This 1957 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is a “Lowlight” coupe that was registered in California before it was acquired by the selling dealer for a client on BaT in July 2024, and it was refurbished in Trout Blue over replacement blue leatherette upholstery with white piping. Powered by an air-cooled 1.2L flat-four paired with a four-speed manual transaxle, the car is equipped with 15″ steel wheels with bright hubcaps as well as an ISP West tachometer, driving lights, dual “pea shooter” exhaust outlets, and chrome bumpers with overriders. This Karmann Ghia coupe is now offered on consignment by the selling dealer, a BaT Local Partner, with a clean California title.

Built from 1955 to 1959, “Lowlight” models featured lower-set headlights along with smaller grilles and taillights. The selling dealer tells us that Trout Blue was selected to refinish the exterior after body repairs were performed during the refurbishment. Exterior details consist of pop-out rear quarter windows, driving lights, a driver-side mirror, a fender-mounted antenna, a vented decklid, and chrome bumpers with overriders. Replacement weather seals were installed following the repaint, and the doors and decklid sit proud of the body. Additional photos of the paint and trim condition are viewable in the gallery below.

The suspension was reverted to the stock ride height under current ownership. The 15″ steel wheels were refinished to match the body, and they feature chrome-finished VW-stamped hubcaps as well as trim rings. Traction is provided by Vredestein Sprint Classic tires.

The front bucket seats and folding rear bench were reupholstered in blue leatherette with white piping under current ownership, and they are complemented by color-coordinated carpet and door panels. Additional interior elements include a parcel shelf under the dashboard as well as a 12-volt charging outlet, replacement square-weave carpeting, and a fuel reserve flap. Flaws in the rearview mirror backing are shown in the photo gallery.

The ivory-colored two-spoke steering wheel fronts a 90-mph VDO speedometer, an ISP West tachometer, and a fuel-level gauge. The five-digit odometer shows 90k miles, a handful of which were added under current ownership. The selling dealer states the odometer reading is inaccurate, and the total mileage is unknown.

The air-cooled 1.2L flat-four features a single downdraft carburetor, a mechanical advance distributor, and a generator charging system. A replacement Bosch 12-volt ignition coil was installed under current ownership, and various engine bay components were reconditioned.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transaxle.