1967 Karmann Ghia 'Razor Edge'

The Type 34 was built from September 1961 through to July 1969 and was the flagship model of the entire VW line up in the 60s. It was the most expensive VW available, the fastest, and the most luxurious. It was fitted with such standard amenities as fog lights, cigar lighter, electric clock, locking steering column, front & rear vent windows, variable wiper controls, and a luxurious interior. It also had the distinction of being the only VW fitted with built in fog lights and to have the option of an electrically operated steel sliding sunroof. Manufactured with a beautifully hand-crafted body on a standard Type III chassis and running gear, it shared the same engine and transmission, suspension and frame, making it easy to service and maintain.

Silverstone Auctions are proud to bring this very special 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Razor Edge to auction. We are informed by the vendor that the 11000 miles from new are correct and warranted. He also informs us that there is only one Type 34 with a lower mileage than this and it sits in the Volkswagen Museum and therefore will never be for sale.

This Ghia has had just three owners from new. The first owner, Mrs Dixon of Leamington Spa kept the car from new until 1990 when it had covered just 8589 miles. The second, a Mr Vijay Solanki, owned the car until 2011, covering just 43 miles in his 21 years of ownership. Finally it fell into the hands of the well-known Volkswagen collector, Wayne McCarthy, who charged Ben Lewis (evilbens.co.uk) with the task of bringing the car up to show-winning standard.

The bodywork is a lesson in just how attractive these cars were when they were new and why they are so highly collectable today, for example the doors hang just as they did when the car rolled off the production line. All of the body panels are straight and dent free, while the flawless paintwork shows no marks whatsoever. Open the doors and you'll be amazed at the condition of the complete interior, bucking the trend of so many VWs of this era that have seen their interiors fall apart, this one really is nigh on 100 per cent throughout.

Needless to say this car drives beautifully, the engine fires instantly and settles to a hearty air cooled thrum. The manual gearbox feels tight and precise and it's all perfectly standard, just as it left the factory back in 1967. The vendor informs us he is in possession of all of the original owner's handbooks and all bills for work completed, plus a certificate of authenticity from the Volkswagen Auto Museum.

This is such a special motor car that will appeal to both collectors and enthusiasts alike, in truly astonishing condition both inside and out, yet it retains the crispness of a new car. Cars like this do not come to market very often and we anticipate interest in this car from all four corners of the globe.