Lot number | 47 |
---|---|
Hammer value | £11,760 |
Description | Volkswagen Karmann Ghia 1600 Cabriolet |
Registration | JVG 251M |
Year | 1974 |
Colour | Red |
Engine size | 1,600 cc |
Chassis No. | 1442445447 |
Engine No. | AB003053 |
Documents | V5C; 4 old MOTs |
Volkswagen’s Beetle becomes beautiful - the Karmann Ghia.
Launched in 1956, the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe was VW's attempt to raise its image at a time when Europe was emerging from a period of bleak post-war austerity into an era dominated by American show-biz glamour.
Using the frumpy Adolf-era 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.
This 1974 Karmann Ghia 1600 (believed to be of the last 30 Karmann Ghias produced) was imported from the USA and restored in the early 1990s. The quality of the restoration can be judged from the condition of the car 20 years later.
The car was restored on the East Coast – Lowestoft, to be precise – and has had only two owners since. The total mileage since restoration is not known, but it has covered fewer than 1,100 in the past 12 years. Its last MOT expired in May this year and the car is now MOT-exempt. There were no advisories listed on the last MOT or any of those recorded by the DVSA (back to 2006).
Twenty-six years in the UK climate seem to have had very little effect on this bijou Beetle. The paintwork is still good, as is the hood. In fact, the whole car is a testament to the restorer’s art and care of the two owners.
Summer will be a distant memory when this car appears in Brightwell’s penultimate autumnal auction, but if winter comes, can spring be far behind? Now is the time to buy this cute drop-top (early Christmas present?) and have something to look forward to – and something to polish – while waiting for brighter days.