Everyone likes a new set of threads, right? Well, that’s probably how the lowly VW Type 1 felt by 1955. It’s easy to understand when a few million of your siblings are all dressed the same. Fashion to the rescue in ’55 with the introduction of the Karmann Ghia, a fantastic new skin over the same old – same old. And for review today, we have a 1965 Karmann Ghia that is located in Santa Ana, California and is available here on craigslist for $14,600.
Known as the Type 14 and riding on a VW Beetle platform with a 94.5″ wheelbase, the K-G was offered from 1955 through 1974 and featured both coupe and convertible body styles. Total production was just shy of 450K units with another 41K Type 34 variants that were more stylish still, though not distributed for U.S. sale. The name Karmann Ghia comes from coachbuilder Karmann and Italian design studio Carrozzerio Ghia.
Distinctive the styling is, when you see a Karmann Ghia, you know what it is – and of course, there is that unmistakable VW flat-four engine tone that removes all doubt. This example shows well in that the body is straight and appears to be rust-free, rust being a Karmann Ghia’s sworn enemy, but the finish really looks off. It’s not so much the minimal sheen – that’s immaterial, it’s the depth of the paint. It’s spotty and shadowy – it almost looks like it has had some rattle-can “help” (the engine compartment lid in particular). It could just be the indoor lighting and the possibility that it was just washed. Either that or judging from the concrete floor, the yellow fire hydrant in the carport/garage has a sizable leak. The contrasting black roof, from what can be seen, looks OK and is a nice interruption to the all-white exterior.
The 40 HP, 1200 CC, flat four-cylinder engine has been treated to a valve adjustment and oil change while new tires, drums brakes wheel cylinders, and a wheel alignment are in place. How’s it run? The seller claims, “goes 70 mph all day on the freeway“. And it does that courtesy of a four-speed manual transaxle.
The tri-tone interior consisting of tan vinyl upholstery, charcoal gray carpeting, and white painted metal surfaces is seriously sharp looking, it’s also supposed to be new. The door cards, upholstery panels, dash pad, and very thin rear seat bottom show as new and unused – definitely this car’s highlight.
So maybe the black plates aren’t such a novelty anymore but they do look original – I’ve seen lots of new ones lately and these show more like the original deal. A big deal? No, not really they just lend some originality to this sporty VW. How about that price? That caught my attention, what do you think, just right, or not quite?
Nice clean rust free( as much as can be seen)body. It’s nice to see the original mill and interior in this car and I think the asking price is very appropriate for the vehicle. As Jim mentioned in the write up rust was a big enemy of these which makes the price even more appealing. Get this one while they are still within the reach of most. You won’t be the first to arrive but you will arrive in style.
Take a look at the 1953 Chrysler dElegance.
https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2017/11/10/virgil-exner-actually-didnt-mind-that-the-karmann-ghia-directly-copied-his-1953-chrysler-delegance
Ghia built the dElegance for Chrysler, then scaled down the design and sold it to VW. Kudos to Chrysler for letting VW build a copy of a car it had no intent to build!
The K-G always lived in the shadow of the Beetle. I’d say, the Bug outsold the K-G 100 to 1( not actual numbers, but it seemed like it) I could never figure that out, I always liked the K-G, like a poor persons Porsche, but for some reason, it just wasn’t what America wanted in a small car, and that was a shame. It had a much sleeker body for the motor, with the simplicity of a Bug. Just didn’t click, and why they are so hard to find today. As usual it amazes me, it’s going to cost someone 5 figures for a car nobody wanted then, but here we are.
The price seems about right, but I honestly have no idea. I do know I have never seen an un-restored one ,that wasn’t a complete rust bucket. If it is rust free, it really would be special.
If a run of the mill 912 is woth $40K plus these days. This a bargain.
This looks like a nice clean Karmann Ghia at a fair price. I wish the Seller had addressed the condition of the floorpans, but my guess is being a CA car, it is very solid underneath.
My first car was a 59 Karmann Ghia, but I only bought it because I couldn’t find a bug in my price range ($400 in 1971). It was fine, but cramped inside. After I bought my next car, a Saab 96, I noticed that people did not pull out in front of me nearly as often. I’d like a KG today, but would still prefer my 3rd car, a 64 bug with a metal sunroof.
Have a ’69 coupe. A fun car. Almost every time I park it have someone come up to me with a story about a father, brother, uncle, neighbor, or them that once had one with fond memories. Great ice cream trip car with the kids as they get to meet and chat with those with stories.
Was surprised when we got it how it drives differently than a bug. Same set up but different. My daughter is just under 5 ft and fits tightly in the back seat.
Was also surprised at how every part I have wanted is available from multiple vendors. Even those parts that are KG specific.
Another surprise is the number of waves I get from 912, 914, and 356 drivers.
Fun car and this is about what they are going for in good driver condition
I’ve had 9 of these. Two were convertibles. I love the Kharman Ghias. I had 11 Bugs but the KGs were my favorites. I’d love to have another one!
I bought a1961 Karmann back in 1968. Somebody backed into it while parking and dented the nose, fixed it, month later someone else did the same. Fixed it, 6 months later same. Fixed it then sold it. I think every Karmann I’ve seen has a repaired nose, including this one.
I always wanted a KG.
My Dad had a girlfriend who had one. This was right after his marriage to my Mom.
The 1970’s were a way different time!