Mint Exclusive: ’56 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Low-Light
The Karmann Ghia’s body panels were butt-welded, hand-shaped and smoothed with English pewter in a time-consuming process commensurate with higher-end manufacturers. For a volume manufacturer like VW, this was a a big statement to the quality and exclusivity they desired for their litle halo car. The first year VW sold Karmann Ghias, they managed a respectable 10,000 units. Production began in August 1955 in Osnabruck. VW historians raise your hand if you disagree that these Ghias were model year 1956. So folks, this Volkswagen Karmann Ghia we have today might actually be one of the first 10,000 ever built. What we do know about this particular vintage is that they are referred to as low-light cars because the headlights were set lower in the fenders and the front had smaller whiskers. By ’61 the headlights became a bit more pronounced. Today’s find is in very fine restored condition. We’ve seen the Karmann Ghia in person and the exterior finish is very good. The engine compartment is immaculate and the interior is very well done and appears to be in the appropriate cut & sew and color pattern for the period. It looks great in red and the wide white walls add a period look to it. Not necessarily a look we prefer but you can’t deny it looks kind of cute. The seller is one of our preferred listers, Mark at Hunting Ridge Motors. If you are interested, please give him a call for more information. The asking price is $47,900. We had a ’48 Type 1 Sedan (Beetle) last week for $46,000 and Type 2 (buses) for well over a hundred grand. Is the humble VW market heating up. Mark can be reached at (914) 217-4817.