Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia 1500 Convertible 1968
General description :
Equipment
Black paintwork, Beige basketweave vinyl upholstery, Black mohair soft-top, 1493cc engine, 4-speed manual transmission, Hood tonneau cover in black with ivory piping, Polished wheel beauty rings and hubcaps, and Dual circuit brake system with front disc brakes, Gloss black dashboard, Original steering wheel with horn push ring, Period VW head unit with auxiliary input, Dash speaker, Analogue clock, Lockable glove compartment, 12v charger socket, Gear shift lock, Padded sun visors, Front and rear seatbelts, Spare wheel.
Exterior
Beautifully presented in its original black hue this has to be one of the finest right-hand drive Karmann Ghia convertibles available today. A UK specification example that has seen remarkably few owners in its 56 years, the car was treated to a full nut and bolt restoration that commenced in 2015. This work was carried out by a VW-approved body shop who began by stripping the entire car back to a bare metal shell. Not only was the body was separated from the floor pan – a length to which few Karmann Ghia refurbs are taken – but every weld point was examined and then remade to the exact spec and location as they would have been from the factory. A few years on and the car still looks fantastic; the paintwork is deeply glossy, the soft-top is undamaged, and the brightwork has a lovely mirror shine.
VIEWINGS WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT ONLY /// ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AND VIDEOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Interior
A striking contrast against the black, the elegant 60s interior feels very special indeed. The original steering wheel is retained along with the switchgear and dials but the seats have been re-trimmed and new carpets have been fitted for an immaculate finish. A period VW head unit remains in place and for modern convenience it’s fitted with a discreet aux input; the audio cable is accessed from inside the glove box where a handy 12v charger socket has also been installed. There is another storage compartment behind the rear seats but the main ‘boot’ area can be found under the bonnet where the spare wheel and tool kit are both present and correct.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The 1493cc flat-four delivers a modest 53hp and yet the Karmann Ghia is still surprisingly swift. Out on the road the engine feels strong while the 4-speed ‘box allows effortless smooth gear selection. The engine bay itself is just as clean as the rest of the car and is further testament to the meticulous restoration work that was carried out a few years back. A couple of thousand miles later, in June 2023, the car was treated to a full shakedown and tune-up carried out by our local air-cooled VW specialist at a cost of £2,100. For additional peace of mind we have just had another inspection carried out by our trusted classic car workshop, the VW requiring little more than a replacement battery in preparation for sale.
History File
This exceptional Karmann Ghia was manufactured to right-hand drive specification in April 1968 before being delivered new to the USA a couple of months later. After a few years with the first owner the car was exported to Ireland where it remained until 2015. It was then imported into the UK and treated to a complete body-off restoration to original specification. The accompanying History File comprises a thick raft of invoices and documentation dating back to the mid-nineties, a selection of MOT certificates, restoration photographs, a reproduction sales brochure, and the current V5C registration document showing only 3 former keepers. All in all, a collector-quality example of a rarely seen model. Presenting in stunning cosmetic and mechanical condition the car comes freshly inspected, ready to be driven and enjoyed.
1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia 1500 Convertible is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in Hampshire by 4Star Classics for £36995.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Volkswagen Model : Karmann-Ghia Model Version : 1500 Convertible Engine size : 1.5 Model Year : 1968 Sub type : Convertible Location : Hampshire Vehicle Registration : Undefined
36995 £
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About Volkswagen
The Volkswagen story is indeed an intriguing tale of innovation, resilience, and post-war revival, marked by various models that have become iconic in automotive history.The People's Car (Volkswagen): Initially envisioned by Adolf Hitler in the 1930s as a "people's car" or "Volkswagen" in German, the idea was to create an affordable and practical vehicle for the German people. This concept led to the development of the Volkswagen Beetle (or the Type 1), designed by Ferdinand Porsche.
Post-War Challenges: After World War II, Volkswagen faced significant challenges. The factory was heavily damaged, and the brand's association with the Nazi regime led to a lack of interest in the car in some regions.
British Intervention - The British Army & Ivan Hirst: The British Army took control of the factory in the immediate post-war period. Major Ivan Hirst, a British Army officer, played a crucial role in reviving Volkswagen. He recognized the potential of the Beetle and advocated for its production, convincing the British military to order several thousand cars. This decision helped jumpstart the brand's revival.
Export Success and the Beetle's Global Appeal: The Beetle gained popularity not only in Germany but also globally, becoming an icon of affordable motoring. Its simple, reliable design and unique appearance made it a favorite among consumers worldwide.
Model Evolution: Over the years, Volkswagen introduced various models alongside the Beetle, each contributing to the brand's growth:
Type 2 (VW Bus or Transporter): Introduced in the 1950s, it became an iconic symbol of the hippie movement in the 1960s, loved for its spaciousness and versatility.
Golf (Rabbit in the U.S.): Launched in the mid-1970s, the Golf (or Rabbit in the U.S.) marked a shift towards front-wheel-drive, modern design, and hatchback practicality, becoming a cornerstone of the brand's success.
Passat, Jetta, and Other Models: Volkswagen expanded its lineup with models like the Passat and Jetta, catering to different market segments.
Challenges and Innovations: Despite success, Volkswagen faced challenges, including quality issues in the 1970s. However, the brand continued to innovate and develop new models and technologies.
Rise of the GTI and Global Expansion: The 1980s saw the rise of the iconic Golf GTI, a high-performance version that sparked the hot hatch trend. Volkswagen also expanded its global presence during this period.
The British intervention in reviving Volkswagen after World War II played a pivotal role in the brand's resurgence. While there might have been some tensions or competition among automotive companies in the 1950s and 1960s due to Volkswagen's post-war success, the brand's ability to produce innovative and popular models solidified its place in automotive history.