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Curated Auction

1966 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

At a Glance

Smart Presentation | Custom Leather Interior | Body Restoration, Engine Rebuild, And Mechanical Overhaul in 2022 | RHD South African Import | 1600cc Engine

  • Mileage~18, 091 on the clock
  • Transmission4-speed manual
  • Engine1.6-L
  • LocationOlney

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

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CURRENT BID£9,500
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£9,500

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Video #2

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Editor and Photographer

Italian elegance, reliable Volkswagen engineering, and custom leather trim combine to create an iconic classic.

The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia debuted in 1955 as a stylish halo car, blending reliable Beetle mechanics with an elegant, hand-built Italian body by Carrozzeria Ghia and German coachbuilder Karmann. Its sleek, aerodynamic silhouette promised high performance, but because it shared the standard Beetle's modest air-cooled engine and chassis, it was famously a boulevard cruiser rather than a sports car.

VW designed these components for maximum simplicity and global serviceability, creating a pure, mechanically simple layout with infinite part availability built around a central spine chassis where the floor pans bolt directly to a thick, rigid steel tunnel. Power comes from the legendary air-cooled engine, a rugged flat-four powerhouse celebrated for its mechanical simplicity, exceptional reliability, and distinct exhaust note.

Its ultra-low, fluid Italian lines are a perfect canvas for the 'Cal-look' aesthetic, to the extent that it's now considered a lowered, air-cooled icon. While lowering a standard Beetle makes it look aggressive, "slamming" a Ghia transforms it into a sleek, exotic sports car that punches far above its price tag. This 1966 South African import has been in the UK since 2019 and has undergone a comprehensive body, interior, and mechanical restoration. This includes a rebuilt engine, overhauled running gear, a stunning blue paint finish, Porsche wheels, and a bespoke butterscotch leather interior complete with Porsche 911 seats. The car has covered very few miles since its restoration and has recently benefited from an engine overhaul. Road tax and MOT exempt, it is offered with a current V5C.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Joseph the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

Its a unique classic combining distinctive styling with elegance.

Originally purchased for Joseph’s son's 21st birthday, the car was rebuilt by well-established specialists, to exact specifications.

The car has seen very little use since completion, as the son is said to be too tall to fit comfortably inside.

Joseph would be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Joseph
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

Striking, distinctively-styled, and offering unmatched road presence, this example has been finished to high standard.

Wheels and Tyres

The 15” Porsche Fuch wheels are in excellent condition.

The front and rear of the car are fitted with 175/55/15 Falken tyres - these are date coded from 2022. They all have even tread, still show their balance dots, and are in good condition.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

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Bodywork

The exterior is in good condition with no panel damage, following a restoration in the UK in 2021. The panel gaps are good, though both the engine cover and luggage boot lid sit slightly proud of the bodywork. Whilst both passenger doors open and close easily, the door stays struggle to hold them open. The engine cover only just manages to support its own weight.

A couple of minor blemishes were noted beneath the paintwork: the nearside rear arch lip shows imperfections, and a handful of bubbles are emerging on the nearside front wing, close to the arch.

The underside is solid, showing mild signs of age on the offside sill lip and the underside of the floor pan, whilst the engine bay, luggage area, suspension mounts, and wheel wells are sound.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

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Paint

The paintwork has a smooth, consistent finish with a deep lustre throughout. The nearside front wing near the wheel arch shows fractures, and there is a slight imperfection on the edge of the luggage lid; however, the car is free from road wear or marks, and the overall presentation is excellent.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

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Glass and Trim

The windscreen and seals are in good condition, though both front side windows show scuff marks. The lights and lenses present smartly.

The brightwork and trim are in excellent overall condition, while the bumpers are well mounted and flush with the bodywork.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

Finished with a superb custom leather cabin, which tastefully mirrors the effortless elegance of the car's stylish exterior.

Seats and Carpets

The car was re-trimmed in butterscotch leather as part of its restoration, likely in 2022. The Porsche 911 seats present without any issues, whilst the carpets are tidy and free from dampness.

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Dashboard

The dashboard is in excellent condition, with decent switches, controls, and dials; all of which are said to function as they should.

The headlining and interior trim are clean, though the door cards would benefit from some minor adjustment.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The leather-trimmed steering wheel and custom chrome gear knob finish off a well-renovated and presented interior.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Affordable, reliable, and relatively easy-to-maintain, the engine runs beautifully.

Engine and Gearbox

The flat-four engine fires up without hesitation and settles into the smooth, symmetrical beat characteristic of the unit, and both dashboard ignition warning lights extinguish as they should. There was no unwanted exhaust smoke, and the engine idled evenly with no hunting.

The engine is a completely rebuilt 1.6-litre unit fitted with a replacement 30/31 PICT-3 carburettor. The engine is also reported to have been removed, overhauled, and reinstalled recently. All of the tinware is present, together with a decent exhaust and heat exchangers.

The 4-speed manual gearbox operates as it should, with smooth gear changes and no reported issues with the clutch. The gear selection is somewhat imprecise, but this is likely to be an inexpensive fix.

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Suspension and Brakes

The suspension has been lowered, including a recently-fitted narrow front beam. The ride is firm, but we did not hear any unwanted mechanical noises. It absorbed the road surface and handled corners without any reported negative feedback.

The brakes are effective, slowing the car without any squeaks or judder. There was no pulling at the steering wheel under braking.

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The Drive

The air-cooled VW engine evolved over seven decades, culminating in the robust, 1600cc powerhouse that was in use by the time this car was built. Designed by Ferdinand Porsche, this lightweight, radiator-free boxer engine, with its legendary reliability, remained on global assembly lines until December 2005.

The engine is peppy and responsive at low speeds, with good pulling power. Whilst owners of ordinary air-cooled VWs usually change gear by ear due to these low-revving engines preferring not to be revved excessively, this car has been fitted with a tachometer, providing a useful indicator of the engine's power band.

The steering was compliant and free of any unwanted noises, even on full lock. The ride quality aligns with what you would expect from a lowered car: however, there were no unwanted rattles or thuds, and the cabin remained quiet throughout.

We brought the car up to 50 mph, where it cruised comfortably without any issues. The engine sounded smooth and sweet, and, whilst surprisingly quiet, a steady, reassuring mechanical chatter was still very much in evidence.

At low revs, the engine note reflects a more relaxed temperament at urban speeds, remaining free from any unwanted mechanical noise.

Joseph has not reported any issues regarding engine temperature or oil pressure, and the engine remained leak-free throughout our visit.

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Electrics and Other

The car has been fitted with an upgraded Audison Bluetooth sound system.

Additional dashboard features include a tachometer, clock, and engine start button, alongside upgraded halo headlights.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

Almost every aspect of the vehicle appears to have received meticulous attention since its import to the UK in 2019.

Built as a right-hand-drive South African market car, it started life in red and was restored to its current condition following its import into the UK in 2019. It retains documentation confirming its South African heritage and has been verified by the Karmann Ghia Owners' Club as a West-German-built 1967 model year vehicle, produced in 1966.

There are several printed email confirmations detailing work carried out on the car since its arrival in the UK, including a £7,500 invoice from Kop Hill Classics, who overhauled the running gear and carried out welding in 2021. Additional invoices are included from restoration work carried out by specialists KGB Car Body Repairs and Restorations, alongside interior work by Dave the Trimmer.

It comes with a current V5C logbook and is MOT and road tax exempt. The car is currently being stored at a specialist facility in Olney.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Key Details
  • Model Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
  • Transmission 4-Speed Manual
  • Reg. Date 01-10-2019
  • CC 1584
  • Mileage ~18,091 on the clock
  • History Since 2019
  • Colour Blue
  • Interior Colour Butterscotch
  • Interior Trim Leather
  • Chassis # 147067396
  • Engine # AD1374300 (AD537270 on V5)
  • Restored 2021/2022
  • Engine Rebuild 2021/2022
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • HPi Clear Yes - all clear
  • Former Keepers 2
  • Tyre Brand Falken
  • Tyre Age 2022
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned 7 years
  • Key Feature Bespoke interior
  • Vehicle Registration KKH 957D
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type 2 door Coupe
  • Auction ID 4058
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VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Olney

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    Auction Bidding

    Live Bidding
    Current Bid £9,500
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    1966 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
    AUCTION STATUS RESERVE NOT MET
    RESERVE NOT MET RESERVE MET
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    Auction Ends Thu 29th Oct at 7.20pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  8
    £9,500 bid by chrisnixon21.10.26 @ 19:10:11
    £9,000 bid by chrisnixon21.10.26 @ 19:08:47
    £7,500 bid by gg196721.10.26 @ 16:06:48
    £6,500 bid by chrisnixon20.10.26 @ 18:00:11
    £6,000 bid by chrisnixon20.10.26 @ 17:59:35
    £5,500 bid by glarg15.10.26 @ 21:43:36
    £5,000 bid by chrisnixon15.10.26 @ 16:46:10
    £2,000 bid by leofilisoni15.10.26 @ 15:40:46
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    Ask Owner
    Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
    1 Comment
    BOBT
    BOBT
    44 minutes ago

    Looks very nice but the video of the underside leaves me a littl worried about its condition. What is your honest opinion

    MORE COMMENTS MORE COMMENTS

    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a VW Karmann Ghia like this is TBC via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Autumn 2026.

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    Vehicle Location

    Olney

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