1966 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
A remarkably well preserved example in single ownership in California from 1966 to 2015

Registration No: GFX 574D
Chassis No: 146765337
MOT: Exempt

• A fantastically well preserved, time-warp example with 108,963 warranted miles from new
• Presented unrestored in its original factory Lotus White paint
• Purchased new from Wes Behel Motors in Sunnyvale, California, and complete with its original documentation pack and spare key
• Accompanied by a large box of paperwork including handwritten notes documenting maintenance performed by the original owner
• Sympathetically improved since being imported to Britain in 2015 including a complete brake overhaul
• Retains the majority of its original interior trim including its black basket-weave seating and loop pile carpets

Particularly aimed at the American market, the striking Karmann Ghia (Type 14) was Volkswagen's way of 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 1950s, 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 option of the Saxomat semi-automatic transmission in 1961. Production of the “small” Karmann, which is now more coveted than ever before, only ended in 1973 (Cabriolet) and 1974 (Coupé).

When it was last for sale, this car was described as “The best all-original Karmann Ghia you’ll find.” Ten years later, that probably still holds true. Completed on April 28th, 1966, and despatched to San Francisco, it was sold new through Wes Behel Motors of 805, El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, California, to local resident Jerome A. Kolkin, who is believed to have worked as a technical advisor for N.A.S.A.’s GEOS A satellite in 1965. Finished in Lotus White with Black leatherette upholstery, it came equipped with the $35.00 option of whitewall tyres, along with no-cost equipment such as a padded dash and sun visors, windshield washers, four-way flashers, an outside mirror, a dash clock and a passenger grab handle.

Mr. Kolkin was meticulous, amassing literature and making reams of notes while keeping the car in seemingly continuous use until well past the millennium. With his advancing years, he decided to sell it in 2015, and the new owner relocated to Britain before offering it for sale again. Preserved in a remarkable unrestored state, having “covered just over 108,000 miles on the dry roads of inland California,” it was bought by the present owner and subjected to some very light improvements, including a brake overhaul and the acquisition of floor mats to help conserve the original carpets. It has barely been driven since 2015.

In addition to the original owner’s literature still being present in the Wes Behel wallet, including the instruction manual, service book, Bendix radio manual and customer’s receipt, the rest of the paperwork is phenomenal. Invoices from Mr. Kolkin’s ownership span the late 1960s to the early 2000s, and he amassed many collectible Volkswagen publications including the VW Karmann Ghia Gold Portfolio 1955-1974 and a 1993 copy of Dune Buggies & Hot VWs. There are many handwritten notes, plus some post-import invoices and MOT certificates, and a Volkswagen authenticity certificate. With only a light patina, the car’s condition is outstanding right down to its dealer-supplied number plate holders.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430