1974 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

LAST YEAR MADE Convertible

AIR COOLED

Manual

Clear

Gasoline

JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS! 1974 VW KARMANN GHIA CONVERTIBLE--LAST YEAR MADE CAR HAS ABSOLUTELY NO BODY WORK ANYWHERE PAINT IS ORIGINAL ON ENTIRE CAR--AN INCREDIBLY RARE FIND THIS IS THE MOST SOUGHT AFTER COLOR COMBINATION PRODUCED If you are reading this ad, you know how rare it is--almost impossible--to find a Ghia that has not been altered from its original finish or eaten up with rust, etc. All of the ads will describe cars that have been 'completely restored' or with 'one, or more, re-sprays'. With those cars, it is a matter of time until you see the return of the damage that was previously covered up. This is your chance to own one of the only remaining Ghia's whose body has not been altered or painted since new. The body on this car is straight. It has never been in an accident or damaged. There are no dents or door dings. I have owned the car for over a decade. It was previously owned by my neighbor, and was purchased new here in Cincinnati by a local attorney. I am the third owner. It was purchased and delivered to the original owner on November 21st, 1973. I have all of this documentation, including the 2 previous owner’s names, addresses, etc. I also have the original Owner’s Manual for this vehicle complete with service stamps, original warranty 'voucher', salesman’s business card, etc. In addition I have all of my service receipts/records. The engine is original and runs perfectly. It has been well serviced, and the carburetor was recently re-built. There is NO hesitation on acceleration, and power is excellent. The engine leaks NO oil. That is not a misprint. The transmission shifts perfectly and smoothly (4 speed). The dash is original and in excellent condition, with no cracks. The car has always been garage kept, and stored in a climate controlled garage in the winter. The top is original, and is in excellent condition and works perfectly. The headliner is original, as is all of the glass on the car. The head lights (high and low beam), tail lights, brake lights, back-up lights, turn signals and hazards all work perfectly. The speedometer works and the miles are true and original to the car at 46K. The clock is original and keeps perfect time (has never been repaired). A Sony Xplode AM/FM CD Stereo has been installed in the original dash hole, with matching speakers in the doors as pictured. The gas gauge works perfectly. I had a new gas tank installed to replace the original a few years ago to prevent leaks or damage due to age. Wipers work both speeds. The heater works Excellent. That is also not a misprint! The tires have approx. 500 miles on them and look just like new--still have the nubs. 2 years ago I replaced the original seat padding and covers with OEM replacements. The seats themselves (metal framework) remain original to the car. The original covers were losing their luster and the pad had deteriorated from age. The seats are now perfect and have excellent padding. (I have the original covers/padding and will include with the sale, if you want them. They have no rips or tears; I just felt it was time to replace them.) In addition, I added a rear seat with an OEM cover that matches the front seats. I also installed top quality rear seat belts. As you may know, the 1974 model (last year) Karmann Ghia convertible was imported with no rear seat. This was due to a new US government regulation at the time. So this in now possibly the only '74 convertible you will find with a custom to factory specs rear seat! I have two daughters who love the car, so I had to make a safe spot for them to ride. I have all receipts for this work--it was a fairly costly endeavor. The seats were rebuilt using the seat pad kit, as well as SISEL padding and burlap--a complete OEM remake. The new seats/batting, etc allows for a very comfortable drive and adds greatly to the enjoyment of driving this classic. In addition, an entire new OEM carpet set was installed and is as new with zero wear, as pictured. In summary, the seats/carpet, etc are now perfect. The car was Ziebarted when new, and there is evidence of this. I have the Ziebart paperwork from when it was done. The only rust anywhere on the car is at the top of the headlight rings. This has been there the entire time I have owned the vehicle and has not changed or spread. I have chosen not to address it with any attention, as I consider it minor and would rather keep the body/paint, etc entirely original. The floor pans, undercarriage, etc are all original and in excellent condition with no rust or issues at all. The paint on the car is in overall very good condition, but does have a few minor defects (it is 38 years old and original). However, it still shows very nicely as pictured and has taken many first place trophies at shows. The chrome is in overall great shape as pictured. The trim has a couple of minor defects, but is also in overall great shape as pictured. Chrome, trim, etc are all original to the car. I installed a custom front bonnet release that you access from the passenger front wheel well to open the front 'hood'. I put this in to prevent the inadvertent 'lock out' of the front storage due to default of the original hood release which is so common on these cars. The release is easily accessed, but is not apparent if you do not know it is there (it's pretty slick!). I would recommend anyone with a Karmann Ghia to install one. The following is a partial list of work that was done to the car during my ownership, in no particular order: New gas tank installed, along with Tank sending unit, Fuel gauge sender seal and Fuel gauge vibrator Shift Rod Coupling, Shift Coupler Set Screw, Guide Bushing Shift Rod, Clip for Guide Bushing, New Gear Shifter Kit Carburetor Rebuild (28-34PICT Series) New shocks all the way around Complete lube job, fluids, etc Custom cup holder installed--seen in pics (replaces ash tray--I also still have the original ash tray which goes with car) Battery replaced this summer (I will include my receipt, which will give buyer free replacement for 3 more years, then pro-rated). In addition, 2K miles ago the following brake work was completed-with receipts: Master Cylinder was replaced, both front calipers were rebuilt, new front brake pads, left rear wheel cylinder was replaced, both rear drums were turned. New complete Muffler Set Up 2K miles ago. Receipts from previous plugs, points, condenser, valve cover gaskets, etc. Receipts for the above work are in my possession and will be included with purchase of the car. This car runs and drives outstanding. You can take it out on the highway, run 65 miles an hour, let go of the steering wheel, and it will track perfectly with NO shake, vibration, or other issue whatsoever. You can also brake hard without holding the steering wheel, and the car will stop quick and true, with no 'wonder' or push/pull. The car is very tight, and a joy to drive. It truly does drive nicer than new, and very comfortably with the new upholstery. I have included a lot of information and pictures to try to give you as accurate a description of the car and its history as possible. However, nothing replaces an in person inspection and I encourage anyone who is seriously considering a purchase to view the car in person. I will make the time to meet you to inspect the car at your convenience. If you are flying in, the local airport is Cincinnati (airport code CVG) and I will pick you up at the airport and return you to the airport, as need be. All inspections must be completed prior to the end of the auction. I would be comfortable driving this car cross country, and if you are the winning bidder and choose to fly in and 'drive away', I will pick you up at the airport. I will also assist with shipping should you choose to go that route. I have purchased a few classic cars over the years, and have shipped in the past successfully so I am comfortable with the process. However, the car must be paid for in full either by cash in hand or wire transfer prior to it leaving my possession. I could possibly deliver the car to you following purchase; however this would be at your expense (in addition to the cost of the auction win) and must be discussed/arranged prior to the end of the auction. I reserve the right to end the auction early, as the car is also for sale locally. I have clear Ohio title in hand in my name, ready for easy transfer. A $500 deposit is due (to be paid via PayPal) within 48 hours of auction end. The balance is due within 7 days to be paid either by cash in hand or wire transfer. Payment of balance can also be made by Certified Cashiers Check, but funds must clear before vehicle leaves my possession. I can possibly store the car for you for a set period of time following the auction if need be, but this must be discussed and arranged prior to the end of the auction and the above deadlines for deposit and payment of balance in full would remain in effect. I will answer any and all questions promptly. I can be reached through the eBay email system, or text/call 513-477-7200 Thanks Much, Jeff Don't miss the chance to own this incredibly rare example of an unmolested classic!On Dec-02-12 at 06:52:04 PST, seller added the following information: In response to the many questions I have gotten regarding the exterior color, indeed the color is the awesome and very rare/sought after Zambesi Green (code: sambesigrun L64K). This color was only used on a few cars, years '73/74. The paint code label is still in the car, and is original. This is probably the only Zambesi Green/Tan Convertible with all original paint anywhere in the country, for sale or not. Very very rare!