Volkswagen built its success and considerable wealth from the extraordinary sales of its humble Beetle. However, management viewed a halo model as a desirable addition to its range as early as 1950. Three companies eventually collaborated to deliver the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, a vehicle that caused a sensation when unveiled. This 1968 model is an unfinished project, but there are many reasons why it will appeal to enthusiasts. It features a rebuilt engine and is structurally sound, and most items required to refurbish its interior are included. However, its greatest attribute is that it looks like it will sell for a rock-bottom price, making it extremely attractive for a DIY approach.
Volkswagen’s iconic Beetle is often viewed as the ultimate People’s Car, courtesy of its low sticker price. It brought transport to the masses, and spotless examples command impressive prices today. The company aspired to produce a Halo model in the early 1950s, but management didn’t consider this a priority. However, Luigi Segre from Carrozzeria Ghia obtained a Beetle in around 1951, creating the prototype of what would eventually become the Karmann Ghia. He revealed the completed vehicle to Wilhelm Karmann, and after developing a feasibility study the pair presented to Volkswagen, the company unveiled the concept at the 1953 Paris Auto Show. Production commenced in 1955, and the Karmann Ghia remained on sale until 1974. This Ghia rolled off the line in 1968, with its exterior finished in Cherry Red. It looks tired and needs love, but the lack of visible rust suggests it should be a straightforward project. The panels sport minor bumps and bruises, although addressing those won’t involve steel replacement. The glass is in good order, as are the trim rings and hubcaps. The bumpers will benefit from a trip to the platers, but the seller includes new replacements for the remaining exterior trim pieces.
Volkswagen didn’t market the Karmann Ghia as a sports car, focusing on it as a stylish 2+2. Therefore, the interior featured many components carried across from the humble Beetle. The most significant difference between the pair was the rear seat, which was not as comfortable and accommodating in the Ghia as in the more pedestrian Beetle. This car’s interior is complete, but it has definitely seen better days. The upholstered surfaces are damaged, the headliner is shredded, and the dashpad does a passable impression of the San Andreas Fault. However, it isn’t all gloom and doom because the last photo in this article reveals an enormous collection of interior trim, and it appears that everything required to recapture its former glory is included. Therefore, this aspect of the build will consume more time than money.
The good news continues when we dive into this Ghia’s engine bay. It is typical Volkswagen fare, with a rear-mounted air-cooled flat-four sending its power to the road via a four-speed manual transaxle. The Ghia’s more aerodynamic shape allowed this model to hit a higher top speed than the Beetle, and open-road cruising produced better fuel consumption figures. This car features a 1,641cc powerplant with a story to tell. The seller claims it is recently rebuilt, with camshaft, carburetor, and exhaust upgrades delivering improved power and torque. The brakes received similar TLC, while the car features new shocks and other mechanical components. The seller includes a new fuel tank for the winning bidder to install, which might be all that is required to make the Ghia roadworthy.
I described this 1968 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia as cheap, and the bidding history supports that. The seller listed this classic here on eBay in Canyon Lake, Texas. The price sits at $2,100 following sedate action, and that figure has eclipsed the reserve. Therefore, it is only days away from finding a new home. It won’t appeal to everyone, but if an affordable project has been on your radar, it deserves a closer look…and perhaps a bid or two.
This is a steal!
Great project VW without major rust issues.
One of the few instances where a design from a larger car (1952 Chrysler d’Elegance by Ghia) was successfully scaled down to a much smaller platform.
I don’t know too much about VWs, but I bought an early Formula Vee racer to restore and race a few years ago. When it seems like everything else in the shop has some sort of issue, that little VW will always start right up and run its little German heart out. After some sorting, this car would probably do the same.
The engine is a recent rebuild? Looking like THAT?
They must have used NORP (New Old Rusty Parts).
My exact thought. First rebuilt of an engine that I have ever seen where none of the dirt or rust was disturbed.
Good one. I’ve also heard them referred to as the poor man’s Porsche.
Never have I heard of a Porsche referred to as rich man’s Karman Ghia, or now, a dumb man’s Karman Ghia.
After owning 4 KG’s, I’d buy this in a second, if I had room for another project. These are amazing cars!
As mentioned above ‘a steal!!’
This will be a great project for the right person and easy as well.
Would love to have this on my property, if only I had property!
I don’t know about this, something looks amiss.
The rebuilt engine commentary really worries me, as stated, why does it look so bad? They had to pull the engine. I assume they put new oil cooler or replaced the seals and since out, new clutch and parts. I mean, why not?
It is up to almost $5000 now. I have done several vw’s, replacing the interior isn’t hard, but I can’t quite tell what they are doing. The seat cover looks all wrong on the passenger side already, so I think those parts may not be useful. For whatever reason, this just doesn’t look or feel right. Can’t say why, but I wouldn’t pay $5000 for this one.
Maybe the seller just didn’t clean up all the parts of the motor because he didn’t need to. Check out the carburetors, they are not stock. I’d bet this motor has been gone through.
$4,500. is getting pricy but looking at the pics, the body looks solid and the interior parts are included. Probably worth the money.
A friend of 50 years plus is selling one in better shape than this for $5,000. New Mexico body. Originally green. It’s a 71 model. Has been in his heated garage more than 15 years. He has so many projects. At his age he will never finish then. He also has a Thing, 73 Corvette and a Triumph Spitfire.
I always liked these because they looked more sporty and exclusive than the beetle. Growing up there was a man who owned a orange convertible version in my city drove it around some in the mid 1990s but then parked it and let it sit. Wish I could have bought it.
Ended with “Item is no longer available”.
Looks like someone may have gotten themselves a nice little project without having to pay FeeBay.
Somebody got a nice piece.