Original details were hard to find about this 1962 beauty, but we tracked them down! From obtaining the VW of Germany issued birth certificate of authenticity, to using NOS leatherette upholstery and convertible headliner material, we restored it as close to factory spec as possible. The results were super fantastic!
After
This Ghia went on to win the following:
Best In Show, 2006 SEVWA Competition
Best in Show
1st Place, Ghia Convertible Stock, All Years, 2005 BUGOUT Manassas, VA
First Place
After
We replaced the right rear inner and outer quarter panels and addressed small rust spots on the front fenders and rear trunk lid. See the before shots.
After
After
We repainted it the original L397 Lavender color–available for Ghias from the dealer from Aug 60’ – July 62’. The interior dash and door panels are all original, including paint, panels, and accessories.
Original Door Panels
Dash
We returned the original wheels to their factory color, L288 Bermuda White.
Factory Color Wheels
The interior was completely restored, starting with authentic German square weave in beige. We took extra care to seam around the shifter knob and heater lever, which turned out to be a nice finishing detail.
German square weave in beige - shifter knob and heater lever
Next, we recovered the front & rear seats in German VW NOS K357 Silver Beige leatherette upholstery, heat seam sealed to original fold specifications.
Interior Leather
The convertible top is an exact replica using German Mercedes canvas (as close as possible to the original M576 Violet Blue) and NOS headliner. The rear window was recreated using the original top window as a pattern.
Convertible top and rear window
Tags: After Photos, award winning, convertible, Ghia, Karmann Ghia, Restoration
Transporterwerks' Project Blog 
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