1974 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

Cabriolet Convertible

4 - Cyl.

Manual

6337462

Clear

Gasoline

Coach-built Volkswagen: 1964 Karmann Ghia Cabriolet! Based on Virgil Exner's ideas for a sporty Chrysler--the d'Elegance Show Car--the elegant Karmann Ghia has long attained cult car status. Collectors all over the world appreciate the clean lines of its timeless design, combined with the ruggedness of its Volkswagen underpinnings. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Based on the Volkswagen Beetle's Type 1 platform, beginning in 1957, the Karmann Ghia "Kabriolett" was manufactured at the Karmann Karosseriewerke in Osnabrück, Germany. A German coachbuilt automobile with an Italian-American bloodline, it became an instant success: 80,877 Convertibles (constituting about 20% of total Type 1 Karmann Ghia production) were built, until production ended in 1974. To this day, the Karmann Ghia Convertible with its sexy curves is met with admiration wherever you go. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The 1964 Ghia presented here, VIN *6337462*, is one one of just 5,260 manufactured during the model year. The attrition rate for these cars has been estimated to be as high as 95%, making this one quite a rare find. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Sold new in California, the car has spent all its life in the Golden State and still wears its original, 1967 black-and yellow license plates, front and back, like badges of honor. Let's have a closer look now, starting with the front lugage compartment. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Trunk is nicely carpeted, contains spare and fuel tank. Condition of "nose" area is fine, with a little prior work in evidence. There's no rust damage, though. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Weak spot on almost every surviving Karmann is its coachwork, and this one is no exception. There is evidence of prior repairs. The door hinges could be replaced to achieve a better fit. Jet black paint is very glossy, revealing some imperfections here and there, and there are telltale signs that the car was yellow at some point in its life. Brightwork is complete, with decent chrome throughout. Rear bumper looks to be from a 1970-'71 model. Windshield seal is of "California style" variety. The car rolls on nice, Porsche-type chrome wheels with baby moon hub caps, shod with excellent CONTINENTAL radial tires of the dimension 175/65-R15 all around. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Tan vinyl convertible top fits well, is not as thickly padded as the original, but is free of rips or tears and closes tightly with the characteristic chrome center handle and grab bars intact. Moving on to the interior! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The cockpit is well-preserved. First and foremost, there are no cracks on the black dash top, the gauges are original and work (except for the clock), the factory steering wheel and horn push are in excellent condition. Sun visors, windshield, rearview mirror: everything looks original and quite nice. Old "Volkswagen" radio works, but there's no antenna mounted. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Front seats have been recovered with vinyl and feature cloth inserts, which feel very comfortable on hot summer days! The upholstery is not brand new, but it still looks good and is very presentable. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Rear bench is spacious anough for young kids or members of the U.S. gymnastics team. There's extra storage behind the seat back, which also folds forward to create a large luggage space, at the expense of said kids and/or gymnasts. Imperfections to note are three or four dark spots on the bottom cushion, visible in the photo. Luggage area features gray loop carpeting, the rear parcel shelf is nicely done in black vinyl. 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 leave, let's have a good look at engine bay and undercarriage. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Engine compartment appears clean and tidy. Dual-port 1.6-liter engine, *AD121703*, is equipped with a H30/31 PICT carb. Car has been converted to a 12 Volt electrical system. On any old car, you ideally would want to find an undercarriage that never had any rust or rust repair, especially on a unit-bodied Karmann Ghia. The floors on this California example are indeed very nice, however, we found some prior rocker repairs and a few other rust spots--nothing terminal, mind you--here and there. Jack receptacles are solid. Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Pans of this life-long California resident are in a wonderfully preserved state. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Thursday, March 8, was a fantastic winter day here in our little San Buenaventura paradise, and we were looking forward to a bit of top-down motoring (and a photo session). Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The car always starts willingly, idles smoothly, and is a quite peppy driver. plus, it returns 34 miles per gallon, making it a very economical companion. Manual 4-speed transmission and brakes work well; all the lights are functional. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Driving this little convertible is fun. Shifting goes smoothly, steering is tight. Road handling just as you would expect it from a 1960s Volkswagen, perhaps even better. Thanks to the strong engine, this Cab flies! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Returning home, we are genuinely impressed by the black Karmann. Here is a car that's very inexpensive to own while providing oodles of stylish open-air fun. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) There are not many small-taillight (pre-1970) Karmann Ghia convertibles around anymore. Now's as good a time as ever to acquire this decent example that can be used as an "as is" driver. It's not a show car by any means, nevertheless, it's an easy-to-own, classic German Cabriolet that puts a smile on your face whenever you get behind the wheel. Remember, a VW runs and runs and runs . . . You are welcome and encouraged to view this fine automobile in Ventura, by appointment, during the auction, or have someone inspect it for you. Please, perform your due diligence before you bid. We reserve the right to accept a satisfactory offer and close this auction at any time. Feel free to contact us via e-mail 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 a $1,000 deposit to be paid via PayPal within 24 hours of the end of the auction and the balance to be paid via bank wire transfer (or in cash) within 5 business days, unless other arrangements have been agreed upon during 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. 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. Auction Presentation, Image Hosting, & Copyright © 2012 by Author. All Rights Reserved. In compliance with eBay's Rules and Regulations, no part of this presentation may be reproduced without written permission of the author.