**Sold Pre-Sale** 1973 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Sport Edition*

Please note this lot has been sold pre-auction.

The Type 14 (Karmann Ghia) made its debut at the October 1953 Paris Auto Show as a styling concept created for Ghia by Luigi Segre. In the early 1950s, Volkswagen's only model was 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 and subsequently contracted 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 floor-pan widened by 300mm. 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 Beetle, ultimately arriving at a displacement of 1,584cc, producing 60bhp.

The Karmann Ghia Sport Edition is one of the rarest Karmann Ghias ever produced, with this particular example thought to be the only one presently in the UK. Legend has it that VW America approached Karmann directly in 1972 with a proposal that they produce a limited-edition, the 'Ghia Sport', exclusively for VW America. Less than 300 are believed to have rolled off the production line prior to the project being quashed by VW Germany who were not best pleased that a deal had been struck without their knowledge or approval. With a sales timespan of just two months, March and April 1973, before the plug was pulled, the true capacity of the project was never realised and just 20 or so are now thought to remain worldwide. Ghia Sport chassis numbers  were prefixed by #143262 and all were finished in Saturn Yellow with black accents complemented by distinctive 'Sport' road wheels.

Imported to the UK from California in 1973 by an ex-JD Classics classic restoration engineer for his own use and subsequently totally rebuilt bodily and mechanically, with an attention to detail throughout that is exceptional and to a level that is rarely achieved. The only deviation from standard is the twin-carb set up which delivers fuel to a fully balanced and blueprinted engine offering a more enjoyable and user friendly experience. The car is currently owned by Iconic Auctioneers' Chairman, Nick Whale, who purchased it simply because it was the best example of the model he had ever seen.

Your early inspection is welcomed and encouraged to fully appreciate the quality of, what must surely be, the pinnacle of Karmann Ghia ownership.