Stock front disc brakes, rear drums adjusted, new brake fluid.
123 electronic Ignition system fitted. New ignition leads.
Vintage speed stainless exhaust fitted
Cleaned and painted heat exchangers.
New gear shift rod bushing and coupling.
Fitted new windscreen as original was delaminating.
You could eat your dinner off the underside, it’s super clean.

Wheels are genuine Porsche 2 litre alloys from the early 70’s polished up and look great with new tyres. These wheels are ideal for a Ghia as they look great, have the correct offset and fit perfectly. I have the original stock rims too (Photo is in gallery).

Bumpers and all chrome is original and in very good condition. Body work is perfect including rockers, front nose and underneath. Rear pop out windows work. All the correct trim is in place.

Loads of paperwork including purchase from US dealer in 91, then loads of MOT history and paperwork since. VW Birth Certificate. Original owner manual in excellent condition. Original tool roll.

Comes with period looking FM radio fitted. And the original Sapphire AM Radio as a spare.

In summary an amazing Original Karmann Ghia in an awesome 70’s colour that runs great with a decent power upgrade.

I very much doubt there is a more solid, better original Ghia out there. Come take a look.
Aside from the motor upgrade and wheels it’s concours condition. If you wanted a perfect stock car I have all the right bits and you could get it back to stock (with the beefier motor) in a weekend. But as is is a great combo and it drives as well as it look now.

You can tell it was super solid when repainted as 30 years later there is no rust at all. Underside is mint. This is the real deal. Come take a look, you won’t be disappointed.

Must be seen to be appreciated. Got to sell either this or my Beetle due to house move.

Located Near Leeds. LS20.

Jake