1966 VW KARMANN GHIA COUPÉ
ENGINE 1285cc/flat-4/OHV POWER 39bhp@4000rpm TORQUE 68lb ft@2000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 80mph 0-60MPH 26sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 20-32mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT Exempt ODOMETER 77,899 miles The flat four sounds healthy and is nicely set-up, with no evidence of flat spots. It has a beautifully crisp gearchange. Making progress is easy and the Beetle-like suspension offers good comfort. The steering is light and easy to get a feel for, thanks in part to the narrow 155 tyres. The offset pedals in the left-hand drive position are easy to get used to and visibility in traffic is excellent, though not having a passenger door mirror is awkward. The brakes don’t grab too early with enough feel to cope with modern traffic.
BODYWORK CHECK
This 1966 example had a full, 18-month-long, body-off restoration matched to factory specifications. A factory birth certificate was also obtained. VW Manila Yellow was laid on a restored body and floorpan, and remains excellent. Invoices totalling over £18,000 are in the history file. The Karmann Ghia was coach-built with lead-loaded seams and the restoration has maintained this. Door shuts are good, though there is some adjustment still possible on the passenger door. The underside and door bottoms are very clean. Some chrome trim is new, with patina on window trim, hub caps and trim rings. The bumpers are stainless steel.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The refurbished black ‘basket weave’ vinyl interior contrasts with the painted dashboard and alloy trim. A replacement piece of radio blank trim is on order. The interior light and mirror combo cost £500, but there are only front lap belts and a vinyl shelf for a rear bench seat. The white headlining is excellent and there’s a replacement dash pad. All gauges and switches work apart from a temperamental clock. Reproduction grey perlon-style carpets match factory specification and the original handbook is present, while a period bamboo shelf complements the colours.
UNDER THE BONNET
A cracked case has been replaced with another factory specification F-prefix casing and some engine components have been refreshed. Dualcircuit brakes are a sensible upgrade and fuel lines have been replaced since restoration. The silencer has some slight surface rust but otherwise looks very clean. A plaque states the restorer’s name and date. Fluids are the right colour and all to the correct level, and there are no signs of oil leaks.
THE CCW VIEW
This Karmann Ghia was delivered from Germany to Jacksonville, USA, in January 1966 and came to the UK in 2015. The restoration has created a very pretty and exceptional example of a oneyear-only-specification Karmann Ghia. Restoration pictures depict an extensive process by a local VW expert. This example would be perfect for anyone wanting to own a clean and rare 1966 example that’s a joy to drive.