- Seller: Kevin W (Contact)
- Location: Denver, Pennsylvania
- Mileage: 57,000 Shown
- Chassis #: 1412281666
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 1.6-Liter Flat-4
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
Some project candidates are better than others, and this 1971 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is an absolute beauty. It has sat for twenty-five years, but much of the hard work is completed. It is rust-free, and if you’re feeling sorely tempted, the selection of new components and the included parts car could seal the deal. The owner feels the Karmann Ghia deserves a new home with someone willing and able to complete the build. Therefore, he has listed it exclusively with us at Barn Finds with an asking price of $5,900. When you assess the image gallery, you will agree that this classic is worth every penny.
It is common for two companies in the automotive industry to collaborate to produce a vehicle, but the Karmann Ghia was a rare instance in which three pooled their resources. Volkswagen acknowledged that its Beetle was cheap, cheerful, and practical. What it lacked was exciting styling. In a bid to address this perceived shortcoming, Volkswagen contracted Carrozzeria Ghia to design a sportier body that could accommodate the Beetle’s mechanical components. Karmann was tasked with constructing the bodies, and the first cars appeared in showrooms in 1955. Our featured car rolled off the line in 1971 and has been a restoration project that essentially stalled approximately twenty-five years ago. The owner ensured the body was rust-free before applying a coat of epoxy primer. Scrutinizing that image gallery reveals a few minor imperfections marked by the owner, and with these addressed, the panels will be as straight as an arrow. The removed glass is present and in good condition, and the deal includes some sparkling new trim, clips, seals, and other components to help the buyer on the road to completion.
The owner didn’t restrict his TLC to the panels, because the news is equally positive below the surface. He removed the body from the chassis, powder-coating the frame and floors to ensure they remain rust-free and structurally sound. As can be seen in this image, they still look perfect, forming the foundations for a high-end build and years of motoring pleasure without the worry of rust spoiling the party.
If you’re becoming tempted but need a little something extra to convince you, the included parts car might be just the ticket. It is essentially complete, but it doesn’t run or have a title. It is easy to underestimate the value of parts cars, and some enthusiasts believe that they are almost worth their weight in gold. It is easy for small brackets and other parts to disappear during a build, making a trip to the shop to find a replacement time-consuming and an added expense. However, having an identical parts car on standby removes that hassle, and I’m sure that as this restoration progresses, the buyer will be happy to have this car hanging about.
Volkswagen didn’t reinvent the wheel with the Karmann Ghia, utilizing the full range of mechanical components from the venerable, bulletproof Beetle. This car features the typical rear-mounted, air-cooled, flat-four that sends its power to the back wheels via a four-speed manual transaxle. In this case, the motor’s capacity is 1,584cc, with the factory quoting 60hp in that year’s Sales Brochure. With a more streamlined body than the Beetle and a slightly lower curb weight, Volkswagen stated that the Karmann Ghia could hit 84mph while returning slightly better fuel consumption figures than its sibling. The good news for potential buyers is that this Ghia’s motor is in great condition and runs really well. Therefore, achieving a roadworthy state won’t be a major undertaking.
The Ghia’s interior is essentially dismantled, but there is plenty of good news. It is complete, but it requires a deep clean. This is unsurprising, because nearly a quarter-century has passed since it was removed. The owner believes it will present well with some TLC using high-quality cleaning products, and a new carpet set is also included to add the ideal finishing touch.
This 1971 VW Karmann Ghia ticks many of the more crucial boxes enthusiasts consider when assessing a project candidate. It is a rust-free starting point where much of the heavy lifting is completed. The motor is healthy, and the included parts car and new components add to its overall appeal. However, the price could be the clincher, because it is undeniably affordable. The buyer will receive a lot for a modest outlay, which is why this Karmann Ghia deserves a closer look.
I wanted a Karmin Ghia, when I was 18 years old. I settled for a Super Beetle.