1957 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
The air-cooled Volkswagen era began with the infamous Beetle, known as “the people’s car,” this little, German, air-cooled flat four began a post-war renaissance of reliable, well-functioning and affordable cars that were widely available to the public. Arguably the spiritual, post-war successor to Henry Ford’s Model T, the Beetle has remained revered since its creation. Volkswagen, seeking to appeal to the younger generation and keep pace with post-war design, decided to develop a new coupe with some help and flair of the Italians. Influenced by the work of renowned designer Virgil Exner, the Karmann Ghia was the collaborative creation of Luigi Segre, head of Carrozzeria Ghia, and Wilhelm Karmann, who oversaw its production. The design drew heavily from Exner’s Chrysler "Dream Cars" and, most notably, the Chrysler d’Elegance concept. Exner himself regarded the Karmann Ghia as a flattering tribute to his visionary designs and expressed satisfaction in seeing his concepts brought to life in full-scale production. Internally designated as the Type 14, the Karmann Ghia made its debut at the Paris Auto Show in October 1953. Combining German engineering with elegant Italian styling, Volkswagen successfully captured the attention of the masses. The car’s popularity is evident in its impressive sales figures, with over four hundred thousand units sold during its nineteen-year production run—a remarkable achievement, especially as the design remained largely unchanged throughout its lifespan. Timeless? We think so.
To put it simply, this is the finest Karmann Ghia we have ever seen. This 1957 model comes to us with a fabulous story, and even better restoration. Ordered new from Midwestern Volkswagen in Columbus, Ohio, this “Low-Light” Karmann Ghia was ordered for European Delivery. The first owner, Miss Mary Brown, was a schoolteacher who decided to further her schooling in Paris and travel Europe for a year. Needing a car, this black Karmann Ghia was her solution. Miss Brown received the 1.2 liter, 30-horsepower Volkswagen at the factory in Osnabrueck and proceeded to drive it over 6000 miles in Europe before taking it to the Antwerp port where it began its journey to America. While in Europe and later in the US, Miss Brown kept track of nearly every gallon of gas and mile in addition to service receipts. The car remained in Ohio while she traveled back and forth from Hawaii and Ohio, driving the car on her occasional visit to the midwestern state.
While the Type 14 resided in Ohio a Volkswagen expert noticed it during his commute and stopped to examine the car. Miss Brown was unwilling to part with the car immediately, and a deal was struck where the gentlemen helped maintain and exercise the car for around ten years before she finally sold it outright to him in 1996. Upon acquisition, the new owner began a needed restoration on the 38,000-mile Karmann Ghia. Having completed a fervid, well documented restoration, this Karmann Ghia traveled to many shows and has ultimately gathered awards including AACA First Junior, Senior, Grand National, and Senior Grand National.
The quality of restoration on this Karmann Ghia cannot be overstated. Bearing chassis number “1 639 197” and sporting Toucan Black (L41) exterior and light grey vinyl seats (K200) with dark grey corduroy inserts (P200), this Type 14 proudly adheres to its original factory specifications as documented on the Volkswagen Zertifikat. The restoration, performed by the previous owner, was exceptionally thorough in the process, executed with the utmost care to ensure authenticity without over-restoration. Panel fitment is excellent, with precise, factory-correct gaps, and doors that have a satisfying thunk that feature the factory original Sekurit glass from 1956. The exterior brightwork and trim shine brilliantly against the rich paintwork, while inside, the interior is fresh and flawless, with pristine German square weave carpets, knobs, and upholstery showing no signs of wear. Every detail, from the chrome to the smallest interior components, was carefully restored to the same detail as if it just left Osnabrueck, reflecting an extraordinary level of craftsmanship and respect for this iconic air-cooled Volkswagen.
The engine, bearing the stamping “1 966-104” on the generator mount, is believed to be the original, numbers-matching 1200cc engine for this Karmann Ghia. Research confirms that both the chassis and engine numbers align correctly with the build date of September 1957. As part of its exceptional restoration, the engine bay has been meticulously restored to factory-correct specifications and remains impeccably clean, showing only minimal signs of use. With a simple turn of the key, the Type 14 springs to life effortlessly, reflecting its superb mechanical condition.
The history file accompanying this Karmann Ghia is remarkably comprehensive, offering an invaluable glimpse into its well-documented past. Included are the original purchase documents, European registration, service receipts, period European travel maps, Michelin road maps, and the meticulously kept notebooks from Miss Brown's ownership, detailing nearly every gallon of fuel and mile driven. Additionally, the file contains extensive restoration photos, correspondence with Miss Brown, and periodicals highlighting the car. Lastly, the original tool roll, jack, owner’s manual, and second set of keys are included as well. This wealth of documentation not only verifies the car’s provenance but also underscores the exceptional care and attention it has received throughout its life.
This Karmann Ghia presents an unparalleled opportunity to acquire what is arguably the finest example extant of this iconic air-cooled coupe. With its celebrated design, meticulous restoration, and well-documented two owner history, it sets a benchmark for the model. Whether intended for concours-level exhibitions, inclusion in a prominent collection, or to simply be appreciated for its aesthetic and engineering achievements, this Karmann Ghia exemplifies the enduring legacy of Volkswagen and the artistry of mid-century automotive design.
Offers welcome and trades considered.
$ Price on request
Stock number 7835
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