Taking over a work-in-progress can be a bit of a gamble, and when that project is evolving into something custom, the risk factor for unforeseen issues popping up becomes greater. However, this VW doesn’t seem to be hiding anything, although for reasons unknown the seller has chosen not to see it through to completion by his own efforts. If you’re ready to carry on with his vision, this modified 1972 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is certainly affordable at $2,800, with the seller mentioning that all the hard work has already been done. This unusual creation can be spotted here on Facebook Marketplace, and it’s located in Necedah, Wisconsin, if you want to go check this one out in person. Hans H., thanks for sending us the tip here!
A couple of easily detected mods are the chopped windshield, which seems to have been cut to about the same height as the top of the roll bar that’s been installed inside, and the doors, which have been welded shut and molded in. I have to give the bodyman credit for his success in how the appearance of the latter turned out, as making the sides look like one piece works well with the factory sculpting along the bottom sections of what used to be the doors and the quarters. Up front, the grille areas have been filled in, the bumper removed, and the turn signal lights have been swapped and relocated. The rear section is more standard, but the bumper back there has also been axed and some aftermarket exhaust added.
The seats look pretty good and sort of remind me of components you’d find in a kit car, such as a Bradley GT, and some excellent news is that the floors have already been replaced. We can also tell from here that the original exterior color was lime green, but since the body is totally in primer, the next owner can go with whatever color he wants outside and on the dash. Patterns have already been fabricated for the interior upholstery panels, so they can be covered with something mild or wild, depending on the mindset of the future visionary.
Also provided is a video of the stock 1600cc engine running, which appears to be operating smoothly, with the fuel pump, distributor, and a pair of carburetors among the parts listed as new. A fresh master cylinder has also been installed, plus several other new brake system items will be included with the sale. For the right buyer, this might be a fun project to complete, and as the seller states you’ll have the only one around. Is this custom Karmann Ghia something you’d like to take over?
Don’t mind custom cars but the no doors thing doesn’t fly with women and getting one wet in the rain really throws a wet towel on the relationship. A takeapart top and fame like the AH Bugeyes could be constructed and still keep the ladies dry but then you’d have to put in opening doors to get her in the car. Have seen plenty of custom Karmann Ghias that looked really good but don’t think this one is going to join the crowd… except maybe as a planter.
What you have here is a ghia dune buggy. Unfortunately the steel body won’t fair well.
If I tried to jump in that thing they’d probably have to call an ambulance
A completely ruined car, as I see it.
Actually looks pretty good other than the door issue. I’m old and short so Bo Duking into this thing doesn’t appeal to me one bit.
this KG, the 850, miata, MR2, 914 and more are what we need from the merican auto industry today (does the LT/LTZ Cruze fit in here? no as most are made elsewhere). I’m focusing on ‘look’, affordability (durability would be nice too). No innovation in ICE vehicles (cept where paired in hybrid to ele).
So Y not a good looking (in the ol ‘sports car’ tradition) car? EV’d B ok w/me. The Cruze is a good attempt. Needs more ‘style’ tho. If most vehicles (in usa) are bought on ego needs (impression, style/looks, aspirations) couldnt something of this ilk ‘make it’ here? Can the public go from ‘the rugged out doors’ look (suv/truck) it’s been on so long – to this? Makers do not risk on niche markets so probably not. The family, a 2nd car, possibly women, 2+2 (or hatch) at smallest. Were the coupla ‘econo’ volvo’s unaffordable (they fit most this to me). The eclipse? Y dcnt we make something like this?
Perfect for someone looking t build a 356 Porsche replica which can garner a decent price justifying all the work ahead.