Description
For sale is my lovely 1966 ghia, finished in stunning Ruby Red, (Code L456), from factory Manila Yellow. A multiple Concours d’Elegance winner having undergone a full body-off restoration in the late 1990’s in the hands of air-cooled restoration experts, Bughaus of Nottingham. Two boxes full of winning trophies hint towards just how special this car is and, over 25 years on, it is easy to see just how well the stunning paintwork, panel fit and overall finish have stood the test of time. All chrome work was subject to expensive professional refurbishment by Marque Restore at the time. All glass is factory fitment with number plate etching to each pane still present. Meticulous attention to detail was applied to every curve, line and feature, a restoration costing far more than the cars value can only be undertaken for the true love of the car.
EQUIPMENT
Chrome bumpers, bumper rails, chrome driver’s door mirror, chrome waist strip, horn pad with Wolfsburg crest, interior light, padded dash, headlight flasher, fresh air ventilators, heater, electric clock, ashtray, door pockets, twin sun visors, acoustical soundproofing. Optional extras; Seat belts, chrome cheese grater tailpipe trim.
INTERIOR
The Black permeable leatherette upholstery has been recreated with no expense spared by leading interior expert Bernard Newbury, a name synonymous with quality and perfection within the world of VW upholstery. The dash trim, which is unique to 1966 model year cars only, remains fitted to this example (minor recent damage to the glove box trim) and as with the rest of the interior is in pristine order. The styling attributes of this car seem endless and thankfully remain just as VW intended, even down to the fully operational VDO gauges and working clock to the ornate steering wheel with horn ring and Wolfsburg Crest which is slightly crazed with age. Immaculate grey cord carpets are perfectly fitted, and the perforated headlining is pristine. A proven award-winning interior.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
An air-cooled 1600cc twin-port engine upgrade has been carried out to an exceptional standard both mechanically and aesthetically. No expense was spared and there has been absolutely no compromise on the quality of parts fitted, as can been seen with the eye-wateringly huge collection of invoices in the history file. The 4-speed gearbox performs exactly as intended and familiarisation is easy.
WHEELS, TYRES, BRAKES & SUSPENSION
Black painted steel wheels retain the standard look with stainless-steel wheel covers and chrome hubcaps. Tyres are matching quality brand Vredstein Sprint Classic 155 SR15 including the spare which is stored in the luggage area alongside the original jack, wheel brace and tool roll. Dual circuit braking system with drums all round offer steady straight-line braking. HISTORY FILE
This desirable 1966 model year Volkswagen Karmann Ghia was manufactured on 17th January 1966 as a RHD car and delivered to the supplying dealer in Ramsgate, England on the 20th January 1966, as confirmed by the official Birth Certificate issued by Volkswagen Classic Parts in Wolfsburg, Deutschland. First registration was on 21st March 1966. Referred as a Type 1 Karmann Ghia and internally is the Type 14, this example has undergone and full body-off restoration in the late 1990’s. A huge full documentation file for the restoration has been kept as well as literally hundreds of photographs in an album to leave you in no doubt just how meticulous the work undertaken has been. Evidence of work and parts supply from the leading names within the classic VW scene are contained within the colossal history folders and photo albums, perusal of such would take hours, as would the polishing of two large boxes of winning trophies! In 2005 well known club member, Mr Barry Sidwell, purchased the car, and to follow was entries to countless trophy earning competitions, and a file in the folder contains judging score sheets for various Concours d’Elegance, including well know Stanford Hall, Stoner Park, BVF, ABOC and many more. The vehicle has been featured in many copies of quarterly magazine, The Historic VW
