Catherine Tejada
Sale Coordinator
LOT 30
1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia "Low Light" Coupe Coachwork by Karmann Chassis no. 2 448 038 Engine no. 2 983 378
Sold for US$33,600 inc. premium
Lot 30
1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia "Low Light" Coupe
1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia "Low Light" Coupe
Coachwork by Karmann
Chassis no. 2 448 038
Engine no. 2 983 378
Coachwork by Karmann
Chassis no. 2 448 038
Engine no. 2 983 378
1192cc OHV Horizontally Opposed 4-Cylinder Engine
Single Downdraft Solex Carburetor
36bhp at 3,700rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front and Rear Torsion Bar Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*A rare and desirable "low-light" Karmann-Ghia
*Finished in its lovely original shade of Cardinal Red
*Originally delivered to Miami, Florida
*Well-detailed and authentic restoration
THE KARMANN-GHIA
Recognized almost as readily as the immortal Beetle itself, and with a cult following all of its own, the Karmann-Ghia was, in its maker's own cheeky words: "A Volkswagen for people who can't stand the sight of a Volkswagen." Hand built by Karmann at its Osnabruck works, VW's top-of-the-range coupe married a modified export Beetle floor pan, running gear and engine/transmission package to stylish coachwork penned by Carrozzeria Ghia in Italy. 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 after 1959 the front end underwent a subtle re-style with raised headlamps and enlarged nose intakes. From 1967 the model was built with the 1,500cc engine, gaining the 1,600cc unit in 1970 and undergoing a front/rear-end styling makeover at the same time.
THE CAR OFFERED
Completed in June of 1959, per the Volkswagen Museum Identity Certificate, this rare Karmann-Ghia Coupe is a highly desirable "Low Light" model, featuring the pre-facelift front end design. Karmann-Ghia fans covet these cars as they best reflect the purity of the original Ghia design, with their low-set headlights and small intake "nostrils." Paired with minimal exterior trim, delicate bumpers, and plain dog-dish hub caps, it best highlights the inherent beauty of the Karmann-Ghia.
This fine example has been completely restored to its original specifications, with ownership history dating back to the mid-1990s. In 2010, it received its VW Fahrzeug Identitats Urkunde (Vehicle Identity Certificate) confirming the original specification and colors, along with a letter verifying the engine number corresponds to factory records. The interior is particularly appealing, with its tan-grey fabric and carpeting accented with a body-color dash and ivory controls. It is simplistic elegance at its finest. The paint is glossy and attractive; however, some bubbling is noted. Ahead of this for sale, the consignor had the brakes and carburetor serviced following an extended period of storage.
Karmann-Ghias are beloved by countless enthusiasts, and this wonderful example shows why the early Low Light style tops the list for beauty and desirability.
Single Downdraft Solex Carburetor
36bhp at 3,700rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front and Rear Torsion Bar Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*A rare and desirable "low-light" Karmann-Ghia
*Finished in its lovely original shade of Cardinal Red
*Originally delivered to Miami, Florida
*Well-detailed and authentic restoration
THE KARMANN-GHIA
Recognized almost as readily as the immortal Beetle itself, and with a cult following all of its own, the Karmann-Ghia was, in its maker's own cheeky words: "A Volkswagen for people who can't stand the sight of a Volkswagen." Hand built by Karmann at its Osnabruck works, VW's top-of-the-range coupe married a modified export Beetle floor pan, running gear and engine/transmission package to stylish coachwork penned by Carrozzeria Ghia in Italy. 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 after 1959 the front end underwent a subtle re-style with raised headlamps and enlarged nose intakes. From 1967 the model was built with the 1,500cc engine, gaining the 1,600cc unit in 1970 and undergoing a front/rear-end styling makeover at the same time.
THE CAR OFFERED
Completed in June of 1959, per the Volkswagen Museum Identity Certificate, this rare Karmann-Ghia Coupe is a highly desirable "Low Light" model, featuring the pre-facelift front end design. Karmann-Ghia fans covet these cars as they best reflect the purity of the original Ghia design, with their low-set headlights and small intake "nostrils." Paired with minimal exterior trim, delicate bumpers, and plain dog-dish hub caps, it best highlights the inherent beauty of the Karmann-Ghia.
This fine example has been completely restored to its original specifications, with ownership history dating back to the mid-1990s. In 2010, it received its VW Fahrzeug Identitats Urkunde (Vehicle Identity Certificate) confirming the original specification and colors, along with a letter verifying the engine number corresponds to factory records. The interior is particularly appealing, with its tan-grey fabric and carpeting accented with a body-color dash and ivory controls. It is simplistic elegance at its finest. The paint is glossy and attractive; however, some bubbling is noted. Ahead of this for sale, the consignor had the brakes and carburetor serviced following an extended period of storage.
Karmann-Ghias are beloved by countless enthusiasts, and this wonderful example shows why the early Low Light style tops the list for beauty and desirability.
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