***Vendor supplied images***
Highlights
- Very usable Karmann
- Only 36,607 miles
- Unrestored vehicle in factory correct white alpine paintwork
- Car imported in 1998 and acquired in 1999
- VW heritage certificate confirms VIN and engine match
- Recent pre MOT test stating no faults
- Garaged for 25 years and virtually unused - only 2,800 miles added in that time
- Recommissioned in 2023 by a VW air cooled specialist
The Appeal
Looking at this white ‘78 Karmann you can just imagine it rolling down Sunset Boulevard in LA, the palm trees gently swishing above its curvy iconic lines. A useful VW factory heritage certificate confirms that it spent its life there until 1998 when it arrived in the U.K.
The vendor took possession of the car in 1999, drove it occasionally until 2005 when it was taken off the road and put into storage where it remained until last year when it was recommissioned by a VW specialist.
The result of that investment is a good usable Karmann. These are reliable, easily maintained four seat convertibles and with its 1.6L fuel injected USA specification, this one is efficient too and will keep up with modern traffic.
The car was subject to a pre-MOT test in April last year that can be checked in the photos. This states ‘no faults found’ and should therefore give added reassurance to buyers.
History and Paperwork
- First registered in Los Angeles in 1978
- VW heritage certificate shows build and delivery dates in photos
- First UK registered in May 1998
- Vendor acquired car in February 1999
- Used for 5 years covering 2,865 miles
- Then put into dry, covered and garaged storage until 2023
- Recommissioned by air cool specialist in 2023
- Invoices for the recommissioning are shown in photos
- MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt by age
- Pre-MOT test dated April 2025 as shown in photos stating ‘no faults found’
The Condition
- An unrestored vehicle with factory correct white alpine paintwork that is presentable but showing some age
- Superficial paint deterioration to base of passenger door and top of rear near side wing as shown
- Bodywork appears to be solid and straight with deterioration largely limited to paintwork
- Rust spots on bodywork recently treated to Ankor wax polish
- Underside looks solid with no advisories on recent pre-MOT test
- Underside shows signs of previous repair and flake of undersealing
- Exterior chrome work in fair condition with some tarnish to note to bumpers
- Rear chrome arch guard show some damage in photos
- Fitted with white alloy wheels with polished rims in fair condition, with some age
- Black folding roof with clear glass rear screen and light fade to note to the material
- Black vinyl interior with headrest to front seats as shown in photos
- Vendor advisors that the interior and exterior is largely original and unrestored
- Over mats shown some signs of wear
- We are advised of a crack in the dashboard as shown in video
The Mechanics
- 1,600 fuel injected USA specification 4 cylinder air cooled engine
- 4 speed manual gearbox
- Recent recommissioning and overhaul by VW air cooled specialist
- Invoices for this work provided in history file
- Fuel injection system reported to work correctly
- No reported faults on recent pre-MOT test
- No running or driving faults advised by seller
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 is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own 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 fee. 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 on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ 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..
