1970 | Volkswagen Karmann Ghia 1500

This exceptional, rare RHD VW Karmann Ghia has spent four years with one of our long-term customers. Tastefully modified, this stunning example presents in Metallic Green with an exceptional Tan quilted leather interior. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find these very rare Volkswagens in RHD format and finding them in this condition is scarce.

The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 14 was in production from 1955-1974 and combined the chassis and mechanicals of the Type 1 Beetle with styling by Luigi Segre of the one of Italy's most famous automobile design Company's, Carrozzeria Ghia and hand-built bodywork by German coachbuilder Karmann. Ghia initially made lightweight aluminium bodied cars, having great success and fame with the Alfa Romeo 6C 1500, a car that won the 1929 Mille Miglia and many other bodies were built for Lanica and Fiat. During the 1950's and 1960's many firms worldwide were ordering Ghia designs, for example Volvo, Ford and VW. Production numbers by Ghia were always particularly low, giving their products even greater exclusivity than those of other Italian Coachbuilders. In 1970, shares in Ghia were sold to the Ford Motor Company and in 1973 the Ghia name became Ford's top trim level in its mainstream model range and the trend began in Europe but very soon spread worldwide.

XHH 172H came to us for the first time in 2021, it was driving well in strong mechanical condition and the bodywork was structurally excellent. On arrival we agreed to sell the car to one of our customers who planned to take the car to the next level, and he certainly did that with the help of our Malton Coachworks Bodyshop and Trim Shop. A bespoke leather re-trim was commissioned, the door cards and seats were beautifully re-trimmed complimenting relatively new carpets and a new hood. The Bodyshop stripped down the exterior of the car and then prepared it for a full re-paint, as result the paintwork gleams with a stunning finish. More recently, in 2023, the VW was treated to a full set of new tyres, along with having all the road wheels refurbished by a specialist in Teesside.

Presenting and driving superbly, we are delighted to have this VW Karmann Ghia Convertible back in our showroom. There's no doubt the driving experience is impressive, the engine is super fit and sounds perfect, the steering is responsive and precise, the brakes are efficient, and the VW is great fun. This is a stunning car; it surely cannot disappoint.