The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia was hardly known for its resistance to rust. Quite the opposite — they disappeared rapidly in the salty slush of Swedish roads during the 1960s and 1970s. “Practically self-destructing,” as our inspector Mårten Carlsson somewhat unkindly puts it.
That is why it is extremely unusual to find a Karmann Ghia that has survived without extensive bodywork, welding and a repaint.
But the black convertible purchased by home-textile salesman Bengt Meijer from Scania-Bilar in Gothenburg in December 1971 is the exception that proves the rule.
And that is probably largely thanks to Mr Meijer himself. During the 24 years he used the car, he covered less than 5,000 kilometres per year, drove it only during the summer months and cared for it meticulously. It is even said that when he took the car out to the coast, a canvas cover would be stretched above it to protect it from the sun’s fading rays.
After Bengt Meijer passed away, a new owner took over in 1996. He kept the car for 23 years and covered just 4,000 kilometres. In total. The current owner has had the car since 2019 and has likewise driven it very little.
This is why inspector Mårten Carlsson uses superlatives such as “unique”, “fantastic original condition” and “exceptionally fine underneath”. He describes a car that retains its original paintwork, with straight and well-preserved bodywork and panel gaps, an underside that has been rustproofed several times, and an interior that still looks much as it did in 1972.
Of course, it would benefit from an inspection of the brakes, hoses and seals — components that inevitably suffer with age. A polish and a thorough cleaning of the upholstery are also among the enjoyable jobs that a new owner can, and probably should, take on.
The original registration plates issued during Sweden’s registration-system change in 1973 are still fitted to the car and remain undamaged. Also included is its original Gothenburg registration plate from the car’s first year: O 75000.
Bidding on this remarkable survivor from Osnabrück ends on 7 October, and the car is valued at between SEK 350,000 and SEK 400,000.
To the auction: https://bilwebauctions.se/en/oktoberauktion-1-2026/volkswagen-typ-14-karmann-ghia-convertible-1600-55384
