1961 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

The Type 14 (Karmann Ghia) debuted at the October 1953 Paris Auto Show as a styling concept created for Ghia by Luigi Segre. In the early 1950s, Volkswagen was just producing the Type 1 (Beetle), but with an increase in post-war living standards executives at Volkswagen proposed adding a halo car to its model range, contracting with German coachbuilder Karmann for its manufacture. Karmann in turn contracted the Italian firm Ghia, who adapted styling themes previously explored for Chrysler and Studebaker to a Beetle floorpan widened by 300mm.

In contrast to the Beetle's machine welded-body with bolt-on fenders, the Karmann Ghia's body panels were welded on, hand-shaped and smoothed with English pewter in a time-consuming process commensurate with higher-end manufacturers - and resulting in the Karmann Ghia's higher price.The Type 14 was marketed as a practical and stylish 2+2 rather than as a true sports car. As they shared engines, the Type 14's engine displacement grew concurrently with the Type 1 (Beetle), ultimately arriving at a displacement of 1584cc, producing 60 hp. In 1970, larger taillights integrated the reversing lights and larger wrap-around turn signals. Still larger and wider tail lights increased side visibility and at the same time large square-section bumpers replaced the smooth round originals. In late 1974 the car was eventually superseded by the Porsche 914 and the Golf/Rabbit based Scirocco.

Built on 18th August 1960 at the Osnabrueck factory in Germany, this car was destined for the warmer climate of Los Angeles, California and was originally finished in Anthracite with a silver / beige leatherette upholstery. As were many American cars of the period, this car rolled off the production line fitted with white wall tyres. Included in the history file is a birth certificate from the Auto Museum Volkswagen confirming the cars' original specification.

It is believed that the car made its way to UK shores in 1990, with an MoT certificate showing that it had covered 77,678 miles and was re-registered at London NW as "CSK 561.' A smattering of further MoT's suggest the car was used throughout the 90's before our vendor, himself a chartered mechanical engineer, purchased the car in 2009 with a nut & bolt restoration in mind.

"CSK 561' has since had a complete overhaul which included a full body off restoration, all new mechanicals and a new interior, whilst maintaining the cars' originality by carefully sourcing rare parts that were originally fitted in '61. Once ready, the body was professionally prepped and painted and a correct period colour of Pearl White with a black roof was chosen.

The front axle is a new, slightly narrowed unit to help retain the turning circle, although the original axle will be included in the sale. The car currently sits on a neutral ride height, but this can be adjusted / lowered to suit ones taste.

A rebuilt transmission by well-known specialists, Bear Motorsport is married to a more powerful and arguably more useable 1914cc motor with the following specs:

•Stateside Tuning Parts supply and machining•1914cc•Counter weighted crank with lightened flywheel•Balanced bottom end•Engle 120 cam•Reconditioned Twin DRLA 45 Dellortos - rare items!•Vintage speed stainless exhaust•041 heads•Full flow oil filter system•Oil Breather system•Thermostatically controlled oil cooler•Alternator conversion•Larger bore exhausts with J-tubes fitted

The interior of the car displays beautiful red seats with a white inlay on restored seats frames, new carpets & sounds insulation, reproduction soft dash (imported at considerable cost) and a reproduction Motometer column mounted gauge with an original and rare Speedwell oil temperature gauge. Please note that the clock, radio and oil gauge are all period items and are purely fitted for aesthetic reasons, and hence do not work.

The original window trim has been re-chromed along with all other brightwork on the car, chosen ahead of ill-fitting stainless reproduction parts to maintain the high standards of work on this car. US-spec towel rail bumpers have been fitted with red rear lights, although Euro-spec amber lights are included in the sale with other sundries. Polished reproduction Empi 5 wheels are fitted to complete the look of the car.

Finished in time for the Volksworld Show in 2014, and only 250 miles ago, this lovely restored car is one that you'd be proud to own and one that our vendor has spent five years perfecting. With a history file full of bills and an MoT until March '15 this truly best of breed example, is ready to be enjoyed and shown for many years to come.