Full Description

SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED

An eye-wateringly beautiful 1970 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia.

EQUIPMENT
Chrome bumpers, bumper rails, door mirror, and twin waist strip. Tempered safety glass, hinged quarter window, interior light, padded dash, headlight flasher, 4-way emergency flashers, fresh air ventilators, heater, 2-speed electric windshield wiper with pneumatic washer system, fold-down rear bench seat, electric clock, variable intensity instrument lighting, ashtray, door pockets, twin sun visors, lockable glovebox, coat hooks, acoustical soundproofing, seat belts, rear window defogger. Accessories; SSP 914 Style Alloy Wheels Black and Polished 5.5×15, Sapphire VII AM/FM radio, Walnut shift knob with Wolfsburg Crest, AAC Wolfsburg Steering Wheel Type 3.

EXTERIOR
The astonishingly beautiful creation by Italian designer Carrozzeria Ghia and German Coachbuilding House Karmann, the iconic Karmann Ghia was launched in 1955. This January 1970 example is finished in stunning Bahia Red, (Code L30E), and boasts a deep gloss shine and uniform finish throughout following a professional bare metal repaint. Panel fitment is excellent and the beautifully shaped iconic bodywork is in remarkable condition. The chrome work has a mirror finish with only a few tiny markings to the side glass bright trim. All rubbers and the ornate Karmann Ghia badging is in superb order and even the glass is original VW fitment with logos. A beautiful example and a real crowd pleaser.

INTERIOR
The Black permeable leatherette upholstery to the bucket seats with built-in headrests is incredibly, still factory original and in very good order, with only slight usage wear to the driver base. The matching door cards are immaculate as is the vinyl headlining. The walnut fascia trim with foam padded dash top has no fade or cracks with a rich oak finish and the Karmann Ghia badge proudly displayed. All functions and controls operate including the Kienzle electric clock but the Sapphire VII AM/FM radio is inoperative. Original rubber floor mats and grey cord floor coverings are fully intact. An expensive and ornate AAC Wolfsburg Steering Wheel Type 3 is fitted and looks superb. The front trunk area is clean and offers additional storage to the innovative rear folding seats. The build plate and passenger door label clearly showing the VIN as well as the transmission tunnel stamp underneath the rear bench seat are all within correct range for the year of build. Very much an unspoilt classic Volkswagen interior.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The factory fitted air-cooled 1600cc twin-port engine displays the clear engine number stamping within correct range for the build year and still features the standard Solex carburettor with automatic choke. Constructed of aluminium and magnesium the engine is lightweight and located in the rear which helps press down on the rear wheels for extra traction. Lift the engine lid to reveal and very clean engine compartment with factory labels and part component etching still bright. Even the delicate side insulation panels remain fitted! The 4-speed gearbox performs exactly as intended with a short and stubby action.

WHEELS, TYRES, & BRAKES
Immaculate black and polished SSP 914 Style alloy wheels are fitted with Uniroyal Rain Expert 185/65 R15 tyres all-round. The spare which is stored in the super clean luggage area alongside the original jack. Dual circuit braking system with front discs offer steady straight-line braking.

HISTORY FILE
This 1970 model year Volkswagen Karmann Ghia was manufactured in January 1970 at the Karmann Coachworks in Osnabruck, Germany, where originally artisans made coaches for European nobility. This prime example was imported from Florida to the UK in August 2021 by a seasoned Volkswagen collector, William Ward. His VW collection incorporates the most iconic and immaculate air-cooled models amassed over decades. Frustrated by the overpriced and poorly restored Type 14 examples in the UK, he eventually managed to source a car directly from the US owner and ex Florida State Prosecutor/Vietnam Veteran, Mr Garringer. He too was a gentleman heavily involved in classic Volkswagen circles and the two formed a mutual bond to enable the car to arrive safely in the UK. A huge file of paperwork from renowned Volkswagen and Karmann Ghia specific specialists show the level of expense required in order to create such a beautifully restored example. An original handbook and period sales brochure is included. Fully UK registered and amongst the finest Karmann Ghia’s available, this example will delight in every respect.

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