Description
1964 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
Original UK RHD
Original colour Ruby Red
This particular Volkswagen Karmann Ghia rolled off Volkswagen’s production line in 1964 to be shipped across the channel and sold as an original UK RHD car in the glorious shade of Ruby Red.
I acquired the Ghia in 2011 and used it as a (sunny day) daily driver prior to taking it off the road for some well-deserved love sometime around 2018. The entire body was bare metalled to remove all filler, then epoxy coated to preserve the metal with the intention of embarking on a full restoration. As you can see the resto clearly isn’t complete and as I have other projects in hand the Ghia is perhaps one project too far for me currently, so it needs a new custodian to complete the build and get it back on the road to enjoy.
BODY
Being an early 60’s car this Ghia features the more delicate features with the low front bullet style indicators and rear crescent shaped tail lights.
It will need some bodywork; the sills will no doubt require some attention but it’s a 100% honest project. The epoxy coating hides no surprises, any repairs to date are clear to see and repairs required are similarly obvious. I would be happy to say this Ghia will need no greater work to recommission than some of the import cars I see with ‘patina’ paint being sold for considerably more than this original RHD UK example. The epoxy finish has been applied for some years now so it’s not a recent coat of paint to spruce and hide anything.
INTERIOR
The early '60s cars featured the more desirable twin dial gauge, along with the body colour metal dash for a more classic appearance. The dash has been drilled for an additional gauge and switches by a previous owner, the original radio blanking panel is present.
The original seats and door cards are present and in a very respectable condition given their 60+ years. There’s a split in the driver’s seat base and a few cosmetic marks throughout which are to be expected given their age. Obviously, the new owner could replace and retrim, but the originals are in a perfectly useable condition and the light colour make the interior a very airy uplifting space to be whilst driving, a pleasant change from the more common black interiors.
The headliner has been removed but the headliner support bows are included in the sale for a new one to be fitted, a fresh cloth headliner with the OE original seats and door panels would really set the interior off.
The steering wheel, switch components and window winders are finished in an ivory colour which again makes the car feel a bit more special than those with black plastics.
* Please note the aftermarket shifter pictured has been replaced with the original shifter for the new owner.
ENGINE
The 1300cc Dual Port engine runs and can be seen running on viewing, the fuel tank isn’t currently connected to keep it removable whilst other work continues so I’ll run it from a fuel can. I’d be inclined to go through the basics and give it a cosmetic refresh prior to going back on the road but during my tenure it was consistently reliable and never let me down so I’d be happy to say it should still be strong. It’s been started and run to temp periodically to keep it sweet whilst it’s been off the road. The surrounding metal of the engine bay itself is in a very respectable condition.
BRAKES
The car comes complete with an aftermarket 4 CB Performance 4 wheel disc kit. The discs have been fitted to the front hubs but will require a narrower beam to fit an alloy wheel hence the steels currently fitted to the front end. At the rear the original drums are still in place. Currently the brakes lines are disconnected so there’s no hydraulic braking from the pedal, the handbrake is connected.
ELECTRICS
The electrical system is the typical jumble of wires as was the case of all original VW looms when they came from the factory! This car would have originally been 6 volt but was converted to 12 volt by a previous owner. Everything functioned perfectly when the car came off the road.
SUSPENSION
The original beam has been powder coated and will be included in the sale, although it will likely require a narrowed beam to get clearance to run the combination of the disc brakes and Empi 5 spokes. The beam currently fitted is a lowered standard beam to keep the car movable on its own wheels whilst other work was completed.
Rear suspension is original. OVERVIEW
I’ve pictured the additional parts included in the sale, but to itemise:
- CB Performance 4-wheel disc brake kit
- A full set off Empi 5 spoke alloy wheels
- The original powder coated front suspension beam in addition to lowered VW beam (fitted)
- Stainless steel front wheel arch closing panels
- Additional hub knuckle and drum parts included if they can be made use of.
- All original interior panels
- All glass is present
- Original chrome window trims
- Full set of side trim chrome strips and engine lid ‘beauty’ trim pieces
This is an extremely viable project and offers the next custodian the opportunity to see the car without any hidden surprises. To reiterate there is zero filler in the body and any repairs are plain to see under the protective epoxy coating allowing any further repairs required easily gauged.
I’ve seen many imported Californian ‘patina’ cars being presented as easy projects for more than I’m asking for this, don’t be fooled by OE or shiny paint on these other cars ;)
I’ve included a couple of pictures of the car whilst it was on the road, as you can see it’s a beaut’ and I’ve no doubt the journey for the next custodian to take it back to that place will be rewarding. It’s an original 1964 right hand drive Karmann Ghia in a fabulous OE colour combination amongst a sea of imported left hookers so this is something special.
I’m keen for this Ghia to go to a good home and find someone who will love it as it deserves so viewing is welcome for serious potential new custodians. Feel free to contact me with any questions.
