Vehicle Details
- Year: 1971
- Make: Volkswagen
- Model: Karmann Ghia
- VIN: 1412536055
- Mileage Shown: 72,000mi (5-digit odometer)
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Registration
- Color: Red
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: Cumberland Center, ME 04021
- Country: United States of America
- Lot #: V-0061803
Styled in Italy by Carrozzeria Ghia with hand-built bodywork by Karmann in Germany, the Karmann Ghia is an air-cooled, rear-engine sports car based on the Volkswagen Beetle. This 1971 example reportedly underwent a frame-off restoration in 2004, including new paint, upholstery, and chrome plating. The previous owner purchased the car out of California in 2021 and performed an engine rebuild, increasing the displacement to 1,643 cc. Since the current owner’s acquisition here on PCARMARKET in September 2024, the car has been stored in a climate-controlled environment, with regular maintenance performed by a professional classic car mechanic. Accompanied by extensive documentation, this beautifully presented Karmann Ghia Coupe is now offered for auction out of Maine.
The Karmann Ghia features hand-shaped, butt-welded, and pewter-smoothed bodywork with distinctive rounded fenders. This 1971 Coupe was refinished in red with a contrasting black roof by Scott McCollum during a 2004 restoration. Larry Carlton of American Plating replated the chrome brightwork, and all glass and trim pieces were reportedly replaced. Chrome 15” wheels are mounted with new Vredestein Sport Classic tires installed in 2024. The exterior has been meticulously polished and treated with ceramic coating under prior ownership. Two minor imperfections are noted, including a small paint chip on the fuel filler door and a small bubble on the lower right of the driver’s door, both shown in the gallery.
Inside, the black vinyl upholstery was fully restored by Sam Young at Upholstery Unlimited, including a new dashboard, steering wheel, carpeting, upholstery, door panels, seat latches, trim pieces, gauges, and more. Accessories include black and red Coco floor mats, a chrome horn ring, three-point seatbelts, a heater, and a stereo with aftermarket speakers. The clock is not functioning, the rear license plate lights are currently inoperative, and the turn signal stalk does not return to its center position after use. However, a complete replacement turn signal stalk is included in the sale.
Power is delivered by an air-cooled flat-four engine driving the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual transaxle. The original engine block was replaced some time ago, and the engine was rebuilt with an upgraded 1,643 cc displacement by Young’s Old Volks Home of Bend, Oregon, under previous ownership. The rebuild also included a new carburetor and firewall insulation. Since the current owner’s acquisition, a professional classic car mechanic has installed new spark plugs, serviced the brakes with new flexible hoses, adjusted the calipers, and performed a full brake flush and bleed.
This sale will include owner’s manuals, a toolkit, a spare tire, a restored factory floor jack, a car cover, service records, a replacement turn signal stalk, and a registration.
The seller would like you to know: “Thank you for visiting my auction. I am selling this beautiful Karmann Ghia coupe on behalf of a good friend. He has owned the car for a little over a year and has cherished every 1,113 miles of his ownership. The car is in just as pristine condition (if not better) since he acquired it. The reason he's selling it is that he presently enjoys several air-cooled models and would like to vary his collection. I have personally driven this car on numerous occasions, and I'm always astounded by how well it handles and even accelerates for a car not traditionally known for its outright performance. It will comfortably cruise at highway speeds and easily keep up with traffic. Under previous ownership, it has won numerous 1st place awards and has been featured in several magazines (which will accompany the car). It's a gorgeous example of an iconic classic that can still win show awards while providing reliable and attention-getting cruising. I will be monitoring the auction closely to provide answers to any questions you may have. Good luck to all bidders!”
Auction Results
- Sold for: $23,700
- Auction End: Oct 03, 2025 06:51:36PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 12
Comments (19)
Sold for $23,700
Thank you Julean73 & Hualapai for your solid bids. Hualapai, I'm looking forward to being in touch with you through Pcarmarket...
Bid in the amount of $23,700
Bid in the amount of $22,750
Hello viewers and bidders and thank you for visiting the auction for this outstanding Ghia. I just spoke with the owner and THE RESERVE HAS BEEN LIFTED! This beautiful automobile will be selling today to the highest bidder. Good luck and please remember to refresh your browsers so you don't miss out.
Bid in the amount of $22,500
Bid in the amount of $21,000
Bid in the amount of $20,000
Bid in the amount of $18,500
Bid in the amount of $17,500
Bid in the amount of $15,500
Hello bidders, keep an eye on this auction as I've sent a cold-start video to Pcarmarket for posting...
@mcgrath554 - As the body-off restoration was done personally by a previous owner, I do not have photos of the work. However, I do have a substantially thick folder with all of the receipts for the parts that were purchased for the work being done. There will be a box full of receipts (all chronologically organized in separate folders) for the next owner to review all of the work and new parts that have been utilized in the restoration.
Do you have any receipts, photos, etc of the frame off that shows what was done to the chassis?
Bid in the amount of $15,000
Bidders, thank you for the early action on a very exceptional example of the classic Ghia. In addition to its pristine mechanical and cosmetic status, the engine and gearbox oil was changed just last May. The owner prides himself on acquiring only the best examples of the vehicles he finds desirable and then spares no expense in keeping them that way. Bid with confidence.
Bid in the amount of $12,000
Bid in the amount of $10,000
Bid in the amount of $1,000