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1968 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

At a Glance

1641cc Engine Upgrade | Californian Import | Superb Presentation

  • Mileage~16,043 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.6L
  • LocationAylesbury

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CURRENT BID£2,500
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ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£2,500

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Video #2

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Consigner and Editor

Gorgeous Italian styling with German mechanicals and engineering.

Compared to the VW Beetle, the VW Karmann-Ghia is more stylish and svelte than its rounded short-nosed sibling, yet they share the same simple durable mechanics and a reputation for quality. First seen in 1955, the Italian-styled coupe was high on the list for those looking for grace with elegance. With a production run of almost 20 years, they were the first Beetle derivatives to show how adaptable the VW air-cooled platform was. 

Imported into the UK in 2004, this 1968 Californian car has since been overhauled and finished in a stunning Diamond Green paint. Complemented by subtle lowering and SSP Sprintstar wheels, there’s a little more than meets the eye with this head-turning beauty.

Any issues that were considered weak points in the original, such as weak brakes, leisurely performance and a slightly austere interior, have all been rectified by a new front wide 5-disc brake kit, a 2021 ~£6,300 1641cc engine upgrade and a stunningly lavish cabin re-trim in leather - this is no run-of-the-mill Karmann-Ghia.

It comes with two keys, its owner's manual, provenance from its US owner and additional invoices of ~£5,000 - it is als road tax and MOT exempt and has spent the last 3 years with our vendor in a heated garage.

If you're in the market for an elevated Karmann-Ghia experience, then this might be the car for you.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Steve the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

This is my second Karmann-Ghia and this well-restored example was too good to pass by.

Steve has been a long-time fan of the air-cooled VW scene, having owned countless VW's over the years. While he has experienced most of the different permutations, he compares this Karmann-Ghia favourably against his old Porsche 356.

Since putting in the effort and costs of upgrading the engine, the pleasure of owning the car has not only increased but has proved to be reliable too - the only reason Steve is selling the car due to a lack of recent use.

Steve will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Steve
Vehicle Owner

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EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

The styling purity of the Karmann-Ghia is enhanced by its beautiful finish.

Wheels and Tyres

The recently fitted 15” SSP Sprintstar wheels are in superb condition - a proper stand out feature on the car that hints to the improvements which lie withing.

The front tyres are Nankang and are around 10 years old, the Hankook rears are older - all are in good shape with even thread.

The spare tyre appears to be unused.

Bodywork

The exterior is neatly presented throughout. The panel fit is positive, with even shut lines. All doors open without obstruction and have good seals. The car is free of any noticeable panel deformation.

The floorpan is in excellent shape, with no significant damage other than light surface corrosion noted on some of the lowest sections of the underside panels. The wheel wells, engine bay, luggage area, and suspension mounts look solid.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The attractive Diamond Green paint finish is of a high quality, the lustre is smooth and reflects the sunlight with no swirls of flatness. The hue is consistent across the body showing no miscoloured panels - it really does look a cut above the usual finish.

Being picky, there are a handful of minor paint flaws spotted on the engine lid and the top of the nearside front wing has a couple of blemishes under the paint. There are also a handful of minor stone chips on the nose of the car, and a few other light marks elsewhere, but none appear to have penetrated too deeply. 

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass is in decent shape with no significant damage, other than light marks spotted on the off-side glass. Their seals are all in excellent shape. The headlamps and lenses are cleanly displayed.

The trim chrome is of a good standard and well-mounted.

The bumpers are cleanly presented showing mild signs of age in places.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

Tastefully finished with quality furnishings, the cabin is elegance personified.

Seats and Carpets

The refurbished seats in leather are in excellent shape, they are supportive and are free of wear.

The carpets are also quality fittings, with a decent cut and are all damp-free. 

The luggage area is similarly fashioned and in the same positive light.

Dashboard

The metal dashboard is cleanly presented, with decent switches, bezels and dials. All were proven to work as they should. The facia padding is free of wear or damage.

The headlining is clean and free of damage. The door cards match the seats and are of similarly high quality. The rear nearside side trim panel is slightly damaged but looks repairable. 

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The EMPI VDM steering wheel and trigger shift gear lever are in excellent condition - they both finish off a classy and very appealing interior presentation.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

It's done around 1,700 miles since the engine was rebuilt and upgraded.

Engine and Gearbox

The car starts up immediately without any delay, the engine idles smoothly with no warning lights flagged up during the cold start. The car emits very little smoke, aside from some mild condensation. It runs smoothly on tick-over with no undulations.

The engine is beautifully presented, the clean components suggesting potential as a show car.

We didn’t spot any signs of fluid seepage during our visit. 

The gearbox is smooth yet tight and the shifts were precise and quick.

Steve is happy with the feel of the clutch. 

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension has been lowered, but still offers a decent compromise balance for comfort, we didn’t notice any ground scraping during the test drive. As a result, the road holding is positive, with no unwanted creaks or thuds. 

The car's braking is smooth with no nasty noises or judders, and the front discs have been upgraded to a wide 5-disc conversion kit.

The Drive

The tried and well-tested nature of the modifications go some way to make the car nicer to drive than the original in modern traffic. It felt composed, yet sporty and managed the road surface well.

This car saw a £6,300 1641cc Mahle engine upgrade in 2021, which improves the day-to-day running compared to the original 1500cc unit. It pulls well and sounds sensational, with no unwanted noises other than the occasional unburnt fuel ‘pop’ entering the exhaust. Smooth on the straights and cornering confidently, the car is also remarkably free of mechanical rattles and feels tight on the roads.

Steve told us the steering was good, with some play but not enough to ruin the experience and upon braking, there were no suggestions of pulling to one side. 

Electrics and Other

The retro-fit digital radio is not connected but operates. Steve also pointed out that the heating isn’t currently functional but everything else is working to his knowledge. 

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

Imported from California in 2004, it has seen over ~£11,000 worth of spending since then.

Originally imported into the UK in 2004 from California, the import documentation states that the car was originally shipped in red with a black interior, which was said to be original.

Aside from its import documentation and proof of its last US owner, the Karmann-Ghia comes with ~20 years of invoices, which document around £5,000 worth of maintenance, trim, engine and cosmetic parts. There are invoices that suggest it has been sold via VW specialists over the years. 

A VOSA document states that the car had been subject to a total loss by the insurer in 2012 and is likely to have been restored to its current colour and specification in that year. 

In the hands of current owner Steve, who bought the car from Karmann Konnections of Southend on Sea, it has been subject to an engine rebuild. Carried out in two stages in 2020 and 2021, BS Motorsports upgraded the original 1.5-litre block to a Mahle piston 1641 cc engine, also adding new fuel lines and a new fuel tank at the cost of ~£6,300. 

It comes with a stack of old MOT certificates, a current V5, two keys and an owner's booklet.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
15-07-2021 MOT 14,389
18-01-2017 MOT 11,715
19-03-2016 MOT 11,608
26-09-2014 MOT 11,386
19-08-2013 MOT 9,230
03-08-2012 MOT 5,571
17-02-2011 MOT 5,397
03-09-2009 MOT 5,026
06-03-2007 MOT 4,342
21-07-2005 MOT 3,354
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Key Details
  • ModelKarmann-Ghia
  • Transmission4-Speed Manual
  • US Reg. Date01-04-1968
  • UK Reg. Date01-08-2004
  • CC1641
  • Mileage~16,043 on clock
  • HistorySince 2004
  • ColourDiamond Green
  • Interior ColourTan
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #148935136
  • Engine #H5391203
  • Restored2012
  • Engine Rebuild2020/2021
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearNo - Cat C
  • Former Keepers7
  • Tyre BrandNankang/Hankook
  • Tyre Age2015/2006
  • # of Keys2
  • LHD or RHDLHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~4 years, 1 month
  • Key FeatureBeautiful Example
  • Vehicle RegistrationXPX 181F
  • Fuel TypePetrol
  • Body Type2-door Coupe
  • Auction ID2220
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VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Aylesbury

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    £2,500 bid by WAndy23.10.24 @ 09:41:24
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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Karmann like this is £153 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Autumn 2024.

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    Vehicle Location

    Aylesbury

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