1959 Low-Light Karmann Ghia Coupe Matching Numbers Known History Barn Find

1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe

OVERVIEW: This is a true numbers-matching Low-Light Karmann Ghia with known history. This wonderful car would be an outstanding candidate for concourse-quality restoration, or it could be used as a daily driver with a bit of work. Opportunities to acquire Low-Light Ghias with great pedigrees like this do not come up often anymore. There is not a “buy-it-now” price and please do not ask for the reserve -- we want to let the auction run until the end to be fair.

STIFTUNG AUTOMUSEUM VOLKSWAGEN ZERTIFIKAT: As seen in the pictures, the Volkswagen birth certificate and supporting letters come with the car. The certificate and letters confirm that it retains its original engine. This car was born in the rare and beautiful color combination of L241 Bamboo body paint, L318 deep green roof paint, L41 black wheel rim, L241 bamboo wheel disc, and two-tone green grey/green interior. I have seen only one other Ghia in this color combination and it was spectacular. It also came with M355 US-Equipment, M139 sealed-beam headlamps and red rear lamp lenses, and M951 exterior rear-view mirror. We hope that the winning bidder sees the potential in this car and performs a Pebble-Beach quality restoration on it.

HISTORY - FIRST OWNER: Based on our research and information provided by the previous owner, we learned that this Ghia was purchased new in Germany by a University of Florida research physicist. He had emigrated from Germany to Miami in the 1930s and moved to Gainesville Florida in 1937. We believe he took delivery of the car new in Mannheim Germany in the summer of 1959 while on holiday. Shortly thereafter he imported the car to Gainesville Florida where it remained for 59 years until present-day.

HISTORY - SECOND OWNER: The second owner was a University of Florida professor of Astronomy who purchased the car on September 3, 1970 and owned it until we were lucky enough to find it six months ago. This car is still accompanied by its 1970 Florida title and comes with a full file of maintenance receipts. The odometer currently reads 84,107 and the previous owner said it is correct. Sometime in the 80’s he had the car painted pale blue and had the blue interior installed. He also had the engine rebuilt in the 90’s but drove it very little after that.

MECHANICAL: The engine could probably use some fine-tuning, but it runs well, idles smoothly, and does not overheat. The brakes and clutch feel good and the gearbox shifts well through all the gears. This car sat for quite a few years, so the tires and battery were no good when we found it. We had the original wheels professionally sandblasted and painted before installing five brand-new tires. We also cleaned the fuel system and installed a new battery. This car retains its original 6-volt system. The steering and suspension feel good on the road.

BODY / FLOORS / FRAME / PAINT: The floors, body, and trunk appear to be original and have typical rust as would be expected. The front hood and doors open, close, and latch properly and are in pretty good alignment. The engine lid opens, closes, and latches properly, but the alignment is slightly off. The nose appears to be undamaged and the spare wheel well has only minor rust. The paint is old and worn, and it has various chips, scratches and dings.

INTERIOR / CHROME: The interior is old but is still usable. The chrome and bumpers appear to be original and need to be redone.

GAUGES / ELECTRICAL: The speedometer and odometer are in good working order. The original clock still works excellent. The fuel gauge works but I don’t think the reading is completely accurate so it probably could use a new sending unit (which is easy to install.) Some lights work but some do not. The radio is not working and is missing the knobs and faceplate.

TITLE TRANSFER AND PAPERWORK: I am a long-time classic car hobbyist and a licensed Florida car dealer (Classic Investment Motorcars Inc.) This means that you must complete the required sales and title transfer forms with me, which can be done in person or through the mail. The car cannot be released until I have received all completed paperwork and payment in full.

DOCUMENTATION FEE: A flat fee of $100 is charged on all vehicle purchases to help cover postage, paperwork, vehicle preparation, and other costs. Please understand that this fee cannot be waived. This fee applies regardless of whether you are an individual or a dealer.

SALES TAX: If the vehicle is shipped out of Florida by common carrier or freight forwarder I will not need to collect sales tax (you will take care of that where you live.) If you live in Florida, or pick up the car in Florida, then I am required to collect applicable sales tax and tag/title fees. If you live in another state and pick up the car here, most states will give you credit for the sales tax I collect (in this case the sales tax rate will be the lesser of 6% or the rate that applies to you in your state.) Please feel free to contact me before bidding to find out how the tax rules will apply for your individual state.

DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT: A $500 non-refundable PayPal deposit is due within 24 hours of the end of the listing. The balance must be paid by cash, cashier’s check, or wire transfer within seven days. All cashier’s checks must clear my bank before the vehicle can be released. If the buyer does not pay in accordance with these requirements, I may, at my option, make second-chance offers or re-list/remarket the vehicle and the deposit will be forfeited by the buyer.

SHIPPING: Arranging and paying for shipping is the responsibility of the buyer. We are happy to cooperate with any shipping company you choose, domestic or international. We may also be able to help you arrange shipping at a good price, but the responsibility will remain with you.

THIS VEHICLE IS BEING SOLD AS-IS, WHERE-IS, WITH NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. Please feel free to come inspect the car in person or to have it inspected by a third-party inspection service. Cars are shown by appointment only, but we are available most days. Please note that if you are the winning buyer you will have entered into a binding contract to complete the purchase in accordance with eBay rules. The sale location is Bell, Florida, Florida law governs, and venue lies exclusively in Gilchrist County, Florida.

Please feel free to call me at 352-283-0268 or email me through eBay if you would like additional information.

• Make: Volkswagen
• Model: Karmann Ghia
• SubModel: Low Light
• Type: Coupe
• Trim: Coupe
• Year: 1959
• Mileage: 84,107
• VIN: 2490472
• Color: Blue
• Engine size: 30 DIN-PS 1.2 Litre
• Number of cylinders: 4
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Transmission: Manual
• Drive type: RWD
• Interior color: Blue
• Drive side: Left-hand drive
• Vehicle Title: Clear
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