Location: Santa Monica, California

$42,350 USD | Sold

Volkswagen stated of the Karmann-Ghia that “She’s the very essence of Beauty, wedded to common sense.” The first model year for the Karmann-Ghia was in 1956 and went thru 1974. This car blended the mechanical components and structure of a Beetle with a dapper Italian-designed 2+2 coupe. Renowned magazine Motor Trend described the car as “more like a Porsche.” The seats are in a lowered position than that of a sedan, contoured body lines that flow from the door to the rear quarter panels and large windows, this cars speaks volumes of skilled design and engineering.

The VW is equipped with an air-cooled 1,192-cc, four-cylinder engine backed by a smooth shifting four-speed manual transmission. The engine bay is nicely detailed and the car is still powered by a six-volt electrical system. The exterior is painted in light blue and accentuated by wide whitewall tires, chrome bumpers, moldings, emblems and center caps. This car is said to be a low-light version, which places the headlights lower on the fenders and has different grilles. The ride is steadied by independent torsion-bar suspension on all four wheels and stabilizer bar.

Fitted with a radio, the interior is finished in blue and white on the door panels, with sporty front contoured bucket seats that are adjustable to give the driver full stretch and a rear bench seat that can be folded down for more space. This car has an older restoration that shows few signs wear and is said to be done to factory specifications.

https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/ca14/lots/r0051-1957-volkswagen-karmannghia/