1961 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe

1.2-Liter Air-Cooled Boxer Four-Cylinder
Carbureted
40 bhp @ 4,000 rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Beautifully presented Karmann Ghia Coupe
*Long term ownership
*Fully restored by a former VW Specialist
*Elegant color combination Light blue over caramel interior

THE KARMANN GHIA

Recognized almost as readily as the legendary Beetle itself, and with a cult following all of its own, the Karmann Ghia was, in its maker's own words: 'A Volkswagen for people who can't stand the sight of a Volkswagen.' Hand built by Karmann at its Osnabrück coachbuilding works, VW's top-of-the-range model married a modified export Beetle floor-pan, running gear and engine/transmission package to stylish coachwork penned by Carrozzeria Ghia.

Launched in 1955 in 1,200cc form, the Karmann Ghia kept abreast of mainstream Beetle developments, gaining all-synchromesh transmission and progressively larger and more-powerful engines. A cabriolet appeared in 1957 and in 1959 the car's front end underwent a subtle restyle with raised headlamps and enlarged nose intakes.

Produced until 1974, the Karmann Ghia remains one of Ghia's most commercially successful designs

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Fortunately, this lovely and rather early production example up for auction suffers no such indignities, wearing as it does elegant small taillights, slim bumpers, round side turn signals, and no rubber overriders. Recently restored to an elevated and comprehensive standard by a former VW and Porsche mechanic, the car now presents beautifully throughout.

Aside from its gorgeous styling, the car's most striking feature is certainly its color, subtly enhanced here by a very 1960's SoCal-style set of hand-painted pinstripes in fuchsia and gold, finished off with an intricate flourish on the engine lid. Small factory steel wheels with modest "dog dish" hubcaps complete the look.

Inside, the cabin presents just as well, and displays many accurate factory-style details such as correct square-weave German carpeting, and textured vinyl upholstery. Note also the correct steering wheel with Wolfsburg crest, transistor radio, excellent headliner, and of course, lots of exposed sheet metal wearing that fabulous shade of turquoise.

Way in back lives a 1192cc air-cooled boxer four producing 40 hp in standard, single-carb form. It's no surprise to see the engine and its surroundings are as detailed and tidy as the rest of the car, with gleaming, fresh cadmium plating visible in several places, immaculate fan and barrel shrouds, clean factory textured firewall material, and shiny, dual 'pea-shooter' exhaust pipes poking out beneath the rear bumper.

At the opposite end, where you'd find an engine in most cars, resides a factory style spare wheel and tire, the latter with its valve stem connected to a hose providing pressurized air to power the windshield washer. Note again the square-weave carpeting.