Description
1969 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia 1500 Coupé
A beautifully presented and very usable matching numbers Karmann Ghia, powered by its period correct 1500cc air cooled engine with a manual gearbox.
Originally supplied to the USA and therefore left hand drive, the car is now UK registered as APY 272G. It is finished in green with a contrasting black roof, whitewall tyres, chrome bumpers and original style hubcaps and trim.
The interior has recently been retrimmed in immaculate black basket weave style upholstery, with matching carpets and door cards. It includes the rear seat, seatbelts, period style dashboard and radio.
The car comes with its Volkswagen birth certificate, original handbook and history. It has always been garaged during my ownership. My local garage checked the car over recently, including the underside, which they reported to be sound.
The car presents to show quality and is one of only 100 1969 Karmann Ghias currently licensed for UK roads. It starts, drives and stops as it should and is ready to be enjoyed.
For complete honesty, the car was originally yellow and has previously been repainted in its current green and black colour scheme. The bonnet and rear quarter have received localised paintwork to address previous rust issues. A slight colour difference can be seen in particularly strong sunlight.
There is also some minor surface rust in the front luggage compartment, which is clearly shown in the photographs. The black inner front luggage compartment cover is included and is also photographed.
It is a very attractive classic in excellent presentable condition, although I am not describing it as concours. It can be enjoyed immediately while remaining straightforward to maintain thanks to its familiar Volkswagen mechanicals.
The only reason for selling is that I would like to move on to a Volkswagen split screen panel van as my next project. I may therefore consider a sensible part exchange involving a split screen, with an appropriate cash adjustment depending on the vehicle.
Viewing and inspection are welcome.
What I love most about this Karmann Ghia is that it feels genuinely special every time I take it out. The elegant shape, unusual green paintwork, contrasting black roof and whitewall tyres give it a character that really stands out.
It gets a huge amount of attention wherever it goes. People wave as you drive past, and I am regularly stopped in car parks by people wanting to look at it, ask questions or share their own Volkswagen memories. It is one of those cars that seems to make people smile.
It also combines classic style with simple and familiar Volkswagen mechanicals, so it is a car that can be driven and enjoyed rather than merely displayed. Arriving anywhere in it feels like an occasion, and the conversations it starts are a big part of its appeal.
