CHAT WITH A KARMANN GHIA OWNER

Neil Gilbert from Ammanford tells us about his 1971 Californian import…

1 What is it you like about this car? ‘There’s nothing like it. The coachbuilt lines, the way it moves... and it’s just a great thing to be in. I would rather drive this everyday over my modern Volvo, and often do. I’ve found it cheaper to run than the family car, too. It’s reliable and… well, look at it! It’s just so beautiful.’

2 How long have you owned yours? ‘Four years. It was brought into the UK by the Karmann Ghia centre in Watford so I’m the first UK owner. It had been in Hawaii for a while if the bumper stickers were to be believed. The car started life in 1971 in a shade of orange, but was then painted yellow and some years later, this colour: Beryl Green.’

3 But you’ve since painted it again? ‘Yeah, I wasn’t completely happy with the job. I took it back to bare metal and revealed a few things. I found some rags in the sills, the wing had been replaced at some point, and in doing the rebuild myself I was able to make a few improvements.’

4 Have you always been a VW man? ‘Yes! I started with Beetles, and now my son and daughter both have them. Dad had a 1500 when I was a child and I remember the vinyl seats burning my thighs in summer!’

5 Is it easy to run a Karmann Ghia? ‘Start with one that’s been looked after. You’ve got to make sure all the metalwork is good. It’s a project-friendly car if you learn how the body goes together. Mechanically it’s straightforward. All Beetle checks apply – like the heater channels. Parts are easy to find and there’s great support from the Karmann Ghia Owners Club.’