Volkswagen Karmann Ghia T14 Coupé – 1970

Volkswagen Karmann Ghia T14 Coupé 1970

– Recently complete body-off restoration (photos available)
– Engine overhauled by specialist (2016)
– Many maintenance bills available
– Volkswagen museum Zertifikat available
– Owned by current owner for over 17 years
– Beautiful colour scheme
– Distinctive options
– Solid and reliable classic that has become increasingly popular in recent years

The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: the sporty, luxurious, hand-built car based on the iconic Volkswagen Beetle (Beetle). This example was completely ‘body-off’ restored around 2016 and is therefore in excellent condition. It was registered on 10 February 1970 and delivered new (like most examples) in the United States: in Seattle. In 1997, the car was imported to the Netherlands. The current owner has owned the car since 2006. There is extensive documentation of the restoration around 2016, including a photo reportage and many invoices. The car is in a condition as it was when it rolled new from the factory in Osnabrück. Beautifully executed in a striking, unique Aston Martin colour combined with black (imitation) leather upholstery in the interior. Equipped with wooden Nardi steering wheel, the original steering wheel is also present along with a trunk rack. A distinctive option the car has is the lockable glove box. Needless to say, the car is rust-free and the paintwork and interior are in top condition. As the car has also been taken in hand technically, it drives excellently. In short: a much-loved classic car in an exceptionally beautiful condition, ready for the next enthusiast. Due to its recent value development, also interesting for investors!

General information about the VW Karmann Ghia
As early as 1948, limited edition Volkswagen Beetles were modified by coachbuilders. One of these was Karmann, whose ambition was to produce a sporty convertible version in larger numbers. In 1950, Italian coachbuilder ‘Ghia’ was asked to draw a design. This design followed in 1953 and Karmann was enthusiastic about the modern designed model. Heinrich Nordhoff – then Volkswagen’s general manager – was particularly focused on affordability and had his doubts about the model’s price. Nevertheless, the further developed model was finally presented at the IAA in Frankfurt in 1955, resulting in great interest. It improved Volkswagen’s image, even though the car was also criticised for its limited engine power. The engine power was increasingly jacked up over the years, and in 1969 VW tried to deal with this criticism by summarising the following listing:

The VW Karmann Ghia. Is it a real sports car?
– Sports cars have race-like, hand-finished bodywork. So does the Karmann Ghia.
– Sports cars have bucket seats and a four-speed gearbox operated by a lever. So does the Karmann Ghia.
– Sports cars have extra stiff suspension for better handling. So does the Karmann Ghia.
– Sports cars need to be serviced by specialists. The Karmann Ghia doesn’t have to.
– Sports cars cost a lot of money. The Karmann Ghia doesn’t.

Remarkably, the best production year was not achieved until 1969. This was mainly due to increased demand from the United States, where the model was riding on the popularity of the VW Beetle and van (T-type). The 1600cc engine with 44 hp was the most powerful version, achieving a top speed of 138 km/h. The Karmann Ghia was produced until 1974.