One of just a handful of surviving Type 341 Karmann Ghia Cabriolet prototypes will make a rare appearance in the UK at the VolksWorld Show, which takes place at the South of England Showground on March 23
A dozen such prototypes were made by Karmann of Osnabrück, one of which stunned journalists when it made a surprise appearance alongside the new Type 3 1500 Coupé at the September 1961 Frankfurt Auto Show, and it’s thought only five or six still exist.
However, what makes this example particularly interesting is the fact that while all the others were white, this one was originally finished in glorious Pacific Blue. The vehicle belongs to the world-famous Grundmann Collection in Germany and has undergone a restoration that involved extensive welding as well as returning it to its original colour; it had been repainted a nondescript metallic mid-blue previously.
“We saved it from being scrapped and it was the last prototype made, number 12,” said Christian Grundmann. “Unusually, it was the only blue one. Moreover, it actually served as a company car for the Karmann family which makes it even more special.”
Sadly, despite arguably being one the most elegant and sophisticated Volkswagens ever, the Type 3 Karmann Ghia Cabriolet never made it into production. However, this one will take a rare outing from its Lower Saxony home across the Channel to West Sussex, giving VW enthusiasts an opportunity to see the car in all its beauty.
For more information and to book tickets, visit our dedicated show page here
