1959 VW Karmann Ghia Coupe For Sale
One of the most beautiful VWs ever produced, the first generation of the Karmann Ghia is highly prized
by collectors the world over. From its inception in fall of 55 (56 model year) to the final year of the "lowlight" in 1959,
the design is so pure and the colors so beautiful it is no wonder why the values have been climbing steeply.
This particular example is pretty impressive. It was a full body off restoration to a very high quality
and it has been fitted with an extraordinarily rare vintage performance engine as well as some very rare accessories.
The color combination is perhaps the ultimate of red and black. which is correct for the year and model.
The history of the car is not fully known at the moment, but perhaps a reader can chime in and fill in the blanks.
It recently emerged from an Arizona collection and not long ago I believe it was in the Dr Mac Jones collection in Tennessee.
Prior to that it appears to have California ownership dating back to 2002.
The restoration is beautiful and still shows quite fresh.
Only a scant few flaws upon close inspection. Odometer shows the car to have just over 3000 miles on it
which I assume is since completion of the restoration.
Body is very straight and paint is glossy.
Chrome is bright and clear and the fit and finish is very good.
Great overall look to the car, the whitewalls, the ultra rare wheel trim rings, etc.
Just gorgeous.
Glass and trim is all in great shape.
The car has been well stored and respected.
These accessory wheel trim rings are fantastic!!
Headlight detail...trim rings have proper Hella logo
Nose is superb
Nose emblem
Large chrome script.
All the right details in place
Out back the magic continues with a truly rarest of the rare Denzel engine!
Denzel was perhaps the finest tuner of the VW engines in the day and even produced
their own race car that battled the great Porsche 550 4 cam cars.
Starting with a VW case, Denzel produced pretty much everything else themselves
including crankshafts and cylinder heads.
Many I am sure have heard the name Okrasa, well put the rarity factor of an Okrasa motor at a one on a scale of one to ten
and the Denzel at an 11! This is proper "rarest of the rare" stuff here.
"If" you could find another and have it rebuilt by the top builders, you are probably looking at a 20k plus engine here!
In the early days of Empi, around 1958 or so, Joe Vittone started importing
Wolfgang Denzel's engine parts from Austria. While very expensive for its day,
the quality of the parts and the overall performance increase was far above the Okrasa tuning parts.
The dual port cylinder heads of Denzel's design are one of the most striking features.
Displacement was about 1300cc versus the factory 36 horse at 1100cc.
Im not sure of the rated performance, but it was a significant boost indeed.
Knecht air cleaners
Four tip exhaust...the engine makes a wonderful sound!
Very clean underneath! The transmission looks to be a full synchromesh box.
Excellent level of detail below
Wow!
Certainly cleaner than new
Under the front hood is well detailed also
Nice clean latches
Matching spare wheel and tire
Nice!
Tool roll and spare fan belt
Restored jack in its holder
Nose is perfect inside...no signs of any accidents or repairs.
Body tags
So refreshing to see the inside of a Ghia nose this clean and straight!
Interior is wonderful!!
Correct early Ghia steering wheel
Some very minor wear on the drivers side carpet, but controls and such are as new.
Original owners manual
Rare "trip" speedometer.
Correct mirror and visors
Amazing Blaupunkt AM FM radio
(sadly missing a knob at the moment...but we are looking for it)
Great colors!
Headliner looks wonderful
The original manual choke has been diabled due to the dual carburetors, so the knob position above the key is empty
Very nice details in the door jams, etc.
Rear seat
Seating is excellent
Some deterioration to the carpet behind the seat,
So nice!
Outside there are a few small paint flaws of note...here is a chip on the door that has been touched up
Another chip on the roof that has also been touched up
Another small touch up spot
An area just behind the rear window trim that has lifted slightly but remains firm.
A small crack just above the rear engine lid.
All in all the car is stunning inside and out.
Such a beautiful shape and design
Definitely a top level example, not without flaw, but undeniably gorgeous
and when fitted with the Denzel engine and other rare accessories, this Ghia is an absolute one of a kind.
Asking
$85,000 obo
For More Info...CALL
951 767 1600
or email oldbug@earthlink.net