1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

Coupe Coupe

4 - Cyl.

Manual

147344942

Gasoline

Restored California Beauty: 1967 VW Karmann Ghia Coupé Originally conceived as an image builder for the nascent Volkswagenwerke AG and a welcome addition to the Karmann family of coachbuilt cars, the elegant Karmann Ghia has achieved cult car status, 55 years after its premiere. Over 440,000 units were built in Osnabrück; in 1967 alone exactly 19,361 Coupés were born. Nonetheless, well-kept examples are exceedingly hard to find. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) For various reasons, very few nice, unmolested examples of the vintage have survived. Almost four decades after production ceased, the merciless rust cancer truly has decimated the Karmann Ghia ranks. Being extremely tough and reliable mechanically, most were driven hard, year in and year out, until they finally succumbed. Not many people have attempted to properly restore a Karmann Ghia. Body restoration is complex and challenging and the cost of restoration almost always exceeds the value of the car. Thus, prices for fine, early examples have seen a constant rise, and rightfully so. After all, this is a coachbuilt German automobile with an Italo-American bloodline! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Designed by the world-famous Carozzeria Ghia in Turin, Italy (based on Virgil Exner's Chrysler dream car studies), and manufactured by Old-World craftsmen at Karmann Karosseriewerke in Osnabrück, the Sixty-seven is among the last of the classic Ghias. Equally important, it is the first one featuring the highly praised "1500" engine and factory installed dual-circuit braking system with front discs. The 1967 Karmann Ghia Coupe presented here, VIN *147344942* must be one of the finest cars of its kind in the country. Sold new at Jack Hathaway Volkswagen in San Luis Obispo, Calif., it has remained in the Golden State ever since. Its second owner of over 20 years, a resident of Summerland, Calif., decided to completely refurbish his cherished car in 1994, with the help of his neighbor, who happened to be a very competent restorer. Since being restored, the car has only been driven 6,443 miles, as indicated by the odometer. Sadly, the owner passed away recently, and his beloved toy is awaiting a new caretaker. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The restoration started with a $4,000.00 parts purchase at Karmann West. The car then was completely disassembled and its rust free body was repainted, inside and out. All new weatherstripping was installed. The mechanicals were rebuilt and refurbished. A new interior was fitted. In a nutshell: it was a true labor of love! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Numerous past registrations, as well as the original owner's manual, accompany the car. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view A perfect indicator of the overall health of a Karmann is its trunk compartment, as neglect manifest itself here first. Let's have a closer look! Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Just like a Pagoda Mercedes SL and Porsche 356, a Karmann Ghia features a one-piece front end that actually consists of six butt-welded smaller sections. Should a repair become necessary, it is almost impossible to align everything perfectly again, irrevocably impairing fit and finish of body panels. After inspecting the front trunk, we're happy to report that Karmann's vulnerable "nose" is in stellar condition, the car having never been involved in an accident. There's no body filler, no rust, just strong original sheet metal. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Karmann's coachwork remains in exceptionally nice condition. Shut lines are very good; doors don't sag, windows and hoods open and close nicely. This was a very nice California VW before it was restored, and 16 years later, it's still wonderfully preserved. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Pristine chrome disc brake wheels with correct hub caps are shod with excellent COOPER SPORT radial tires of the size 165-15. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) While we're down here, how about a quick close-up of the superbly preserved rocker panels. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Refinished Sand Beige during the restoration, the paint looks immaculate throughout, smooth and glossy. There are no dents, dings, scratches, rust bubbles, or any other imperfections you'd lose sleep over. Out on the road, this Ghia gets his fair share of admiring glances! Let's see if the interior is as nice as the exterior. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Karmann's cockpit exudes the simple elegance of the post-war era: a painted fascia, large steering wheel with metal horn ring, and the classic, chrome-rimmed VDO instruments. Ulike the basic VW sedan, a Ghia featured a gas gauge and a clock in addition to the speedometer. Amazingly, everything works, even the electro-mechanical clock! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Slim black dash top was replaced during restoration, looks pristine. Aside from the radial tires, the Kenwood stereo is the only upgrade and excursion into the '70s; we'd outsource an old Blaupunkt for the period look. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Original, very comfortable front seats, upholstered in a caramel leatherette, are in prime condition. There are original lap belts with chrome buckles and the VW logo decals for safety. The interior has been completely redone, and it certainly shows. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Correctly perforated, white headliner, new sun visors, even the neat interior light: every detail received its share of loving attention. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Very practical rear seat--yes, the Karmann is a full 4-seater--can be folded flat to create additional, fully carpeted luggage space, if needed. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Ready for a test drive? So are we, but before we take off, let's check out the engine compartment and undercarriage. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Engine bay looks very sanitary. The weak spot underneath the battery, where acid usually devours the sheet metal: here, it's 100% clean and rust free. The 1493cc flat four was just fitted with a new PCIT carb, it starts easily and runs like a Swiss watch. 44 lively, Teutonic horses are able to push the car to an advertised cruising speed of 86mph . . . with a bit of tail wind support, of course. Being a true VW, it runs, and runs, and runs . . . and keeps on running . . . Inspecting a Karmann's undercarriage is a must, for unpleasant surprises could lurk here in the dark! On this one, the floor pans look fabulous. There's none of the usual rust repair in evidence, none of the corrosion that's prone to weaken a Ghia's structural integrity. It's the proverbial dry California survivor, an exceedingly rare animal, to be sure! Everything has been nicely detailed; this one's ready to be shown with pride. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Detail shots of a perfect pan. Note dry engine and transaxle. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Friday, October 16, turned out to be a nice autummn day here in Ventura. Quite fond of the concept of combining Italian chic with German engineering, we took the K-G out for a spirited drive, first into the hills, then off to the Freeway, heading toward Ojai. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) This Karmann is one of the best-behaved Volkswagen products we ever had the pleasure of driving. It does everything with ease, like a well-mannered child that just got out of boarding school. Shifting is effortless, the car tracks straight as an arrow, and, thanks to the disc brakes, stops much better than you'd expect from a classic car. All lights, gauges, and switches work. It is such a delight to drive that we put almost a hundred miles on it, enjoying every single one of them! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) A trip back in time, we'd unquivocally state that everything was better, 43 years ago. Cars were lighter, nimbler, and provided more fun per mile (and more mpg) than today's bloated, plastic appliances. VW certainly got it right with the Ghia. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) We were cruising happily on the freeway at--and even beyond--the legal speed limit. The engine sounds great and doesn't show the slightest sign of discomfort, even at full song. Long before wind tunnel testing, the Italians knew how to make a car look beautiful and slippery--and Professor Porsche knew how to make his engines last. The 43-year-old VW certainly is able to keep up with modern day traffic, on a daily basis, if you so desire. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) In many ways, the Karmann Ghia provides an affordable alternative to the Porsche 356. Speaking of cost of operation, a vintage VW is very likely the most economical of all classic cars. With its fresh engine, transmission, and electrical system, there are no repair bills to be anticipated for a long time to come. Remember, a VW runs and runs and runs . . . its build quality is exceptional, its beauty and sex appeal incomparable, its provenance beyond reproach. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Returning home, we are very impressed by this Karmann's performance. Plus, wherever we went, folks admired, even loved, this car, making us proud to be the caretakers of such a rare, early Ghia. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Buy the best car you can find (and afford): it's an old adage, yet so very true when it comes to Karmann Ghias. Here's a superb example for your consideration. It needs nothing but an appreciating new owner! You are most welcome and encouraged to view this fine automobile in Ventura, by appointment, during the auction, or have someone inspect it for you. Please, direct all inquiries to bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at (805) 653-5551. TERMS OF THIS SALE By bidding in this auction, you declare that you have read and accept the Terms of this Sale as outlined below. If you have any questions, please ask them before you bid. After the auction has ended, the sale is final. Please, only bid on this car if you are serious about owning it and have the necessary funds readily available! We require payment of the full amount within 7 days of the end of the auction. The car comes with a clear California Certificate of Title. It is smog exempt and sold "as is, where is" with no warranty stated or implied. Mileage stated above is the current odometer reading. License plates shown for photographic purposes only. You fully understand that you are not bidding on an "option to buy" this vehicle. You bid to own! There are no contingencies. We ship worldwide. For more information about Californiaclassix, please click on the link below: About Auction Presentation, Image Hosting, & Copyright © 1999-2010 by Californiaclassix.com™. All Rights Reserved. Californiaclassix.com™ is a Registered Trademark. In compliance with eBay's Rules and Regulations, no part of this presentation may be reproduced without written permission of the author. E-mail inquiries to the webmaster@californiaclassix.com.