As Volkswagens go, the Karmann Ghia is one of the most stylish. We can debate early vs late, type 14 vs type 34, but each offers a unique appeal, on the road and visually. Here on craigslist is a barn-find 1970 Karmann Ghia coupe, looking for a sympathetic home. Thanks to several needs, it’s priced at a fraction of a restored example – just $3500. One of those needs is a title, which has gone missing. The car is located in Chehalis, Washington (charming for its antique stores and farmer’s markets). Curvette, who has been very prolific with tips lately, sent this one our way – thanks!
The Karmann Ghia was created in secret by an extraordinary man who began his impressive career as a WWII hero, operating behind enemy lines to collaborate with the US. Luigi Segre later became an engineer, working for Ford and then Siata. He joined Carrozzeria Ghia in the late 1940s and became acquainted with Virgil Exner at Chrysler, as well as Wilhelm Karmann, who was building the Beetle cabriolet. Karmann wanted to produce a “halo car” for VW. Without revealing any details about his project, Segre drew on his experience working for Chrysler, building a stylish coupe on a Beetle platform. He knew the corporate personalities well enough to understand that VW was too conservative to give the green light based on a sketch – thus the subterfuge. Of course, VW was enthusiastic about the new model; the first Karmann Ghia rolled out of Karmann’s factory in 1955, equipped with a rear-mounted, 1200 cc air-cooled flat-four. By 1970, displacement had grown to 1600 ccs and output had reached 60 hp. This car is equipped with a four-speed manual. The driving experience is not sporty, but neither is it sedate. The shift linkage can be reluctant – the new owner of this example will have a chance to make improvements there, since this car doesn’t run; a mechanical rebuild is probably on the menu. The engine does turn, however.
The interior is quintessentially VW, with individual flat front seats and a rear bench, both unpholstered in vinyl. I’ve always liked the carpet in German cars – the tight loop-weave is durable and easy to clean. My old Squareback had salt and pepper carpet; my Karmann Ghia convertible was black. Interior kits are easy to come by. Just a word of warning: this car is a ’70, which means parts will be plentiful, but if you buy a car from 1960, 1967, or 1974, their idiosyncratic trim parts can be difficult to find.
I’m going to assume that the passenger door isn’t shut tight; with the benefit of the doubt accorded to that issue, the body is fairly straight. But no underside shots are provided, so assessing rustiness is impossible without more details from the seller. Meanwhile, values for decent Karmann Ghias have been on the rise over the last ten years. A nice coupe will sell in the mid-teens and sometimes the low twenties; convertibles can sell for twice that. Would you tackle this project?
Wouldn’t tackle this project without a long look at the pan underneath. Still one of the best looking cars VW ever made.
I too thought the K-G was the nicest of all VWs. Apparently, the author only scratched the surface of the Segre guy, he was a secret agent, of sorts, and while not particularly famous, I read, through his “connections”, he helped stop the Germans from invading Naples, and went on to be a war hero to the Italians, and the world, for that matter. How he ended up designing the K-G was a complicated, unlikely for him story. Always wanted a K-G, and perhaps I may just be able to get one yet.
Michelle… You can add a Karmann Ghia to my bucket list of cars. This is even one of my favorite colors for one too. I know this looks like a bit of a project, but I really do hope it gets saved.
Ok, your bucket is turning into a barrel!
Michelle you don’t know the half of it!!! Seriously, from the time I was a little tot making motor noises pushing around Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars, I just simply loved cars. All kinds of cars. But I think you’re right. At the very least I’ll need a bigger bucket lol.
This one is savable just need to get a title.
Great write up Michelle. I can tell that these Karman Ghias are a significant part of your car experience. I’ve always loved the curvy style of them and how they are the sports car of the vintage VW line. This one looks like a good deal if rust is not a problem.
No title? I pass on those.
I have a 67. Parts (JBUGS, CIP1) are not difficult to find but be prepared to pay $$$. 69 and earlier are more valuable. Most of these now are going to the UK and Europe when sold
Depending on the laws in your state, a title may or may not be hard to get. A little research will tell you what you would need to do in order to obtain a title.
Parts for these and ealier models are readiy availabe $$$. I have a exceptionaly nice 67 with a hot rod 1835 motor (approx. 125 hp) Unfortunatley you will be way underwater on this one if restored. buy and flip on this one would be a good stratagely as at asking price there is some “Meat on the bone”
The last successful sports car from VW. Beautiful design, fun to drive and bullet proof reliability. Too bad VW never came up with a successful halo car after this. If they had, maybe the company would be doing better today.
Everything I see screams to me new floor pans and inner and outer sills, hot air boxes and probably other places all need replacing. This is a body off job to do correctly. I had a restored Brazilian type 3 for years. Returning this to what looks like original a burned orange color (visible underneath the blue) would also be the way to go. But heaps of work.
Here in TN no title means no ownership . Its a parts car
Regarding titles, there are at least 12 states that do not require them for older cars.
States with No-Title Exemptions for Older Vehicles
Alabama
Connecticut
Georgia: (1985 and older)
Maine
New Hampshire
New York: (1972 and older)
North Carolina: (registration can be used to apply for a title with proof of purchase)
Ohio
Oregon
Vermont: (15+ years old)
Washington D.C.
Since this car is located in Washington state, that is why the owner is working on the documentation. Without it, they can only sell to someone in the above states.
I have lived in NH and now GA, and have owned several vehicles without titles.
Indiana requires you to say the vehicle has been stored on your property for a certain length of time and you don’t know who the previous owner is, but many bux are owed you in storage fees ~ they will issue a “mechanics lien” title to you.