1969 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Electric (EV Conversion)

Registration No: WAX 105
Chassis No: 149662863
MOT: July 2026

• Supplied new to Bermuda in 1970 before arriving in the United Kingdom in 1975
• Cosmetically restored prior to the vendor's purchase in 2020
• Provided with a full electric conversion by the vendor, an electrical engineer, using a kit from EV Europe
• Utilisies two Tesla battery packs and EV Europe motor unit
• Offered with a history file and correctly registered with the DVLA as electric

Particularly aimed at the American market, the striking Karmann Ghia (Type 14) was Volkswagen's answer to creating a flagship model for its unashamedly austere Beetle range. Combining Italian sports car design with a slightly widened Beetle floorpan, this was the magic formula for one of the most beautiful cars of the 1950, and it was produced by Karmann of Osnabrück. Designer Luigi Segre (proprietor of Italy’s Carozzeria Ghia), Karmann and Volkswagen wrote automobile history with the Coupé presented in 1955 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. In 1957, the Coupé was followed by an equally breath-taking Cabriolet. For the first few years, customers had to be satisfied with 30bhp. In 1959, there was a minor facelift, which included raising the height of the headlights, followed by the Saxomat semi-automatic transmission in 1961. In 1971, the Karmann Ghia Type 14, which now had 50bhp, received wider chrome bumpers, larger rear lights and the instruments of the VW 411. Production of the “small” Karmann, which is now more coveted than ever before, only ended in 1973 (Cabriolet) and 1974 (Coupé).

At first glance, this Karmann Ghia looks like nothing out of the ordinary. It’s evidently been well-maintained, the paint is eye-catching and some natty aftermarket wheels set it off very nicely. There’s a surprise lurking under the skin, though. Gone is the famous Beetle flat-four with its distinctive patter – hiding in this car is an electric motor.

This 1969 model was sold originally through Masters Ltd. in Hamilton, Bermuda, in 1970, but was imported to Britain in 1975 and registered ‘HKS 667N’. It is understood to have been grey originally, though the colour was changed to red in 1981. The present personalised registration was acquired when the previous owner bought it in 2010. He kept the Karmann until 2020 and, during that 10-year window, effected considerable renovations which brought it up to its present show-car appearance. The work included repainting the body in Porsche Guards Red, fitting the chromed replica Fuchs wheels and renovating the interior in a beautiful two-tone with a Retro Radio.

The present owner took matters further in 2021, when he (an electrical engineer) converted the Volkswagen to electric power using Tesla battery packs and a 90kW EV Hype motor from EV Europe. The front and rear battery packs respectively contain three and four 5.3kWh Tesla Model S battery modules, which give a total of 37.1kWh and a nominal 159V, for an approximate 120 miles between charges. The original four-speed gearbox has been retained and, while not necessary with the electric motor, can be engaged if desired. The gearbox was adapted for the motor viâ an aluminium conversion housing, aluminium lightweight flywheel and Kennedy Stage Two clutch. Owing to the increased power and weight of the new power source, the brakes have been upgraded with independent servo systems front and rear, and the suspension has been uprated with coil-over shock absorbers. The car also benefits from four new tyres and in internal heater. The electric conversion has been accepted by the DVLA viâ the V627 process.

With its smooth bodywork, the Karmann Ghia was always a futuristic-looking car; with an electric motor as well, it seems almost like something from science-fiction. This car is expertly-finished and supplied with the original owner’s manual and books, the current V5C, a memory stick containing photographs of the renovation and conversion, various technical writings about the conversion, plus charging instructions and a manual for the radio.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452