Volkswagen Karmann Ghia found a new home

The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is a sports car marketed in 2+2 coupe (1955–1974) and 2+2 convertible (1957–1974) body styles by Volkswagen. Internally designated the Type 14, the Karmann Ghia combined the chassis and mechanicals of the Type 1 (Beetle) with styling by Italy’s Carrozzeria Ghia and hand-built bodywork by German coachbuilding house, Karmann.

For its final model year, the vestigial rear seat was discontinued for North American models, as it lacked provisions for seat belts; coupes and convertibles for 1974 were marketed strictly as two-seaters. From 1962-1969, Volkswagen marketed the Type 34, with angular bodywork and based on the Type 3 platform and mechanicals.

More than 445,000 Karmann Ghias were produced in Germany over the car’s production life, not including the Type 34 variant. Karmann Ghia Brazil produced 41,600 Type 34s for South America between 1962 and 1975.

Long noted for its exterior styling, the Karmann Ghia was designed with input from numerous individuals at Carrozzeria Ghia and was strongly influenced by Virgil Exner‘s work, though all of its designers passed without a definitive individual styling attribution.

American industrial designer Walter Dorwin Teague included the Type 14 Karmann Ghia in his list of the world’s most beautifully designed products.

About this VW Karmann Ghia 1972

On the outside

As everyone can see, the lines of this Karmann Ghia are superb. Smooth, elegant, a bit naughty. The paint is in fairly good condition. It looks like she has been resprayed some time ago. The bodywork is straight with shut lines and panel gaps that present very well. The front boot lid and the back-motor hood are straight and close very well. Doors are a pleasure to open and close with that specific Karmann sound. The chrome is, apart from the bumpers very good and all there except for the Karmann Ghia logo. That got damaged when we transported the car.

On the inside

She did not have an easy life that is for sure. The inside isn’t bad but us certainly not concours. You can tell this car is used. All is there and needs some or let’s say quite a lot of attention. But then again, she is a lady of age. The instrument panel is complete, we are not sure if all dials are working the way they should be. Getting is the car is surprisingly easy and makes you feel good, happy, thinking about what it will be like cruising the lady to a VW show meeting all the airmen and women.

Underneath

The engine is the real beauty. Not only does she start on the button, she immediately tells you she’s healthy and full of energy. Responding immediately to the throttle and revving up like hell. She looks healthy underneath.

Driving

This car runs and drives but will need some mechanical adjustments to make its way through the MOT. Driving is really fun with this Karmann. The specific sound of the engine the smell of the used materials the sound coming from the outside into the car. It all has his … well you know …

History

Little is known about the history of this Karmann Ghia. Apart from the fact that it was once shipped from Germany to the States and brought into the UK a few years ago and is now located in Belgium, we know very little to nothing about its history. An opportunity for the next keeper to find out and do the research.

What we think

We know this Karmann Ghia is potentially a magnificent car and we understand what real Air-cooled petrol heads feel when driving and owning a car like this. But for us she doesn’t fit in our collection. Call it an impulsive buy, maybe. Call it let’s try something else. Well one thing is for sure, because we know now what it means when someone says ‘shoemaker stay with your reading’ it’s a real opportunity for you to own this one and make it the beauty she deserves.

Promise us one thing, when you finished the job, come and show of with her.

Please come and see the car, she is located with us at our premises. Since we are collectors and not sellers please contact us before you come over. Just to make sure we are there and not cruising around.

If you want to see additional pictures, please ask what pictures you want. We will take them and send them to you.