Single-Family-Owned 1963 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe

Description

The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia was, and still is, the ideal car for someone looking to blend the simple underpinnings of the Beetle with the bodywork of a sporting coupe or convertible. The model's long-term popularity was ensured by continuous upgrades, which involved improved piston ring designs, carburetor pumps, and heat exchangers for the 1963 model year. This fun-loving car had an increased appeal as it was available as a sporty Coupe or an exciting open-air Convertible. An extensive network of dealers and workshops meant service was never far away. Even today, numerous aftermarket suppliers ensure these delightful Volkswagens' continued popularity and ease of service.

Highlights

• Desirable Coupe specification featuring wider finned front grilles and higher-positioned rounded taillights introduced in 1961      

• Benefits from single-family ownership from new – the consignor’s father purchased the car via Wolff Motors in San Diego, California in 1963 

• The air-cooled flat-four was reportedly bored out to 1,400 cc in 1976 (the displacement it retains today) and rebuilt in 1983 at 107,040 miles

• Restored to an exacting standard in 2016 by House of Ghia in Salem, Oregon while retaining its unrestored original dashboard, gauges, steering wheel, steering column, radio, and shift knob

• Exterior was refinished in period-correct Ruby Red with a black hardtop to match the original body-color dashboard

• Consignor reports that the floor pans and heater channels are original and fully intact

• Accompanied by its original window sticker, original 1963 sale contract and receipt, service log, and restoration invoices

• This Karmann Ghia Coupe is offered with the five-digit odometer currently showing just over 63,000 miles at the time of listing, however, the true mileage is unknown

Features

• 15-inch white-finished steel wheels with chrome covers

• Chrome front and rear bumpers 

• Chrome exterior trim

• Padded dash

• Dual sun visors

• Driver’s side exterior rearview mirror

• Electric windshield wipers

• Floor-mounted shifter

• Bucket seats with headrests 

• Door map pockets

• Front seat passenger grab handle 

• Push-button radio

• Lockable glovebox 

• Courtesy light

• Heater

• Lap belts

• Carpeted luggage area

• Manual roll-up windows

• Dual chrome exhaust outlets 

Known Imperfections

• Light patina on the original dashboard, gauges, steering wheel, steering column, radio, and shift knob

• Two small dents in the left-rear chrome wheel trim

Included

• Original window sticker

• Original 1963 sale contract and receipt

• Service log

• Restoration invoices

• Tool roll

• Spare tire

Ownership History

The consignor’s father purchased the Karmann Ghia Coupe new in 1963 at Wolff Motors in San Diego, California, where it was used as his daily driver until 1978. The car continued to be enjoyed on Sunday drives until 1991 when it was placed in storage. The Volkswagen emerged from storage in 2016 and received a concours-quality restoration at House of Ghia in Salem, Oregon. The freshly-restored car remained in Seattle, Washington until 2022 when it was relocated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Optional vehicle service contract available for $1,000. Learn more about the program here. *Sales tax may be applicable.