Volkswagen - Karmann Ghia - 1970





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Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupé from 1970 with a 1,600 cc engine producing 44 hp, blue finish, manual transmission, 927 km on the odometer, located in the Netherlands with Dutch registration, and featuring a full body-off restoration, a rebuilt engine (2016), extensive service invoices, and a 2024 valuation report of €31,500.
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 present
- Volkswagen museum certificate available
- Attractive color combination
- Appraisal report 2024 available (value € 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 newly delivered (as is common) in the United States: in Seattle. In 1997, the car was imported to the Netherlands. This example was completely ‘body-off’ restored around 2016 and is therefore in excellent condition. The owner who had the car restored held it for no less than 17 years. From the circa 2016 restoration, extensive documentation is available such as a photo report and numerous invoices. In November 2024, an appraisal report was issued describing the car as very good with a replacement value of € 31,500.
APPEARANCE
The car is in a state nearly identical to when it left the factory in Osnabrück. It stands out in the paint color: a unique Aston Martin shade that is unique to this car. Both the paint and the chrome, rubbers and wheels are in very good to perfect condition. Naturally, the car is rust-free and the underbody is in neat condition. The interior features black (synthetic) leather upholstery and a wooden Nardi steering wheel. A distinctive option is the lockable dashboard cabinet. 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 seated. The luggage space (at the front) is neat and also houses the spare wheel.
TECHNICAL
Because the car has also received mechanical work, it starts, shifts, drives and brakes excellently. The engine has been rebuilt and runs smoothly. All around, the tires have been renewed with 15" Continentals. In short: a beloved classic in rare, beautiful condition ready for the next enthusiast. Due to the recent value development, it is also interesting for investors!
GENERAL
From 1948 onward, limited-edition Volkswagen Beetles were customized by coachbuilders. One of these was Karmann, which aimed to produce a sporty convertible version in larger numbers. In 1950, the Italian coachbuilder 'Ghia' was asked to design it. This design followed in 1953 and Karmann was enthusiastic about the modern styling of the model. Heinrich Nordhoff – then managing director of Volkswagen – focused primarily on affordability and had his doubts about the price of the model. Yet the developed model was eventually presented in 1955 at the Frankfurt IAA with great interest. It helped improve Volkswagen’s image, even though the car was criticized for its limited engine power. Over the years, the engine power was gradually increased and in 1969 VW sought to address this criticism by summarizing the following points:
Is the VW Karmann Ghia a real sports car?
- Sports cars have a hand-finished, race-like body. The Karmann Ghia does too.
- Sports cars have bucket seats and a four-speed transmission operated by a stick. The Karmann Ghia does too.
- Sports cars have extra stiff suspension for better handling. The Karmann Ghia does 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.
Remarkably, the best production year was achieved only in 1969. This was mainly due to increased demand from the United States, where the model rode the wave of the VW Beetle and van (T-type). The 1600 cc engine with 44 hp was the most powerful version, delivering 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 present
- Volkswagen museum certificate available
- Attractive color combination
- Appraisal report 2024 available (value € 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 newly delivered (as is common) in the United States: in Seattle. In 1997, the car was imported to the Netherlands. This example was completely ‘body-off’ restored around 2016 and is therefore in excellent condition. The owner who had the car restored held it for no less than 17 years. From the circa 2016 restoration, extensive documentation is available such as a photo report and numerous invoices. In November 2024, an appraisal report was issued describing the car as very good with a replacement value of € 31,500.
APPEARANCE
The car is in a state nearly identical to when it left the factory in Osnabrück. It stands out in the paint color: a unique Aston Martin shade that is unique to this car. Both the paint and the chrome, rubbers and wheels are in very good to perfect condition. Naturally, the car is rust-free and the underbody is in neat condition. The interior features black (synthetic) leather upholstery and a wooden Nardi steering wheel. A distinctive option is the lockable dashboard cabinet. 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 seated. The luggage space (at the front) is neat and also houses the spare wheel.
TECHNICAL
Because the car has also received mechanical work, it starts, shifts, drives and brakes excellently. The engine has been rebuilt and runs smoothly. All around, the tires have been renewed with 15" Continentals. In short: a beloved classic in rare, beautiful condition ready for the next enthusiast. Due to the recent value development, it is also interesting for investors!
GENERAL
From 1948 onward, limited-edition Volkswagen Beetles were customized by coachbuilders. One of these was Karmann, which aimed to produce a sporty convertible version in larger numbers. In 1950, the Italian coachbuilder 'Ghia' was asked to design it. This design followed in 1953 and Karmann was enthusiastic about the modern styling of the model. Heinrich Nordhoff – then managing director of Volkswagen – focused primarily on affordability and had his doubts about the price of the model. Yet the developed model was eventually presented in 1955 at the Frankfurt IAA with great interest. It helped improve Volkswagen’s image, even though the car was criticized for its limited engine power. Over the years, the engine power was gradually increased and in 1969 VW sought to address this criticism by summarizing the following points:
Is the VW Karmann Ghia a real sports car?
- Sports cars have a hand-finished, race-like body. The Karmann Ghia does too.
- Sports cars have bucket seats and a four-speed transmission operated by a stick. The Karmann Ghia does too.
- Sports cars have extra stiff suspension for better handling. The Karmann Ghia does 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.
Remarkably, the best production year was achieved only in 1969. This was mainly due to increased demand from the United States, where the model rode the wave of the VW Beetle and van (T-type). The 1600 cc engine with 44 hp was the most powerful version, delivering a top speed of 138 km/h. The Karmann Ghia was produced until 1974.
Seller's Story
Details
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Disclaimer
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.

