1971 VOLKSWAGEN KARMANN GHIA COUPE

This 1971 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe is a stylish classic coupe, which has been largely restored and is presented in an attractive, period-appropriate colour scheme. It is powered by a rear-mounted 1.6-litre air-cooled flat-four, which drives the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer displays 35,746 km, though this is more likely to be 135,746 km.

Designed by Turinese styling house Ghia, and built in Germany by Karmann, the aptly named Karmann Ghia was first launched in 1955, and closely resembles the VW Beetle beneath its shapely curves; using a modified version of its floorplan chassis and air-cooled flat-four engine, which increased in capacity throughout its production.

Produced in late 1971, this 1972 model-year example is fitted with the 1584cc 50bhp engine, and is identifiable by its ‘Europa’ channel bumpers, larger indicators and more substantial tail lights, which it shares with the Volkswagen Type 3.

It was first registered on 4 November 1971, as confirmed by its certificate issued by Stiftung AutoMuseum Volkswagen, and is now offered for sale by the trade, having been significantly restored three years ago.

Today, this Karman Ghia Coupe’s elegant bodywork is in very good order, with smooth shut lines and no evidence of prior accident damage. During the car’s restoration it was refinished in Porsche Gold Metallic paintwork, as found on the Porsche 914, which is capped with a gloss black roof. The vendor states that the finish is in generally excellent condition, though there are some minor blemishes that are visible in the photo gallery, and a patinated appearance to some of the chrome window trims.

This delightful classic’s bumpers have also been re-chromed, and it has been modified with the addition of a smoked exterior sun visor, while the fuel filler has been relocated from the offside front wing to the front luggage compartment, as found on pre-1967 cars.

The car rides on a set of black painted 15-inch steel wheels, which present well but would benefit from refurbishment in due course as there are some marks and blemishes on their paintwork. The correct polished hub caps are also present and feature some minor dents, while Atlas trim rings have been fitted to replicate the look of whitewall tyres.

Inside, the cabin is still covered in its original upholstery and is in very presentable condition, and although there is some slight damage that is to be expected in a vehicle which is fast approaching its 50th birthday. The front and rear seats are clad in black vinyl and are in very good order overall, with just one small split on the driver’s seat’s backrest and a repair patch behind the lift lever.

Elsewhere, the rest of the upholstery is in generally excellent condition for its age, and the other cabin trims have a charming light patina. There are small splits in the dashboard vinyl above the Solus radio, and light surface corrosion on both the handbrake and gear levers.

When this Karman Ghia Coupe was restored three years ago, brand new carpets and soundproofing were fitted to improve both its looks and comfort, and the boot liner was also replaced. All of the interior switchgear and electrical items are reported to function as they should.

Its most recent routine maintenance was carried out in January 2021 at an indicated 35,730 miles by Denyer Classic Cars, comprising replacement of the engine oil and oil filter, and the fitment of a new brake master cylinder. Its prior service history is not known; however, the car is in good running order.

Although it is exempt due to its age, this Karmann Ghia Coupe will be subjected to an MOT test prior to handover to its successful buyer. The seller states that both of its rear tyres are brand-new, and that the front tyres are in excellent condition.

This 1971 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is a stylish and sought-after late production example of the charming air-cooled coupe. Largely restored, it would benefit from some minor cosmetic improvement if the next owner wanted a truly outstanding car, but is ultimately a very smart example that is ready to drive and enjoy as-is. It is a genuine head-turner, and is sure to bring a smile to the face of any classic VW enthusiast.

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.