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All advertised prices exclude tax, license, smog, registration & any other related government fees. Exclusive Motorcars is not responsible for any typographical errors in this listing, all vehicles are subject to prior sale. |
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*** FOR SALE AT RUSSO AND STEELE AUCTION IN MONTEREY, CA THIS MONTH *** This unique racecar is the product of one collector's longtime dream to tastefully crossbreed the elegant appearance of a Karmann Ghia with the powerful engineering of a Porsche 356 Speedster. Beginning its life as a standard 1967 Karmann Ghia, this car was built at coachbuilder Karmann's Osnabruck, Germany factory with the celebrated design penned by Italian styling house Ghia. Following its export to the United States, this car was acquired by a Colorado collector who drove it lovingly for many years. Like many ardent enthusiasts, this collector long prized the Karmannn Ghia's outstanding good looks, but lamented the underwhelming performance offered by its stock VW running gear. What if, he wondered, the more powerful engine and delicate details of a Porsche 356 Speedster were merged with the Ghia's clean lines and beautiful proportions? The owner's first step was retaining close friend Tom Conway, a former Carrera Panamerica race driver who has specialized in the restoration, rebuild and upgrade of classic Porsches since 1962. Starting with the body, Mr. Conway chopped off the coupe's roof, reshaped the nose with a splitter and period chin spoiler, and lengthened the wheel wells to resemble those of a Speedster. A rollbar and full cage were added to reinforce the structural integrity and ensure safety driver during racing. Mr. Conway then integrated some classic Porsche components, such as a Speedster windshield, headlights and bezels, and a 356 rear lid engine vent. Proper 356 brakes and suspension components were installed, as was an engine from a 1968 Porsche 912. The 1,582 cc 912 motor was chosen because it is the ultimate evolution of Porsche's classic 4-cylinder case, and is therefore not only more reliable and ideally sized for the Karmann Ghia's rear engine compartment, but also a direct descendant of the 4-cylinder units used in the 356. Mr. Conway also undertook some performance-enhancing modifications of the engine, upgrading the unit with a reinforced flywheel, boring it out for a greater displacement of 1,720 cc, and fitting it with forged pistons and barrels as well as a 356C crankshaft. A K & N air filter was added to feed the Solex carburetors, and all components were properly weight balanced for ideal operation. Mr. Conway furthermore tweaked the Ghia's transmission, creating a close-ratio gearbox that delivers surprising torque and devilishly quick 0-60 mph sprints. Cosmetic considerations included fitting the interior with proper 356 instruments, a late 356 shifter, and Corbeau racing seats. In total, Mr. Conway's exacting work took four years and over $60,000 of investment. Following the car's completion, the owner surprisingly never raced the car, preferring to save it for occasional high speed drives and presentation among his collection. Eventually the owner pared his collection, and this one-of-a-kind racecar was sold to Michael Hammer, a devoted collector of fine automobiles more widely known as the heir to the Armand Hammer fortune. Mr. Hammer added a few minor touches to the car's livery that reflect his possession, most notably the instantly recognizable Armand Hammer logo decal, which accompanies race decals such as a Mobil Oil Pegasus and a Porsche Stuttgart horse emblem. Like its original owner, Mr. Hammer was captivated by this car's arresting presentation and unique take on the Porsche/Karmann Ghia relationship, but declined to extensively race it. Thus, despite its significant investment and ownership by top names in the collector car niche, this car still features only 3,500 miles on its odometer. Displaying a warm patina to its exceptionally detailed red paint, this powerful Karmann Ghia Speedster Special features a removable hood with pins, Minilite wheels, and Raydyot side mirrors. Its Solex carburetors have recently been rebuilt, ensuring flawless mechanical performance and breathtak
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| Item Number: 1069206
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| Mileage: 3500
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| Price: Call for price
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| Stock#: 147066047 |
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Vin#: 147066047
Get a History Report |
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| Exterior: Red |
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| Interior: Black
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| Body Style: Convertible
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| Engine: 4
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| Transmission: Manual
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| Make: Volkswagen
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| Model: Other Model
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