Standard car with subtle modifications to improve aesthetics and driveability
USA car that has also lived in Japan
Useable, reliable classic that’s ready to drive
The Appeal
While Porsche took the VW Beetle and ran with it, Karmann Ghia headed in an entirely different direction. Low and lithe, the beautiful Type 14 Karmann Ghia coupe was a sophisticated mini GT car that was all about the look and the joy of being looked at. The original 1955 design was so successful that it remained in production for 19 years.
The original ‘lowlight’ Type 14 received a subtle makeover in 1961, with further – less subtle - revisions in 1969. This lhd 1965 car benefits from those earlier gentle cosmetic changes as well as the more useful 1600cc engine that the mid-60s cars received.
The Karmann Ghia is a beautiful car, but one that responds particularly well to certain colours. This car’s combination of deep red exterior paintwork and a cream interior gives it remarkable presence that really plays to the Type 14’s visual strengths. Discreet modifications – like those lovely Fuchs alloys and quad pipes – further enhance the looks. This low mileage car is ready to show and use.
The History And Paperwork
Supplied new in Germany on 11th August 1965
Exported to Los Angeles, USA in August 1965
Bought by the Seller from Japan in August 2017
Covered only 4,000 miles in 6 years
Dry garaged by Seller until recently
Last serviced autumn 2022
The Interior
Cream vinyl seats in good, undamaged condition
Quick change gear lever usefully improve driveability
Modern radio fitted
Chrome complete and in good condition throughout
Unmarked painted dashboard
Compared to the exotic exterior, the interior of a Type 14 is almost austere in a typically Germanic fashion. But this is part of the car’s appeal – its unfussy simplicity as well as its four seat practicality.
The interior of this lhd car indicates that it is a used and enjoyed classic. Thankfully it hasn’t had the character and patina erased. Everything appears present and in good condition, but there are scuffs on the seats and door trims that would respond well to a good valet. The carpets are partly covered by mats but appear from the photographs to be complete and not ripped or holed.
The painted dashboard is in good condition but has micro blistered. The chrome is generally in good condition but could be enhanced by a good valeter. There is some wear visible on the steering wheel boss, arms and rim.
The photographs show localised peeling of the vinyl side and rear screen trims in the rear passenger compartment. As the vinyl does not appear damaged this could likely be repaired by a competent trimmer at low cost. The older headlining is held in place by factory fastening strips but has sagged between them and is discoloured.
The gear change on these cars is often not the best so this car is fitted with a quick change lever that the seller says significantly improves the car’s driveability.
The Seller states that the heater does not work. This has been diagnosed by a VW specialist. It is a common fault requiring replacement of the heater rods.
The Exterior
Dark red paintwork
Fuchs alloys
Slightly lowered
Custom exhaust with four branch exit pipes
The attractive deep red bodywork of this car shows why Type 14 Karmann Ghias were so popular in period and retain such a strong worldwide following. With those lovely Fuchs and a slightly lower stance it oozes kerbside presence.
This car’s dry climate life, recent dry garaging and low documented mileage are reflected in the solid, highly presentable bodywork. The chrome and badging is complete and in good condition, with only slight localised deterioration apparent on the wing mirrors. The exhaust tips have also pitted. The Seller states that the driver’s side dipped headlight beam is not working and requires a bulb, which is indicated by the discolouration in the photographs.
The paintwork is unmarked except for a small scratch on the passenger door. The car appears to have been resprayed as the exterior colour is slightly different from the door shuts and dashboard, but this has been done well and is almost imperceptible in the photographs.
The car is being sold because one year ago the Seller lost the dry garage where the car has lived during his ownership. Its life outside under a car cover has caused micro blistering across the paintwork, which is evident in the photographs.
The pretty 14inch Fuchs alloys are one of this car’s great charms. Both front wheels have some light scuffing on the rims. The rear ones appear unmarked.
The Mechanics
96,076 miles from new
1588cc 60hp flat four VW engine
Last serviced autumn 2022
Only covered 4,000 miles since 2017
Reliable, starts and runs easily even after prolonged lay up
Manual gearbox with useful quick gear change lever fitted
Type 14s are ripe for modification and improvement and there is a large scene dedicated to doing just that. It is good to find one like this that is largely standard, giving the new owner scope to make it their own, or leave it as is. Only a slightly lowered stance, four exit exhaust and useful quick gear change lever alter from the car’s standard specification.
Soon after the Seller bought this car from Japan in August 2017 he arranged for a Karmann Ghia specialist to fully service and MOT the car. Subsequently it has covered just 4,000 miles and only required an engine mount and new battery in 2020. It was last serviced in autumn 2022. The last MOT was in 2018, but as a classic over 40 years old this is not a legal requirement. Despite the sparing use, the Seller states that it has been very reliable and always starts and runs readily, even after a prolonged lay up.
There is little history with the car, but it is known to have spent most of its life in Los Angeles before being exported to Japan. Export certificates are supplied with the car. The Seller took the car out for the photoshoot and states that it ‘drives lovely’ with no known faults, rattles or other untoward noises.
Summary
Ownership of a Karmann Ghia gives you access to a thriving social scene and network of specialists. These are beautiful but practical and relatively simple cars to own.
This pretty 1965 Type 14 model is very presentable and ready to use, but also has scope for improvement. The more powerful 1600cc engine makes it very useable and the car benefits from being largely standard. The new owner has scope to enjoy it as it is, or apply some of the many modifications available for this popular model.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
