We all know how special the older Type 2 VW Buses are. However, it can get hazier with the other models in terms of which years are standouts. The Karmann Ghia, for example, is still a fairly cheap car to buy even in restored condition, but there are some variations as to which ones command the most interest. The car seen here is a 1964 model, which came with the “bullet-style” turn signals that can sometimes find greater favor with enthusiasts. Find the VW here on eBay listed for $1,700.
Turn signals are a very minor detail and their presence of the more pronounced design really doesn’t swing values very much. They made a fair amount of these air-cooled coupes, and scarcity will always be a big determinant of a car’s value. This one has the pretty chrome bumpers with overriders and the slimmer rear taillights, but after all this focus on the front turn signals, I’m sorry to report they don’t even appear to be present! At least, not on the passenger side.
This can be for a few reasons, ranging from they were broken off to the fenders were replaced following an accident. Regardless, the Karmann Ghia here has plenty of other issues beyond missing turn signals. It appears to be in a junkyard (and one I’d like to explore) given you can see a later Eagle Talon in one photo with a field of air-cooled VWs in this picture. Most older yards it seems always have a few spots dedicated to vintage VWs, and I’m guessing this owner decided the KG could live in.
This lone picture of a door panel shows a surprisingly solid part that could be re-used in another project, along with other bits including the bumpers and chrome trim. The Karmann Ghia is located in Nebraska, which could go either way in terms of how rusty it is underneath – but it’s clear from the photos the VW has been sitting awhile. Does that make the asking price a fair number or is there not enough meat on the bone to justify the price?
With no pictures of the pan underneath this is a dollar three ninety eight car.
My favorite Barn Finds are the cars that are buried up to their axles in Mother Earth. Definitely emblem collection time.
I know something about Karmann Ghias. My advise is to pass at any price.
To me it is a Porsche, so why no big dollar value? Now there is the problem with old P Cars, it is all perception and snob appeal. So for all the real lovers of old German stuff, here is your project. Fix it up with the engine of your choice, make her purty, and drive proud (and smart).
No “P” in that car unless it came out of a racoon or a rat…..
Like Bobhess said, bad things are gonna happen when you go to pick this critter up, laying on the ground is never a good think, might surprise you being in Nebraska, but you never know. you buy it then find out how crusty it is, Nah.
Parts car. Good luck!
Cheers
GPC
I’ve rebuilt three rust belt Ghias. This one’s a parts car at best. And, it looks like there are plenty of iffy to find goodies on this one.
A lot of sellers, when the price of scrap metal was high, wouldn’t blink twice about stuffing a bunch of metal scrap, appliances or auto parts in this thing and hauling it off to the scales. Here we watch another piece of automotive history languish on eBay for months while the seller learns the real value of an inoperable door stop!!? Calling this “fair condition” on the description is an insult to even the average person. Should be able to drive a fair condition car right onto the trailer before it splits in two.