Only five owners from new
Completely restored by a Volkswagen dealership
Extensively documented history
With the consignor for ten years
With the Karmann Ghia, Volkswagen proved in 1955 that Beetle mechanicals could look decidedly exciting. The elegant body was styled by Luigi Segre of Ghia in Turin and built by Karmann in Osnabrück. Two years after the Coupé, the Cabriolet followed in 1957 – turning the already stylish Volkswagen into a proper little boulevardier.
Underneath, everything remained reassuringly familiar. Platform, boxer engine and suspension were largely derived from the Beetle, which meant that although the Karmann Ghia looked sporting, it initially had just 30 hp at its disposal. It was therefore a sports car more in appearance than performance. On the other hand, it was reliable, uncomplicated and considerably less expensive than the glamorous open cars whose looks it emulated.
Over the years, Volkswagen continuously developed the Type 14. Engines grew larger and more powerful, disc brakes arrived, and bumpers, lights and interior details changed. Through it all, the Cabriolet never lost its essential character.
The Karmann Ghia remained in production until 1974. In Cabriolet form in particular, it still combines two worlds that really have very little to do with one another: the down-to-earth mechanicals of the Beetle and an Italian-inspired body whose construction was surprisingly elaborate.
According to its original German registration document, this Karmann Ghia Cabriolet was registered to an executive secretary in Düsseldorf on 28 April 1971, just in time for her 50th birthday. On 19 May 1989, the lady registered her car in Munich, before trading it in at her local Volkswagen dealer for DM 6,000 on 2 February 1990.
The dealer then completely restored the car between February 1990 and May 1991, using a correct replacement engine. Both floorpan and body were extensively repaired, and the hood was renewed as well. On 8 July 1991, the freshly restored Karmann was registered in the dealer’s name. Numerous invoices for replacement parts, together with a final DEKRA appraisal, document the considerable work involved and its resulting excellent condition at an indicated 84,375 kilometres.
In June 1998, the car was acquired by a fellow Volkswagen dealer. His son, then a journeyman mechanic and later a master mechanic, had already been involved in the restoration. On 24 June 1998, the Volkswagen was registered to the dealership. Both Volkswagen dealers drove their little treasure from time to time, presumably as much for pleasure as for showing it off.
In 2016, the consignor, a friend and good customer, finally persuaded him to part with the Karmann at around 92,800 kilometres. The Cabriolet now shows 102,300 kilometres. It has also been enjoyed regularly in the consignor’s hands, simply because it is uncomplicated, entertaining and a pleasure to use. Regular maintenance has been straightforward and inexpensive, which is reassuring in itself.
A Karmann Ghia Cabriolet makes a wonderful companion: charming and elegant, yet undemanding and light-footed for those aboard. This particular example combines an outstanding history with a comprehensive restoration, making it an especially attractive proposition.