1973 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

CONVERTIBLE Convertible

4 - Cyl.

Manual

1432622834

Gasoline

Please note that experience shows us that the photobucket of over fifty large pixel pictures posted here are in most cases best viewed and downloaded using the very latest and most updated version of the 'Firefox' browser as some other browsers and especially older browser versions are not capable of accommodating the size of the download. Over the years our clients have overwhelmingly been appreciative of our many unaltered large pixel photos posted in our ads and our feedback has been that it is very rare that a seller will post all but the most flattering of photographs. We prefer to expose the complete roll of film taken of the car, in sometimes unflattering but natural sunlight, in order for our prospective buyers to be able to see true and reliable images of the car advertised and that is the reason for some seemingly duplicated shots. We trust you will agree. West Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely exceptional and great daily driving example of this 1973 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Convertible with only 63K original miles! We have been informed by some enthusiasts that this car is one of the rare 'Sports Ghia' models, the only special edition Ghia built through the production run and an American package which was called 'The Welcome to Spring Package'. Apparently there are less than six that have been identified from the original production run! The original black stripe kit and correct wheels are missing but otherwise the car is 'all there'! There are plenty of blogs on the model available online including on 'The Samba' but here are some of the basics: In 1973 the Karmann Ghia's sales were slumping due to more sophisticated competition and a mostly outdated platform. VW of America (VWoA) wanted to try to increase sales for the Karmann Ghia and produce a limited 'Sports Edition' run of the Ghia that was similar to the 'Sports Bug'. The 'Sports Bug' was a special edition Beetle sold in 1973 in either 'Saturn Yellow' or 'Marathon Silver' with a black stripe kit, rallye wheels, special Recaro styled seats and a thick padded sports steering wheel. VW (VWAG) of Germany killed the 'Sports Ghia' shortly after its production started due to internal politics and consequently there were only a very few built and there is little factory documentation on these cars. These models were built in coupe and convertible forms and only sold in the U.S.A. and they were all painted 'Saturn or Sunshine Yellow' with a black stripe kit, shared the same wheels and steering wheel as the 'Sports Bug' but they did not get the Recaro seats. In 1957, the VW Karmann coachwork Osnabruck's assembly line built 105 Karmann Ghia Convertibles which was a landmark design of it's day in ragtop simplicity compared to contemporary British roadsters! VW advertising made much about Karmann's almost hand construction methods, which included filling, filing and sanding all seams before painting. A delicate blend of old-world German craftmanship and Italian soul, this car proved that sports cars were as much about style and grace as they were about performance and almost twenty years later on 7/31/1974, when VW halted production, it had proved to be one of the all-time best selling and most loved sports cars in the world. This particular example is an original southern California always rust free car which was treated about four years ago to a full exterior repaint in its original factory Yellow color paint, but without the black stripe kit being replaced, and the car was given all new rubber seals and new chrome bumpers! The engine was dropped and serviced and the convertible soft top, front suspension, brakes and wheel cylinders were all replaced too! The carburetors and the electrical system were recently overhauled too. Owned for over 20 years by only its second southern California owner, it is also extremely rare in that it still retains its all original interior which is in fabulous condition throughout for its age. This particular car must be seen and driven to be fully appreciated - a seriously striking example which turns heads wherever she goes! The engine is extremely strong and responsive with excellent oil pressure and no noticeable oil leaks and which sounds absolutely magnificent and the transmission shifts smoothly through all the gears and the engine temperature always remains cool. The car is also extremely rare in that it proudly boasts its original floor pans and indeed has probably rarely seen rain, apart from the very unusual Los Angeles sprinkle it received whilst having its photos taken last week! This must be one of the nicest rust free examples available anywhere of this increasingly collectible and desirable of late model Karmann Ghia convertibles with only 63K original miles in it's original and highly striking original color combination in turn-key ready daily driving, daily head-turning, and daily appreciating condition! VIN: 1432622834 For further information contact West Coast Classics through Ebay. WEST COAST CLASSICS, LLC Please note: TERMS OF SALE: YOU BID TO OWN: This vehicle is being sold by West Coast Classics, LLC; we are licensed and bonded vehicle dealers in the state of California. Please note that all vehicles sold to be registered in the state of California will be charged California sales tax on the final EBay sales price and any required DMV licensing, smog, documentation and registration fees. If leaving the state or country, the vehicle must be picked up by a professional licensed auto transportation company that can provide a bill of lading, otherwise California sales tax will be charged. (All licensed auto transport companies provide these). Any out of the state and international buyers will upon completion of the sale be sent by FEDEX the title and bill of sale for the vehicle and will be personally responsible for any sales tax and licensing and registration fees in their home state or province. All bids are legal and binding contracts to purchase the vehicle and by bidding you are hereby entering into a legal and binding contract to purchase the vehicle and agreeing to accept and abide by these terms of sale: Mechanical inspections welcomed; if you wish to inspect the vehicle you must do so before bidding; upon request seller will be happy to deliver the vehicle to a local Santa Monica mechanic of your choice for your prepaid inspection before the reserve price is met. Once the reserve price is met this vehicle is to be considered sold in ‘as is, where is’ condition to the highest bidder with no guaranties or warranties implied or given. Please have all funds available before bidding as a $1,000 non-refundable deposit is required from the winning bidder within 48 hours (2 business days) of auction end; an immediate $500 non-refundable deposit is required through Ebay’s Paypal service to end the auction early if the "Buy it now" option is exercised and the balance in full is due within ten days of auction end in any case. In the case these terms of sale are not met seller reserves the right to either re-list the vehicle or offer the vehicle to the next highest bidder. Seller reserves the right to end the auction at any time before the reserve price is met. Payment by bank wire transfer, cash in person or cashiers check only. All inspections must be done prior to bidding. The non-refundable deposit in the amount of $1,000 is due within 48 hours of the auction end via bank wire transfer or cashier's check via overnight mail. The full payment must be completed within 10 days regardless of a pick up date. In the event the deposit is not posted within the required period of time, the vehicle will be offered for sale to the next subsequent high bidder or relisted for sale. This is to be considered an absolute sale and the buyer is required to comply with all of my conditions in these terms of sale. By placing a bid and winning the auction you hereby agree to abide completely with these terms of sale and the terms of sale are to be considered a legal and binding purchase agreement. Once again, please note that there are no inspections to be made after the auction ends - please be sure to complete any inspection before bidding. The Seller reserves the right to cancel any bid at any time and to end the auction early for any reason. The seller makes every effort to describe in detail any known flaws in the vehicle and includes many detailed and recent photos of the vehicle. The mileage on the vehicle is correct at the time of listing but obviously subject to minor changes necessary to complete delivery of the vehicle to the buyer and test drives etc. Please note that all used vehicles, especially classic and older vehicles, are by definition unique and complex and their condition, for better or worse, must always be considered a subjective opinion to each individual. Therefore the seller shall not be responsible for the absolute correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no guaranties or warranty in connection therewith. Vehicles are sold with one master key unless otherwise stated. Vehicles are sold with handbooks and manuals only if stated in the advertisement. No allowance will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value of the vehicle before bidding and to bid based upon that judgment solely. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs whatsoever regardless of any oral or written statements about the vehicle. Good luck and thanks for your interest!