Upgraded 1776cc twin-carb, air-cooled engine with 109 BHP
Full colour portfolio documenting the restoration
Porsche Fuchs-style alloy wheels
The Appeal
Famous for raising the rather austere profile of Volkswagen - and being exquisitely smoothed with the finest English pewter - there's no denying that the Ghia is an exceptionally beautiful car. Despite sharing much of its mechanics with the company's classic offerings - many do note these as being 'sporty Beetles' - it's a car far greater than the sum of its parts, and has become one of Europe's most recognisable classics. Anybody behind the wheel is sure to tell you that it's well deserving of the accolade.
The 1968 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe is a beloved classic, known for its elegant design and robust engineering. This particular example stands out due to its comprehensive restoration by John Maher Racing, a renowned specialist in performance air-cooled engines. Originally manufactured in Osnabruck, Germany, and exported to Los Angeles, California, this Karmann Ghia has a rich history and has been meticulously maintained throughout its life.
The vehicle underwent a full restoration in 2004, which included a new metallic grey paint job, a faux red leather interior, and an upgraded 1776cc twin-carb, air-cooled engine producing 109 BHP. The restoration is well-documented with a full colour portfolio, and it's clear the car has seen little trouble since. It's in excellent order and is ready and waiting to hit the road with its lucky new owner.
History and Paperwork
Manufactured on 11th June 1968 at VW’s factory in Osnabruck, Germany
Exported to Los Angeles, California on 24th June 1968
Brought to the UK in 2004 by Mr M Rigby and underwent a full restoration by John Maher Racing
Sold and exported to Stuttgart, Germany in 2011 to Ms C. Vanino
Returned to the UK in 2019 and has been kept garaged with limited use
Five-figure odometer reads 13,411 miles
MOT exempt
Complete with:
Registration paperwork
Certificates from the Stiftung Volkswagen Auto Museum
UK import documentation
Plenty of invoices
Photographic record of the restoration
Valuation certificate
The Condition
That oh-so-iconic bodywork looks to be in fine order, with no dents or dings
Metallic grey paintwork from the 2004 restoration presents well with only very light signs of use
Badging is all present and correct
Brightwork in good order
Porsche Fuchs-style alloy wheels in smart condition
Underside looks nice and solid with
Faux red leather interior looks in very good order
No sign of any rips or tears
Modern stereo unit has been stowed in the boot
All instruments are clear and legible
Auxillary dials have been installed
Wood-trimmed steering wheel completes the array in style
The Mechanics
1776cc twin-carb, air-cooled flat-4 powerplant with 109 BHP and torque of 120.4
Performance tested with certificates available
Regular maintenance by The Bug Box in Germany, with €9,000 spent on upkeep
The vendor informs us that the vehicle is in fine working order and ready to drive
We've no reports of any mechanical issues, no matter how minor
Stainless steel exhaust system
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com
