The creativity of “car people” can be interesting on the low end and absolutely captivating on the high. Of course, where this scale stops completely depends on the viewer, but so many interesting cars come from this side of the aisle. An exciting tribute car is up for consideration: a 1957 VW Karmann Ghia. Listed for $25,000 on Facebook Marketplace in Aguanga, CA, this Hot VWs-featured Type 14 is ready for fun and adventure. Where does this car fall on your scale?
The Karmann Ghia is one of those polarizing models in the classic car community. To some people, it is one of the most beautiful cars made; to others, it is an oddball at best. But compared to the venerable Beetle, the Ghia is a shapely gem. Combining the design talents of Carozzeria Ghia with the coach-building talents of Karmann, the Type 14 was first brought to market in 1955 as a 2+2 coupe or convertible. These cars gave potential VW customers a much different model to consider compared to the Beetle while using the same mechanical setup.
Our featured car is a 1957 model, making it very early for a Ghia in America. The seller states that it is in solid original condition with the original 36 HP air-cooled 4-cylinder and 6-volt electrical system (hopefully, it comes with an extra wrench to bang on the solenoid when you’re trying to start it). But the real showstopper is the paint job. Given the name “La Cucaracha,” this roach is painted to look like it competed in a 50s Panamericana race, complete with hand-painted lettering and dirt spots. The dapper roach mascot is a fine touch to this highly creative ride! It also includes period accessories to make you feel like you’re roaring down a dirt road in a 1950s transcontinental race.
So, what is your take on tribute cars? Do you think they are cool or are they trying too hard? What about this Ghia? I think tribute cars are a great way to experience a snapshot in time or, more importantly, a snapshot you have created in your mind. They are great ways to affordably live out those automotive desires that live rent-free in our brains without damaging a historically important ride. Who knows, maybe if you create something as memorable as this Ghia, future generations will consider it significant, cementing your creation in the annals of automotive history.
My wife loves to watch those house design shows on HGTV. This looks like something they would come up with. “Don’t you just love that vintage map light? And that clipboard with the old school maps…It’s soooo evocative (cue the husband, on the verge of tears).” Yuck.
This is cool, I never had an interest in Karman Ghia, but this is well done, I’d drive it.
$25,000? This Ghia would have to pristine. And it’s not. One magazine article makes it famous?
Pristine low light Ghia’s (56-59) can bring double this money.
Very cool! My big question is why the seller didn’t spend $6,000 on a nice high performance/streetable VW crate motor…maybe some slightly bigger tires?
Because it would cost $6000 and not add that much in value?
It was an art project more than a car build project really…how fast the car gets to its destination really doesn’t matter…it is how cool it looks when it gets there.
I must admit I love this..but would love either some period correct hop up parts for the motor or just drop in a nice 1776..needs some oomph to go with the show.
This happens to be low light model ( headlights are lower on the fender than later models ) which makes it more desirable to Ghia enthusiasts. Ghia’s in good condition bring this kind of money, not sure all the paint and stickers add any value for most folks.
…I have a 1956 Porsche A Outlaw that I regularly drive in Breakfast Club Rallys around the Sonoma/Napa wine country.This car really needs to be used for some real rally work like that..and, as said, needs more oomph.But I love the look of it ( would not go that far with my A though)!
In 1972, I had a ‘63 Ghia my Grampaw bought new. Spunky and handled well with radials right up until a ‘68 Electra almost cut it in half in a 25 mph t-bone accident. Fortunately it hit the passenger side. She drove the Buick home with a slightly busted grill. I loved the car but hated the six volt system.
agreed,
more oe for me on looks too
w/the hop-up bits (lowered? discs breaks, weber DFAV / EV, fat tire, minimal fender mod, etc).
Interesting rig tho, Y I come here, thnx.
(Could we say ‘period correct?)
Period correct was the goal. Due to the car’s rarity and overall mechanical originality, modifying it might make it more exciting to drive, but for the collector would decrease the value.
I’d love my buddy Dave Bonbright to “breathe” on that motor and maybe add a Judson supercharger.I agree on keeping it more period correct…if I dropped a 1776 in it I’d keep that original motord leave the drum brakes as they work fine on a light vw/Porsche but be tempted to convert to 12 volt..
It would be cool if the registration read: “1957 VW Ghia La Carrera Panamericana Tribute Magazine Car! “
I don’t get (like) the painted to look dirty part.