VW Karmann Ghia | ?11,995Click on the image to download a free VW Karmann Ghia screensaver and wallpaper for your PCDetailsRecorded Mileage12560Date of Reg.1968Exterior ColourContinental OrangeLicence StatusHistoricInterior ColourBlue Cloth and VinylRoad FundFree!Technical SpecificationFuel TypePetrolEngine Output90 BHPTop Speed100 MPHEngine Capacity1776ccTransmission4 Speed ManualEngine Config.Flat 4 Standard EquipmentPorsche Continental Orange with Blue Cloth and Vinyl Interior, Momo Steering Wheel, Gene Berg Gear Linkage and Body Coloured Bumpers.Additional Equipment5.5J x 14" NSU Ro80 polished alloy wheels, stock width beam with Sway-a-Way adjusters lowering the car by 4 inches, uprated shock absorbers all round, Porsche pattern front discs with NOS calipers, 1766cc engine complete with an Engle 120 camshaft, hand ported cylinder heads, full-flow oil system, external oil filter and cooler, Twin 40IDF Webbers, Bugpack 1.5-inch merged system with a Turbo-Trip silencer.Model historyThe Type 14 debuted at the October 1953 Paris Motor Show as a styling concept created for Ghia. In the early 1950s, Volkswagen was producing small, fuel efficient, reliable automobiles (such as the Beetle). As the world recovered from World War II, consumers began to demand more stylish and elegant vehicles. Executives at Volkswagen decided to produce an "image" car for post-war buyers.The Type 14, VW's venture into the sports car market, was created in 1956. While it had limited power for a sports car, its stylish looks and reasonable price made sales strong. Volkswagen contracted with German coachbuilder Karmann to build the car. Karmann in turn contracted the Italian firm Ghia for a sports car design. Ghia took an existing, but unused, design (originally intended for Chrysler or Studebaker) and modified it to fit a slightly modified Beetle floorpan which had been widened some 12 inches. The body and nose of the Type 14 were handcrafted and significantly more expensive to produce than the assembly line-produced Beetle, which was reflected in the Type 14's higher price. Instead of bumpers bolted and pre-welded together, as with the Beetle, body panels were butt-welded and hand-shaped and smoothed with English pewter in a time-consuming and expensive process. At the time the Type 14 was built, only the manufacturers of the finest cars used similar methods.The design and prototype were well received by Volkswagen executives, and in August 1955 the first Type 14 was manufactured in Osnabr?ck, Germany. Public reaction to the curvy Type 14 was excellent, and over 10,000 were sold in the first year, exceeding Volkswagen's expectations.The Type 14 also shared engine development with the Beetle as the Type 1 engine grew larger over time, finally arriving at an engine displacement of 1584 cc which produced about 60 BHP. In August 1957, a cabriolet version was introduced. Cars made from 1955 to 1959 are referred to as "lowlights", due to the lower placement of the headlights. In 1970 larger tail lights integrated the reverse lights and larger wrap-around turn signals in contrast to the earlier "bullet" style lights.ExteriorOriginally this car was imported in 2000 from California and after 2 years of being used as a daily driver it was bought by Bob Knight (Owner of reknowned VW tuner Bob's Paint and Speed Shop). The car had been subjected to a cheap respray in the States and he decided that the only way forward was to set about stripping the car back to a bare shell to see exactly was there. They found that the shell was in remarkable condition and had not been previously repaired or welded. The only part of the car that required attention was the floor underneath the rear seat that was cut away and replace with a repair panel from Karmann Konnection. The car was then painted in Porsche Continental Orange and given a mega set of blue flames. The car was completed in 2003 and was the cover star of Ultra VW Magazine (we have a cop[y in the history file). Since then the car was sold on to a VW enthusiast, but over the last few years was stored outside and rarely used.When we got our hand on the car we were amazed just how good the fit and structure of the Ghia was, but where the car had been stored outside under a cover the laquer had lifted away. The only lasting resolution to this was to remove all the lacquer and DA the paint back and reapply the paint. She is now orange all over and has a beautiful deep finish. You can read about the whole process on our projects page. Wheels Tyres and BrakesThe Ghia is fitted with a set of 5.5J x 14" NSU Ro80 polished alloy wheels. These are clothed in a pair of 165/60x14 Falcons at the front and 165/80x14 Falcons at the rear. The tyres are in great condition with over 6mm of tread and the alloy wheels have been refinished during the restoration. Braking is taken care of by Porsche pattern front discs with NOS calipers and does an amazing job of slowing the Ghia down.Engine and TransmissionThe engine and gearbox were rebuilt during the original restoration by Bob's Paint & Speed Shop and what a job they have made of it. The 1766cc now produces 90 BHP the spec includes an Engle 120 camshaft, hand ported cylinder heads, full-flow oil system, external oil filter and cooler, Twin 40IDF Webbers, Bugpack 1.5-inch merged system with a Turbo-Trip silencer. We have had the engine set up at Bob Watson Engineering on his rolling road and you can see the print out at the bottom of this web page. The 4 speed gearbox is slick and has a Gene Berg T Shifter which helps with quick changes and stops you accidently selecting reverse when pulling for second gear, useful!Interior and EquipmentThe standard VW interior was all re-trimmed in blue vinyl with blue cloth during the restoration. It was undertaken by Dave Shipman at DS Autotrim and required just a little re-stitching and cleaning to bring it back up to condition. The interior in a Karmann Ghia is basic but functional and comfortable. We have all the gauges and electric working and have fitted a retro fit rev clock.Road TestFrom the very first moment we got behind the wheel of this Ghia we realised that it was tremendous fun to drive, but on our way back from Bob Watson Engineering with the engine set up just so it was clear that they had made a massive improvement to the fuel consumption and performance. With 90 BHP this is a seriously quick car that will give you a massive smile on your face when ever you drive it. History FileThere is a good thick history file with the Ghia including a copy of the Ultra VW Magazine that it was featured in. The car comes MOT'd, fully serviced and very well set up. It is, of course HPI clear and ready to hit the VW scene yet again.Whilst every effort has been made to check the accuracy of the information above, some errors in compiling the information may have occurred and we cannot accept liability for loss or damage arising from misleading information (other than for death or personal injury caused by our negligence or breach of duty). You are therefore strongly advised not to rely on the information provided in respect of vehicles, and to examine the vehicles and to check the accuracy of the information supplied before deciding to purchase a vehicle described below. Your statutory rights as a consumer are not affected by this statement.
Colour: Orange
Right-hand Drive
