Basic information and history

The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia type 14 is a joint production between the coachbuilder Karmann in Osnabrück and the designer Ghia in Turin. The coupé combines Volkswagen's air-cooled drivetrain with a period-typical, low body with clean lines. The 1962 model year is one of the early cars with the original 1200 engine and simple, harmonious interior details. The model is appreciated for its form, its easy-to-service technology and the clear connection to the European sports coupés of the era.

This example is presented in the color Porsche Macadamia brown metallic, repainted inside and out and under the hoods. According to the seller, the body was clean before paint and some body parts were repaired, including fresh air ducts and parts of the front inner fenders. The windshield is new and the other windows are said to be in good condition. The chrome, moldings, headlight lenses and emblems are generally considered good. The car is equipped with TMI interior and carpets from the USA, and the clock has been replaced by a tachometer, which is in line with the more driving-focused specification. A Speedwell wooden steering wheel is mounted, the original steering wheel is included. It also comes with some extra parts in a cardboard box.

The current odometer reading is stated to be zero kilometers. This cannot be considered to reflect the actual total distance. The seller has not stated whether the car is sold in Sweden. The car has appeared in the Volkswagen Historical Club's almanac for January 2026, won People's Choice at Soljansvarvet VWHK 2026 and was shown with a presentation at a sports car meeting at Leksand's ice rink in 2025.

Equipment and options

• TMI interior with carpets from the USA
• Tachometer instead of clock
• Speedwell wooden steering wheel, original steering wheel included
• Newly painted body in Porsche Macadamia brown metallic, also inside and under the hoods
• New windshield
• Rims in size 17x7 shod in tires in size 195/40
• Disc brakes front, drum brakes rear
• Extra parts included in cardboard box

Modifications and improvements

According to the seller, the car has been technically upgraded from the original: dual-port 1600 engine (originally from the 1303S) with dual Weber 40 carburetors, stainless steel exhaust system, switchless ignition and aftermarket distributor. The electrical system has been converted to 12 V with an alternator. The front suspension has been shortened and can be raised and lowered. The rear brake drums are prepared with double bolt patterns 5/130 and 4/130, which allows the installation of, for example, Porsche rims. The gearbox has been changed to a later model year with a 4.125 ratio for lower rpm at highway speeds. The heating chambers have been removed in favor of the current exhaust system, which means that there is no interior heating.

Condition

Body and exterior The paint is about three years old and according to the seller has only been washed twice. A few minor scratches may be found on close inspection. The body was stripped down to sheet metal prior to paint, and work on the fresh air ducts and parts of the front inner fenders has been carried out with good results according to the seller. The windscreen is new and the other windows are said to be in good condition. The chrome, moldings, headlight lenses and emblems are described as good with no real complaints.

Interior TMI interior with extra protective mats and new headliner which is correct but not show-fitted according to the seller. Controls and buttons are presented in good working condition. Speedwell wooden steering wheel fitted, original steering wheel included. Clock replaced by tachometer.

Tires and rims 17x7 rims with tires in dimension 195/40. Tread depth is estimated at approximately eighty percent remaining according to the seller.

Mechanics and function The engine is reported to be in good condition and runs as it should. The drivetrain has been upgraded with a later gearbox and 4.125 ratio. Brakes with discs at the front and drums at the rear are reported to be in good condition. The front suspension is shortened and can be raised and lowered. Note that there is no interior heating due to the design of the exhaust system.

Service history

In February 2026, an oil service and valve adjustment were performed. According to the seller, almost all the work was done by him himself, with the exception of the painting and the underbody work. Therefore, complete documentation is not available, but the painting and body work have been carried out externally. Any receipts and supporting documents that exist are included as presented at the viewing and in the car's document folder.

Summary

A Karmann Ghia coupé from 1962 that combines an early body with an upgraded drivetrain and chassis. The repaint in Porsche Macadamia brown metallic and the interior from TMI give a unified impression. The engine is a twin-port 1600 with dual Weber 40 carburetors and a stainless steel exhaust system, the electricity is 12 V and the front suspension is adjustable. The gearbox with a 4.125 ratio gives lower rpm at higher speeds. Note that there is no heating and that the zero kilometer odometer reading does not reflect total mileage. The car has been noted in enthusiast circles, including in the Volkswagen Historical Club's almanac and through a People's Choice award in 2026. An interesting alternative for those looking for a fun-to-drive and visually cohesive Karmann Ghia with well-chosen upgrades.