1974 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Convertible in Illawarra, NSW

This beautiful classic was built in Germany as a factory convertible in March 1974 for immediate exportation to the US where it lived for 30 years. The car was imported to Australia in 2003 (see:

billyholden. com/uploads/2/7/5/3/2753841/redghia. pdf) along with 4 others after an extensive search for Karmann Ghia's of this quality.

(Its the yellow one on the bottom!)
Volkswagen Australia only sold the Karmann Ghia Coupe in Australia from 1960-1969 which makes the 1970-1974 Karmann Ghia Cabriolets very rare cars indeed. Everything bar the engine was completely dismantled (the engine was fully reconditioned in the US just prior to exportation). the body. chassis. engine. driveline. suspension etc were separated and the car was given a complete ground up restoration in 2003/04.

The car was then put into long term storage (everything drained. on blocks. disconnected etc) and came out 3 years later still 'brand new'.

Since then it has been garaged (naturally) and has only done 1000 km's of steady driving. taking it to shows etc (this can obviously be proven with odometer readings).

Consequently the car rides and handles beautifully (all new front suspension. all bushes. bearings and other wearing parts replaced with new) and is. to all intents and purposes. a NEW 40 year old car!
With a stunning pearlesent Wedgewood blue paint job. the car looks (and drives) like a dream and deserves far more use and exposure than twins and a toddler will permit hence the very reluctant sale!The car is now garaged in the Southern Highlands approx 2 hrs south of Sydney.

Please feel free to contact me for further information and/or pictures. to arrange a test-drive or indeed. to make an offer.

Here are the facts:
1974 Karmann Ghia Factory convertible. imported to Australia in 2003 and given a complete and comprehensive ground up restoration.

The body and chassis were dipped and stripped separately and the only rust found on the whole vehicle was (typically for these models) in the floor pans which were all replaced with new parts before a trip to the paintshop.

The car was then converted from Left to Right Hand Drive during which it was fitted with: New front suspension and 'H' beam. new front axles. new RHD pedal box and brake master cylinder. new RHD glove box and dash pad.
Also fitted was a new factory fuel tank.

New front brake calipers. new windscreen. new Hella RHD headlights. hella horn. new weatherstripping throughout. original seats re-padded and all new white upholstery throughout (seats. doors. dash etc). new perlon carpet fitted throughout. new retractable seat belts and anchor points. new aluminium door sills. BOTH front and rear bumpers replaced with new stainless steel ones from the US and of course there's more (vents. trims. window mechanisms. seals. brake hoses. screws. nuts. bolts etc too much to list).

The original gauges (speedo and clock) were completely reconditioned and altered to km's as the primary units and miles as secondary (for Australian standards). An engineering certificate is of course available which certifies all the modifications made and proves compliance with all relevant ADR's.

Fitted with central locking unit. immobiliser/alarm and power antenna for pioneer WMA/MP 3 CD head unit and 4 x 6" 3-way pioneer speaker system.
For a bit of information on the Karmann Ghia enthusiast/VW & Porsche mechanic who restored the vehicle. see:

billyholden. com/uploads/2/7/5/3/2753841/aqua. pdf (from VWAustralia magazine)
Rego'd until June 2014 with 'N 0 R 00 V' plates. the car is insured for and independently agreed value of $40. 16. The reserve is set significantly lower than that and the car is advertised elsewhere so auction may be cancelled at any time before reserve is met.

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