Volkswagen - Karmann Ghia - 1970

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Nicolas Olszowski
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Estimate  € 31,000 - € 35,000
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A 1970 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupé with a 1600-cc inline-four, 44 hp, manual transmission, blue exterior, 927 km mileage, registered in the Netherlands and supplied with a non-Certificate of Conformity.

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Description from the seller

Volkswagen Karmann Ghia T14 Coupé 1970

- Recent complete 'body-off' restoration (photos available)
- Engine rebuilt by a specialist (2016)
- Many maintenance invoices available
- Volkswagen museum Certificate available
- Beautiful color combination
- Appraisal report 2024 available (value approx. € 31,500)
- Distinctive wooden Nardi steering wheel
- Solid and reliable classic that has grown increasingly popular in recent years

HISTORY/DOCUMENTATION
The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: the sporty, luxurious, hand-built car based on the iconic Volkswagen Beetle (Kever). It was registered on February 10, 1970 and newly delivered (as with most examples) in the United States: in Seattle. In 1997 the car was imported to the Netherlands. This example underwent a complete 'body-off' restoration around 2016 and is therefore in excellent condition. The owner who had the car restored kept it for no less than 17 years. From the 2016 restoration there is extensive documentation, such as a photo report and many invoices. In November 2024 an appraisal report was issued, describing the car as very good with a replacement value of € 31,500.

VISUAL CONDITION
The car is virtually in the same condition as when it rolled off the factory floor in Osnabrück. Its color stands out: a unique Aston Martin color that is unique to this car. Both the paintwork and the chrome, rubbers and wheels are in very good to perfect condition. Naturally, the car is rust-free and the underside is in neat condition. The interior features black (artificial) leather upholstery and a wooden Nardi steering wheel. A distinctive option the car has is the lockable dashboard compartment. The interior has also been restored to its original state and is in very good condition. The original radio is still present. Thanks to the rear seat, a total of 4 people can be accommodated. The trunk space (at the front) is neat and also accommodates the spare wheel.

TECHNICAL
Because the car has also undergone mechanical work, it starts, shifts, drives and stops excellently. The engine has been rebuilt and runs smoothly. The tyres have been renewed all around with 15" Continentals. In short: a beloved classic in rarely beautiful condition, ready for the next enthusiast. Due to the recent value development also interesting for investors!

GENERAL
Since 1948, car bodies for Volkswagen Beetles were adapted in limited numbers by coachbuilders. One of them was Karmann, which aimed to produce a sporty cabriolet version in larger quantities. In 1950 the Italian coachbuilder Ghia was asked to design a drawing. This design followed in 1953, and Karmann was enthusiastic about the modern design. Heinrich Nordhoff – then managing director of Volkswagen – focused mainly on affordability and had his doubts about the price of the model. Nevertheless, the developed model was finally presented in 1955 at the IAA in Frankfurt with great interest. It improved Volkswagen’s image, even though the car was criticized for its limited engine power. Over the years the power output was further increased and in 1969 VW tried to address the criticism by summarizing as follows:

The VW Karmann Ghia. Is it a real sports car?
- Sports cars have race-like, hand-finished bodies. The Karmann Ghia does too.
- Sports cars have bucket seats and a four-speed manual transmission operated by a stick. The Karmann Ghia has that too.
- Sports cars have stiffer suspension for better handling. The Karmann Ghia has that too.
- Sports cars must be maintained by specialists. The Karmann Ghia does not.
- Sports cars cost a lot of money. The Karmann Ghia does not.

Notably, the best production year was reached only in 1969. This was mainly due to growing demand from the United States, where the model rode the wave of popularity of the VW Beetle and the van (T-type). The 1600 cc engine with 44 hp was the most powerful version, achieving a top speed of 138 km/h. The Karmann Ghia was produced until 1974.

Seller's Story

For several years we have been active in the sale of vintage, classic and modern sports cars throughout the Netherlands, Europe and the rest of the world. We offer a wonderful variety of collector and driver cars that you can enjoy for years to come. You can find this online at Carrosso. com or by visiting our showroom in Oldemarkt, an hour's drive from Amsterdam. We have a wide variety of classic sports cars, if you are interested in the specific details of a particular car, feel free to give us a call. We are open to negotiating transactions, we can store cars, and we have an effective and reliable way to sell your cars through our purchase or consignment sales program. So, if you have a (classic) sports car for sale, contact us and we can give you the price your car deserves!

Volkswagen Karmann Ghia T14 Coupé 1970

- Recent complete 'body-off' restoration (photos available)
- Engine rebuilt by a specialist (2016)
- Many maintenance invoices available
- Volkswagen museum Certificate available
- Beautiful color combination
- Appraisal report 2024 available (value approx. € 31,500)
- Distinctive wooden Nardi steering wheel
- Solid and reliable classic that has grown increasingly popular in recent years

HISTORY/DOCUMENTATION
The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: the sporty, luxurious, hand-built car based on the iconic Volkswagen Beetle (Kever). It was registered on February 10, 1970 and newly delivered (as with most examples) in the United States: in Seattle. In 1997 the car was imported to the Netherlands. This example underwent a complete 'body-off' restoration around 2016 and is therefore in excellent condition. The owner who had the car restored kept it for no less than 17 years. From the 2016 restoration there is extensive documentation, such as a photo report and many invoices. In November 2024 an appraisal report was issued, describing the car as very good with a replacement value of € 31,500.

VISUAL CONDITION
The car is virtually in the same condition as when it rolled off the factory floor in Osnabrück. Its color stands out: a unique Aston Martin color that is unique to this car. Both the paintwork and the chrome, rubbers and wheels are in very good to perfect condition. Naturally, the car is rust-free and the underside is in neat condition. The interior features black (artificial) leather upholstery and a wooden Nardi steering wheel. A distinctive option the car has is the lockable dashboard compartment. The interior has also been restored to its original state and is in very good condition. The original radio is still present. Thanks to the rear seat, a total of 4 people can be accommodated. The trunk space (at the front) is neat and also accommodates the spare wheel.

TECHNICAL
Because the car has also undergone mechanical work, it starts, shifts, drives and stops excellently. The engine has been rebuilt and runs smoothly. The tyres have been renewed all around with 15" Continentals. In short: a beloved classic in rarely beautiful condition, ready for the next enthusiast. Due to the recent value development also interesting for investors!

GENERAL
Since 1948, car bodies for Volkswagen Beetles were adapted in limited numbers by coachbuilders. One of them was Karmann, which aimed to produce a sporty cabriolet version in larger quantities. In 1950 the Italian coachbuilder Ghia was asked to design a drawing. This design followed in 1953, and Karmann was enthusiastic about the modern design. Heinrich Nordhoff – then managing director of Volkswagen – focused mainly on affordability and had his doubts about the price of the model. Nevertheless, the developed model was finally presented in 1955 at the IAA in Frankfurt with great interest. It improved Volkswagen’s image, even though the car was criticized for its limited engine power. Over the years the power output was further increased and in 1969 VW tried to address the criticism by summarizing as follows:

The VW Karmann Ghia. Is it a real sports car?
- Sports cars have race-like, hand-finished bodies. The Karmann Ghia does too.
- Sports cars have bucket seats and a four-speed manual transmission operated by a stick. The Karmann Ghia has that too.
- Sports cars have stiffer suspension for better handling. The Karmann Ghia has that too.
- Sports cars must be maintained by specialists. The Karmann Ghia does not.
- Sports cars cost a lot of money. The Karmann Ghia does not.

Notably, the best production year was reached only in 1969. This was mainly due to growing demand from the United States, where the model rode the wave of popularity of the VW Beetle and the van (T-type). The 1600 cc engine with 44 hp was the most powerful version, achieving a top speed of 138 km/h. The Karmann Ghia was produced until 1974.

Seller's Story

For several years we have been active in the sale of vintage, classic and modern sports cars throughout the Netherlands, Europe and the rest of the world. We offer a wonderful variety of collector and driver cars that you can enjoy for years to come. You can find this online at Carrosso. com or by visiting our showroom in Oldemarkt, an hour's drive from Amsterdam. We have a wide variety of classic sports cars, if you are interested in the specific details of a particular car, feel free to give us a call. We are open to negotiating transactions, we can store cars, and we have an effective and reliable way to sell your cars through our purchase or consignment sales program. So, if you have a (classic) sports car for sale, contact us and we can give you the price your car deserves!

Details

Brand
Volkswagen
Model type
Karmann Ghia
Year
1970
Located in
Netherlands
Mileage reading
927 km
Registration papers
with Dutch registration
Transmission
Manual
Fuel
Petrol
Colour
Blue
Horse power
44
Cubic capacity
1600
Matching numbers
Unknown
Matching colours
Unknown
Service book/history
Yes
Valid MOT
No
CoC (Certificate of Conformity) present
No
Certificate available
No
Condition (Paint & body)
Very Good: minor chips or scratches, minor conventional body and paintwork
Condition (Interior)
Very Good: clean, showing minimal wear. May require replacement of minor missing or broken parts
Condition (Frame & underbody)
Very Good: frame/structure is in a well preserved condition, minor signs of usage/wear
Condition (Mechanical)
Very Good: mechanically sound, may require minor service
Condition (Overall)
Very good condition: minimal signs of wear

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Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.

Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.

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