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1973 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia L

1973 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia L – 31,600 miles – photo 1 of 164
1973 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia L – 31,600 miles – photo 2 of 164
Exterior
1973 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia L – 31,600 miles – photo 97 of 164
Interior
1973 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia L – 31,600 miles – photo 142 of 164
View All (164)
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Specs

Mileage
31,600
Transmission
Manual
Drive
LHD
Colour
BROWN
Engine Size
1600 cc
Location
London, UK
VIN
1442080908
Buyer's Premium
6% of the winning bid or offer inc. VAT. Minimum of £500 and a maximum of £5,000.

Description

SB's Take

  • This Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is a fine example of the marque’s 1970s coupé, presented in BMW Sepang Bronze with a contrasting white roof and Tan Tartan interior
  • Powered by a 1600cc twin-port AD-code engine with a 4-speed synchromesh manual transmission
  • Registered Historic Vehicle - exempt from ULEZ, MOT, and Road Tax
First unveiled in the mid-1950s, the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia quickly established itself as one of the most stylish interpretations of VW’s air-cooled platform. By 1973, the model had evolved into its final form, pairing timeless Italian-inspired design with Volkswagen’s proven engineering. SB is thrilled to be offering this particular example; a non-US specification car, imported into the UK in 1983, and now proudly registered as a Historic Vehicle. Finished in BMW Sepang Bronze Metallic with a contrasting white roof, the car presents a subtle yet striking presence. The colour combination accentuates the Ghia’s flowing lines, while the offsetting Tan Tartan interior adds a unique and characterful touch to the cabin. Mechanically, the car retains what we believe to be its original 1600cc twin-port AD-code engine, paired with twin carburettors for improved breathing and drivability. Power is delivered through Volkswagen’s fully-synchronised 4-speed manual Type 1 gearbox, offering a classic air-cooled driving experience that is both engaging and dependable. This mechanical combination is widely regarded as one of the most usable and robust setups in the Karmann Ghia’s long production run. Having resided in the UK for over four decades, this Ghia benefits from Historic Vehicle registration, providing low emission exemption, road tax and MOT exemption under current DVLA rules.
The seller will endeavour to answer any questions via the Comments section below but would like remind interested parties that this is indeed a Historic vehicle so mightn't have all answers to hand. The car is perfectly usable and presentable in its current form with scope for the next owner to carry out light re-commissioning should they so choose. The Reserve price has been set very sensibly and must be regarded as one of the best-valued Karmann Ghia's in the UK right now.

Key Equipment

  • BMW Sepang Bronze metallic exterior with offsetting white Coloured roof
  • Tan Tartan interior with white dashboard
  • Original 1600c Twin Port (AD) Engine
  • Twin Carb Setup
  • Original 4-speed Manual (Fully Synchronised Type 1)
  • T-Handle gear shift
  • IRS (Independent Rear Suspension)
  • Atlas Portawall 15" whitewall tyres
  • Slot mag wheels with VW crested centre caps included in the sale (see photos)
  • Narrowed Beam
  • Non-US spec
  • Kenwood Bluetooth Headunit
  • Rockford Fosgate Power Speakers and Subwoofer
  • US Style front and rear bumper
  • Headlight mesh grilles
  • Venetian Rear Blind
  • Interior Basket

Condition

  • As with all items listed on Shooting Brake, buyers are encouraged to examine closely all photos contained within the photo gallery
  • The BMW Sepang Bronze metallic paint, resprayed in 2022, remains in good condition overall, though some surface bubbling is visible in various areas (see photos)
  • There are some stone chips and minor age-related marks present, commensurate with the vehicle’s age
  • Inside, the Tan tartan interior presents well, with no visible rips or tears and only minimal signs of wear
  • The Atlas Portawall 15" whitewall tyres have remaining tread but could benefit from being replaced at the next owner's discretion

Service History

  • First registered with the DVLA in September 1983
  • Registered with the DVLA as a Historic Vehicle, making it exempt from ULEZ, MOT, and annual road tax
  • The seller advises that there is very little service history available, though some recent work has been captured in the photo section

Summary

Whether admired for its hand-built coachwork by Karmann, its heritage within the VW family, or its sheer charm as a weekend classic, this 1973 Karmann Ghia is a car that stands out both on the show field and on the open road. It represents an opportunity to acquire a distinctive and well-presented example - with scope for improvements - of Volkswagen’s enduring coupé with a Reserve price that has been set very sensibly. Buyers should bid with confidence.

Finally, all cars on Shooting Brake are run through a 3rd party online vehicle checker, MotorSpecs (note, this does not include a mileage history check). This particular vehicle throws up no insurance claims for damage or theft and has no outstanding finance owing. Nonetheless, we strongly encourage all bidders to undertake their own due diligence prior to placing any bid. It is entirely reasonable for any classic or enthusiast vehicle to have undergone cosmetic repairs that could otherwise go undetected from the provided photos or by any in-person inspection. Unless the seller explicitly states otherwise, assume that any vehicle or item listed may have undergone bodywork or paintwork at some point. Additionally, photographs may not accurately represent the vehicle’s true overall condition. It is the bidder’s responsibility to verify the condition, and any past repairs - including bodywork or paintwork - before placing a bid or making a purchase. If you have any questions or queries, please use the Comments section to firstly ask the Seller directly before placing any bids. Shooting Brake tries to portray the item listed as accurately as possible through detailed questions asked to the seller but would like to remind users that all vehicles are sold as seen and, as per all goods purchased at auction, there is a No Return policy. Please see our Terms and Conditions for more details.
Exterior Photos
1973 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia L – 31,600 miles – photo 1 of 1641973 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia L – 31,600 miles – photo 2 of 1641973 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia L – 31,600 miles – photo 3 of 1641973 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia L – 31,600 miles – photo 4 of 164
Interior Photos
1973 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia L – 31,600 miles – photo 97 of 1641973 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia L – 31,600 miles – photo 98 of 1641973 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia L – 31,600 miles – photo 99 of 1641973 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia L – 31,600 miles – photo 100 of 164
Mechanical & Docs
1973 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia L – 31,600 miles – photo 142 of 1641973 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia L – 31,600 miles – photo 143 of 1641973 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia L – 31,600 miles – photo 144 of 1641973 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia L – 31,600 miles – photo 145 of 164
Watch

Specs

Mileage
31,600
Transmission
Manual
Drive
LHD
Colour
BROWN
Engine Size
1600 cc
Location
London, UK
VIN
1442080908
Sold
£10,500
Buyer's Premium
6% of the winning bid or offer inc. VAT. Minimum of £500 and a maximum of £5,000.
Sold
£10,500