‘Good Karmann’ for Classic VWs at Shannons Melbourne Sale

June 18 2013

‘Good Karmann’ for Classic VWs at Shannons Melbourne Sale

• Sought-after Convertible offered with no reserve
• Believed to be a small-part film star
• One of two ‘no reserve’ classic VWs in the auction

A lovely dark green 1973 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Convertible that is believed to have made a fleeting appearance in the 1998 movie ‘Rush Hour’ starring Jackie Chan is looking for a new classic role at Shannons Melbourne Winter Auction on July 1.

For those with a memory for details, the stylish original left hand drive VW appears with its tan and fully-lined convertible hood erected, was in the scene where the diplomat’s daughter is stuck in a traffic jam while being chauffeured to school. That’s it!

It may not to be much to dine out on, but because of their pretty, uncluttered styling, early Karmann Ghia Cabrios were film favourites with many directors.

Uma Thurmann drove a powder blue convertible in one of the ‘Kill Bill’ movies, Mike Myers less charismatically cruised to his honeymoon in ‘So I Married an Axe Murderer’ in a red example and Maxwell Smart steered an early model through the opening credits of the first and second seasons of the ‘Get Smart’ TV series.

One Karmann Ghia tragic has prepared an on-line list of 40 films and TV series in which the ‘Barbarella of Beetles’ has appeared in!

Apart from its tenuous Jackie Chan connection, the late model Karmann Ghia Convertible in the Shannons Melbourne Winter Auction stands on its four-wheel merits.

The 1600cc, four-speed manual original left hand drive car with its matching tan interior and glass rear window, was one of 2,650 built in 1973 and according to Shannons presents in lovely condition.

It is offered for sale with no reserve and at its estimated selling price of $14,000-$18,000 would suit a collector with an obsessive interest in movies, or more practically, an enthusiast looking for a smart and practical classic to enjoy on a regular basis.

Also offered with no reserve in the auction is another classic VW from the same era –  a 1974 Beetle Superbug L Sedan, presented in striking Mellow Yellow and sitting on EMPI-style alloy wheels.

The Beetle is being sold to purchase a modern Volkswagen and is fitted with a modern Alpine sound system, making it a usable and head-turning classic at its expected selling price of $5,000-$8,000.

For more auction information contact: Christophe Boribon on (03) 8588 0809, or 13 4646 (Option 5), or to view auction results, visit www.shannons.com.au

Written by Alan Zurvas

Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.