The Karmann Ghia was a sporty version of the VW Beetle. Built between 1955 and 1974, for a time it was the second most popular imported U.S. car in the U.S. This example from 1964 looks to have been sitting out in a field for some time, so its overall condition must be suspect. Located in Collinsville, Texas, this likely non-running project or parts car is available here on craigslist for $1,400. Thanks, Chuck Foster, for the heads-up on this Type 14.
Based on the chassis and mechanicals of the Type 1 (Bug), the Type 14 (Karmann Ghia) was promoted as a 2+2 car with a small back seat rather than as a sports car. More than 80% of the 445,000 Karmann Ghia built in Germany over 20 years were coupes (vs. convertibles). With its styling developed by Italy’s Carrozzeria and bodywork provided by German coachbuilder Karmann, the assembly process for the Ghia was different from the Beetle’s. Unlike the Beetle’s machine-welded body with bolt-on fenders, the Karmann Ghia’s body panels were butt-welded, hand-shaped, and smoothed with English pewter in a time-consuming process that resulted in a higher price tag.
Across 20 years, the Karmann Ghia changed little year over year (like the Bug). That means the 1964 Ghia would have had the Type 1’s 1192-cc air-cooled, rear-mounted motor. We assume that’s the case for the seller’s car, but no photographs of the engine compartment are provided to even confirm there still is a powerplant in this car.
Other than telling us this is a complete car the seller provides little other information. While craigslist ads are known for their brevity, a few dozen more words and photos would certainly have been allowed. We can only guess the condition of the body whose paint has deteriorated to the point that it’s hard to tell what the color was (white or grey is my guess). The odometer reading is said to be 125,000 when this car decided to stop running. FYI: when VW decided the Karmann Ghia had run its course, the little car was replaced by the Golf-based Scirocco.
Moldy oldie!
This Gaia seems very straight and rust free, even the nose cone isn’t dented!
The Craigslist listing does not show any additional photos with any amount of detail, so standing in front of it is a must.
A low price with a title in hand might make an interesting resto mod or original restoration project, just need to watch so the costs don’t run away from you.
I owned a 1968 Ghia, and they are great cars to drive, and certainly to work on.
Rust free??? Maybe you meant free rust.
Hi Rw, what I should have said is the body panels are “relatively” rust free….can’t tell the condition of the frame/floors from just the photos…..but they are likely past their sell date. 😉
Still in pretty good nick for a 60 year old Ghia sitting in a field waiting to be rescued….one can almost hear it crying out.👍
Yes a good candidate for a restomod.
These are neat cars but I sure wouldn’t buy this car sight unseen.
I’m sure its rusted to the point of it being a parts car, but I think its a good price for what it is. All the trim looks good and it has a complete set of original wheels , maybe the drivers window was up before it was dragged out , helping to preserve a lot of the interior.
Most of these for sale are missing bumpers. I like this. No doubt it needs a total resto. Put in a 2.0 Porsche 914 engine. Yeah.
There is an engine in the car otherwise the back end would be sitting higher. I own 4 karmann ghias, with my most original being a 1964 Manila yellow car. The fact that it still has its bumpers and all of its components means it’s worth all of $1400.
Nice looking car I have a 1968 in same condition
It’s a Golden Moldy!
Anything can be restored but this one looks like a money pit. Calling it a possible donor would be too kind.
I had a 1963 Ruby Red Ghia that my Grampaw bought new. Great little car, but don’t cross paths with a 1968 Buick Elektra.