'74 Karmann-Ghia convertible
1974 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
This is my ’74 Karmann-Ghia convertible, VIN 1442726560. ~ 84,000 miles. Green re-paint. Recent engine overhaul, perfect compression all around, doesn’t burn oil, few drops on the pavement from the engine (they all do). Starts immediately, engine runs perfectly with aftermarket high-flow muffler, two twin throat carburetors I “think” are Webers, but might be an aftermarket carb similar to Weber. Obviously faster than original. Electronic ignition with alternator. Original Blaupunkt radio and 10 inch aftermarket speaker under the cowl. Nardi steering wheel.
This is a California car and I have the original window sticker. I’ve had it about a year. Also have the original owner’s manual. The electronics have been redone, I had a custom matching speedometer tachometer installed. Rebuilt gearshift mechanism, shifts perfectly. The top and tires are both new. New shocks. Tires are tubeless radials. Internal headliner and glass rear window are serviceable.
HOWEVER……I made a huge mistake when I purchased this car. I did the right thing by having a pre-purchase inspection (in California) and the guy gave the car a clean bill of health. But when I got the car, I noticed he didn’t notice some very obvious things, like bubbling rust under the paint in some of the creases and some non-linear spaces in the trunk and elsewhere.
The top fits with some heavy bearing on the front. Both side windows roll up. The side mirrors need replacing. The driver seat was very soft and I took it to a seat guy who basically put a board in it so it’s pretty hard now. The car passed Pennsylvania inspection, all the lights work. Unsure about the heaters but the levers work.
At any rate, this is an otherwise very serviceable ’74 convertible, considering it’s 42 years old. It appears to have been hit at some point in it’s past but it’s impossible to know since CarFax only goes back to ’82. I got the car aligned and it aligned perfectly. Goes down the road perfectly straight. There are some rust bubbles under the paint in some of the creases. The undercarriage appears to be rust free as far as I can tell.
I did the right thing by getting a pre-purchase inspection but got bit on the rust and dings. I’m going to lose money on this car but that’s life in the big city. I’ll get what I can for it. More photos and a video on request.
On Dec-29-16 at 07:51:39 PST, seller added the following information:
I've added some more photos of the underside takenbefore the new muffler and shocks. Most of the rust seems to be on the flat upper surfaces of the car, not the gutters or quarter panels. Car would need a new rust removal and paint.
On Dec-30-16 at 14:17:00 PST, seller added the following information:
A few additional details: Garaged in a heated garage, concrete floors. Fitted car cover. New battery with lead for external trickle charger. I have driven this car all last year and it's reliable and drives extremely well. I am sellingonly because I purchased a Ferrari for my retirement present and I have too many cars. This sale of this car is only to thin the herd.
As a practical matter, this car is pristine except for sheet metal rust and previous injury, probably has bond-o on it. This car will simply require a complete sanding down, rust removal and paint, whereupon it will be pristine and it's value will soar.
This car is up for sale elsewhere and if I get a stellar offer, I reserve the right to end the auction early.
- Make: Volkswagen
- Model: Karmann Ghia
- Type: Convertible
- Year: 1974
- Mileage: 84,000
- VIN: 1442726560
- Engine size: 1600cc
- Drive type: rear wheel
- Vehicle Title: Clear Want to buy? Contact seller!
