1973 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

Convertible

4 - Cyl.

Manual

1432622797

Gasoline

Up for auction is a VERY rare 1973 Karmann Ghia "Sport" model Cabriolet. This was a factory built, not dealer add on package and was done specifically for USA dealers on special order only. In 1972 VW announced the 1973 "Sport" beetles with special stripes, sport steering wheel and sport wheels. Volkswagen of America wanted the Karmann Ghia to have a sport model too, but VW of Germany was not offering one so they went straight to Ghia and asked for the Sport Ghia. Ghia developed the concept car and VWOA gave the green light and production began. After just a handful of cars were produced VW of Germany got wind of the special model and were angered because ALL models were to be authroized by VW of Germany and since the Ghia "Sport" was not, they ordered Ghia to cease production immediately. According to the experts, there were approximately 30 "Sport" models built with as few as 4-6 being made in convertible. I have added two pictures of the prototype from the Ghia Archives showing the developement of the model. When these were constructed at the factory the black stripes were all decals. These decals were applied UNDER the tops and moldings and headlight surrounds during the initial construction. All Karmann Ghia "Sport" models were painted "Pulsating Saturn Yellow" which was officially not offered on the Karmann Ghia and only offered on VW Beetles in the "Sport" Beetle package as paint code S714 with the "S" signifying "Sport". The VW parts catalogue for 1973 shows that for only 1973 the "Sport Wheel" option was available on Karmann Ghias as option M976. While all "Sport" model Ghias were "Pulsating Saturn Yellow" they also had the black wrap-around stripe with tips up to the headlights, black stripe between the chrome moldings, black rocker panels, sport steering wheel, and 15x4.5 rally wheels w/standard tires because the factory felt there may be tire clearance problems if they used the 15x5.5 wheels 175/70/15 tires from the sport bug. They were to have black trim & bumpers but did not due to the cost of having non chromed bumpers made VS using the hundreds of chromed ones already made up. There were no rear seats, only a fold down package tray and storage underneath. This particular car was with one owner for 30 years and has recently been brought to light. It still retains its original "sport" wheels and trim rings and very rare "sport" steering wheel. The interior is all original and in very good condition with no rips in the seats or door panels, clean carpets and only one crack in the dash. Mileage shows 64,321 but I have no way of knowing if that is original although it does seem possible. All guages work but the clock is only correct twice a day. The top is very nice with a good headliner. The engine was rebuilt 20,000 miles ago and yes there is a receipt. It starts easily, runs very well and does not burn any oil or make any unwanted noises. The engine is the original engine to the car (AK 153256) as is the transfer case. The car rides nice down the road but the tires are a little stiff from long term storage. The body is in good condition considering its age and there is some rust in the outer rockers and some minor bubbling in the lower rear quarters. The front nose is a "no hit" nose with all of its original welds and a clean front seam. The floor pans are excellent from the seats forward with two soft spots centered just behind the seats on the rear of the pan that are easily patchable and not bad at all as-is. All of the front suspension mounting points are clean and unrusted. The front bumper is original and in very good condition with excellent Chrome, the rear bumper is almost as nice. This car is also equiped with a rare fold down rear window WITH rear defroster. I have been told that the rear glass is quite valuable. Overall it is a good solid Karmann Ghia that is enjoyable in its present condition, but also worth a full restoration someday if the urge strikes to make it perfect due to its rarity. I know that is has been a pleasure to own something that makes most VW experts get excited seeing and having something that nobody else has at any show I've been to. Feel free to submit any questions you may have. On Jan-19-11 at 16:11:58 PST, seller added the following information: I've been asked about the extent of the engine build so I thought I would detail some of the information from the Invoice. The engine was rebuilt at 42,672 miles and the car now has 64,000 miles. Items listed in the parts section include rear trans mounts, Clutch disc, crankshaft, 1 set standard bearings, 1 set standard rod bearings, connecting rods, cam bearings, gasket set, set of pistons and cylinders, new dual port heads, push rod tubes, cam lifters, oil pump, cam shaft, oil pump cover, plugs, intake boots, bolts. And of course labor. This was several years ago but you can still see there are new parts on the engine like the cylinders. There is also a chrome kit on the engine that you can see in the pictures. I just added a picture of the full size cockpit tonneau cover that comes with the car in Excellent condition. The original Owner's maual is also with the car along with a tattered repair manual. I can also provide a tow bar for anyone that may wish to tow the car home. On Jan-20-11 at 14:23:34 PST, seller added the following information: Some additional pictures that were taken today on the beach, 1-20-11 have been added.