Lot Ended
Description
Current owner 17 years;
professionally converted to RHD; well-maintained in the current
ownership; Cabriolets
are few and far between and it could be a while before you see another as good
as this
Launched
in 1956, the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe was VW's attempt to raise its image
at a time when the western world was emerging from bleak post-war austerity into
an era dominated by American showbiz glamour. Using the Beetle as their starting
point, VW's executives contracted German coach builder Karmann to turn their
ugly duckling into a swan. In an inspired move, Karmann turned to Italian
styling house Ghia to inject some Latin brio into the project and an instant
classic was born.
Basically,
a Beetle in a Hollywood party frock, the Karmann Ghia became a runaway success
whose cool California styling made it a best-seller right up until 1974 when it
was finally replaced by the infinitely less hip Scirocco. Still highly sought
after today, the car just exudes a surf-dude cool which makes even a dreary run
to the office feel like a trip to the Beach.
This
June 1967 Karmann Ghia Cabriolet
was the first year that 12v electrics, front disc brakes and 1,500cc
44bhp engine were fitted to the production cars, which gives it a top speed of
almost 100mph. Delivered
new to an English lady in the USA, who 30 years later brought her beloved
Karmann Ghia back with her in 1997 when she returned to the
UK.
The
current vendor purchased this car in January 2008 from the Karmann Ghia Centre
in Hertfordshire, who then had the car professionally converted at VW Evolution
to RHD. Also at the same time they refurbished the engine and engine
bay, fiited a new carburettor, new hood and frame and finished off with a
pair of new front seats. A set of Porsche replica Fuchs alloy wheels were fitted
more recently, really making this car stand out from the
crowd.
Since
then, restoration has been on-going with many parts replaced to keep this
car on the road to a high standard, all documented in the plethora of
receipts included with the car. A new speedometer was fitted in June
2013, the vendor advising us that the car has done approximately 80,000 miles
from new.
The bodywork is showing minor signs of age here and there, and
the headlining could do with attention but overall this beauty
is sure to turn heads wherever it goes. RHD Cabriolets are few and far between,
especially with the 1,500cc engine, and it could be a while before you see
another as good as this.
If you require more information
please contact james.booth@brightwells.com