Volkswagen - Karmann Ghia - 1970





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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
- Attractive color combination
- Appraisal report 2024 available (values at € 31,500)
- Distinctive wooden Nardi steering wheel
- Solid and reliable classic that has become 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 new 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 in excellent condition as a result. The owner who had the car restored kept it for an impressive 17 years. Extensive documentation of the 2016 restoration exists, including a photo report and many invoices. In November 2024 a valuation report was issued describing the car as very good with a replacement value of € 31,500.
VISUAL CONDITION
The car is in nearly factory-new condition as it rolled out of the Osnabrück factory back in the day. It stands out for its paint color: a unique Aston Martin color that is exclusive to this car. Both the paint and the chrome work, seals 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 (synthetic) 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 seats, a total of 4 people can be accommodated. The boot space (at the front) is neat and also houses the spare wheel.
TECHNICAL
Because the car has also been mechanically cared for, starting, shifting, driving and braking are excellent. The engine has been rebuilt and runs nicely. The tires have all been renewed with 15" Continentals. In short: a beloved classic in rarely beautiful condition, ready for the next enthusiast. Due to the recent value development it is also interesting for investors!
GENERAL
Since 1948, limited-edition Volkswagen Beetles were customized by coachbuilders. One of them was Karmann, who aimed to produce a sporty cabriolet version in larger quantities. In 1950 the Italian coachbuilder Ghia was asked to design it. This design followed in 1953 and Karmann was enthusiastic about the modern design. Heinrich Nordhoff — then managing director of Volkswagen — focused 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 to great interest. It helped improve Volkswagen's image, even though the car faced criticism due to its limited engine power. The power output was gradually increased over the years and in 1969 VW tried to address the criticism by summarizing the following points:
The VW Karmann Ghia. Is it a real sports car?
- Sports cars have a race-like, hand-finished body. The Karmann Ghia also does.
- Sports cars have bucket seats and a four-speed gearbox operated by a lever. The Karmann Ghia also does.
- Sports cars have extra stiff suspension for better handling. The Karmann Ghia also does.
- Sports cars must be maintained by specialists. The Karmann Ghia does not.
- Sports cars cost a lot of money. The Karmann Ghia does not.
Remarkably, the best production year was only reached in 1969. This was largely due to rising 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
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
- Attractive color combination
- Appraisal report 2024 available (values at € 31,500)
- Distinctive wooden Nardi steering wheel
- Solid and reliable classic that has become 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 new 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 in excellent condition as a result. The owner who had the car restored kept it for an impressive 17 years. Extensive documentation of the 2016 restoration exists, including a photo report and many invoices. In November 2024 a valuation report was issued describing the car as very good with a replacement value of € 31,500.
VISUAL CONDITION
The car is in nearly factory-new condition as it rolled out of the Osnabrück factory back in the day. It stands out for its paint color: a unique Aston Martin color that is exclusive to this car. Both the paint and the chrome work, seals 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 (synthetic) 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 seats, a total of 4 people can be accommodated. The boot space (at the front) is neat and also houses the spare wheel.
TECHNICAL
Because the car has also been mechanically cared for, starting, shifting, driving and braking are excellent. The engine has been rebuilt and runs nicely. The tires have all been renewed with 15" Continentals. In short: a beloved classic in rarely beautiful condition, ready for the next enthusiast. Due to the recent value development it is also interesting for investors!
GENERAL
Since 1948, limited-edition Volkswagen Beetles were customized by coachbuilders. One of them was Karmann, who aimed to produce a sporty cabriolet version in larger quantities. In 1950 the Italian coachbuilder Ghia was asked to design it. This design followed in 1953 and Karmann was enthusiastic about the modern design. Heinrich Nordhoff — then managing director of Volkswagen — focused 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 to great interest. It helped improve Volkswagen's image, even though the car faced criticism due to its limited engine power. The power output was gradually increased over the years and in 1969 VW tried to address the criticism by summarizing the following points:
The VW Karmann Ghia. Is it a real sports car?
- Sports cars have a race-like, hand-finished body. The Karmann Ghia also does.
- Sports cars have bucket seats and a four-speed gearbox operated by a lever. The Karmann Ghia also does.
- Sports cars have extra stiff suspension for better handling. The Karmann Ghia also does.
- Sports cars must be maintained by specialists. The Karmann Ghia does not.
- Sports cars cost a lot of money. The Karmann Ghia does not.
Remarkably, the best production year was only reached in 1969. This was largely due to rising 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
Details
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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.

