・Semi Automatic Rare California Configuration

・Extensive restoration

・Independent inspection done

This Type 14 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia was marketed as a practical and stylish 2+2 convertible by Volkswagen, starting with 1957. The body was designed by Italy's Carrozzeria Ghia, with the vehicle itself being hand-built by Karmann coach-building house in Osnabrück, where the VW Beetle Cabriolet was also produced. This vehicle was VWs attempt to raise its image after the war, and keep up with American glamour, and would become the predecessor to the VW Scirocco. California styling made it a best-seller right up until 1974 when it was finally replaced by the Scirocco.

With 4 former keepers, this low mileage, rebuilt vehicle was imported from the United States and has been stored in a garage, partially dismantled for almost 10 years. This all original, accident free,1968 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia cabriolet California Edition was acquired by the current owner about 3 years ago and underwent an extensive restoration procedure. While keeping as many parts original as possible, the vehicle was stripped to bare metal, and all the bodywork prepped and professionally resprayed in red.

Engine has been rebuilt, the brakes and cylinders and pipes refreshed, brand new windscreen and rubbers have been mounted, gearbox redone and revised, changed to UK spec headlights, chrome bumpers original to US spec, brand new convertible cover and carpets, with hood and seat covers and other parts imported from America.

Alongside all previous MOT certificates, this vehicle comes with all the import documents, V5 and plenty of invoices from the restoration project.

Since the current owner bought the imported unfinished project, the chassis and frame had extensive work to ensure the car was completely rust free and since then, he kept most of the invoices for replaced parts.

The interior features black leather seats, and being a California edition, seats features built in headrests, fully original, refitted carpet, all the instruments clear, with only few marks on the dials and all switches working, apart from the original radio(it may be just a fuse needing replacing). Dashboard is covered in elegant wood, and together with the patina of the dials and all the chrome accessories, it gives a particularly classic and pleasant look.

Features an elegant 2 spoke with chrome inserts steering wheel. Being an air cooled engine, it

diverts hot air from the engine to the inside of the car by controls found around the handbrake.

This extensive restored vehicle, presents itself in a very good condition. Professionally resprayed in red, complimented by the original chrome accessories, original wheels and stylish lights, this car is certainly a very nice looking classic.

Windows, rubbers, locks have all been changed with brand new original parts. All original floors in good condition with no structural corrosion, no welding, no accidents. Bodywork is all original. We could spot some minor imperfections highlighted in the pictures such as small blemishes on chrome accessories, and a few chips, a small scuff on the side, but overall nothing really noticeable.

Bumpers are original to US specification. New tires fitted, and all systems of the car thoroughly inspected.

This historic vehicle is ready to drive, being a completely restored and absolutely solid original wooden forward bow, with fully restored convertible hood, the California edition has an exotic look and is definitely an eye catcher.

The 1500cc engine was stripped down and rebuilt, oil sills were replaced, completely new heat exchanges, exhaust and carburettor and gearbox was refreshed. Ignition switch was replaced with an aftermarket electrical immobiliser being installed. All fully functional.

The semi automatic Karmann Ghia convertible auto stick recently passed an independent inspection. 

As no MOT is required, it can be used and enjoyed as it is. Everything thoroughly checked and inspected, brakes tested, structural integrity, this is a reliable and fun to drive vehicle.

New fuel gauge mounted recently, new door locks with only the original handbrake gaiter bit worn.

This is certainly a detail that adds up the story of this all original rebuilt classic car.

This restored Karmann Ghia convertible, in very good condition inside out, is out to hit the market so don’t miss out on it. In light of the work carried out on the vehicle, it starts and drives perfectly, and is a reliable and fun to drive car. After the restoration was complete, the vehicle was used occasionally on weekends and completed in classic car runs of 100 miles. 

As a rare classic, practical and stylish with a distinctive look, this car could be part of your collection. It’s suggested that one of the previous owners was a premiership football player. A beautiful car, very usable, ready to be yours.

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