I’ve come to appreciate the great state of Georgia as a treasure trove of barn finds and old, forgotten project cars. My 1981 Toyota HiAce was pulled out of a remote north Georgia backyard, and I’ve got my eye on a few other projects hiding out down there. The seller of this well-worn 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia convertible here on eBay has an excellent specimen on his hands – rough, but rust-free and running with a paint job only the passage of time and Mother Nature can create. Bidding is over $11K with no reserve.
Karmann Ghia production began in 1957, and like all things VW air-cooled, the earlier – the better. This 1960 model has details like the chrome bumpers with overriders, chrome hubcap and bullet-style turn signals to set it apart from later models, along with the gorgeous tiny taillights. Later VWs tended to get more bulbous in their proportions, losing some of the grace of that original Ghia-designed body. This one has been repainted once in its lifetime but is otherwise completely original.
The seller notes that this Karmann Ghia has just two owners from new, and the second owner rebuilt the motor then put the car on blocks into dry storage for the next few decades. Mileage is believed to be accurate at 70,400, meaning this Ghia hasn’t seen nearly as many miles as other examples this age. The vintage Georgia license plate is another indication of its long-term sleep, and the seller claims there’s no evidence of accident damage thanks to the factory-like shut lines along the body. I won’t say the “P-word”, but – well, check out that paint!
The interior is surprisingly tidy, and the upholstery is claimed to be original. The seller notes that common aircooled VW trouble spots like the heater channels and battery tray are in great shape, with a half-dollar sized rust hole in the passenger-side floor the only corrosion to contend with. I agree with the seller that I wouldn’t want to disturb this car’s awesome level of preservation, other than to install a carpet kit and a replacement top to ensure water continues to stay outside the cabin. Bidders are waving their paddles. – will it clear $20K?
Cool find, Jeff! To my ancient eyes, it looks like a pretty good basis for a restoration, 36 HP engine, non-synchro First Gear and all.
Very nice very complete rust free 1960 Ghia. Missed being a low light by one year, bummer. Not exactly a survivor by a long stretch. If you want a really nice 1960 Ghia to fix up no harm.
The Karmann Ghia was actually marketed as a 2+2 coupe (1955–1974) and then as a convertible (1957–1974)
2+2? I still remember riding in a high school friend’s Ghia as a third passenger on a plain shelf over the engine. Did some of them have rear seats?
Early Ghia’s had a rear seat, so to speak. There was upholstery and cushions but not much legroom. I think the rear seat was removed when the U.S. government mandated seat belts in all seating positions.
I had a ’61 or ’62 in the early 1970s. I wish that had looked half as good as this one does now! Mine featured the optional punched in nose and major, major rust. I used it for body work practice as it really wasn’t worth fixing then. Then, it was a cheap, back row used car. I think that was one that I got for the low, low cost of pulling it out of the owner’s back yard or hedge row and towing home.
My parents thought I ran a home for wayward cars. Not too far of, in retrospect!
Well, it certainly has held up better than most of the
Porsche 356’s out there..☺️,I never knew they came
Out that long ago ?!! ,one of the few VW vehicles that
I really love..😍 that will be a lot of fun…when done..!
It’s a DOG!
A really cute lab that is, the ghia is sweet find too.
Don’t see any of the new parts, guess these are all before. Should have blew out all that mouse crap and nest remnants and gave it a good wash. Did you really take your girl in that rolling haunta virus mobile with the dirty windows? Ffs dude take the pics clean it up, don’t get sick just to maintain the barn find sales gimmick.
Is the Pupper included in the sale?
He’s a photogenic dude, ain’t he?
Yeah, but can he blow the horn?
Great find ! I’ve always really loved these. Trying to thin the heard right now, so just sold our 66 Beetle Deluxe. Plenty of classic VW aficionados out there to fix this baby up !
Amazing, the front end hasn’t been punched! Had a ’69 years ago, the most pleasant convertible I’ve ever driven. The wind doesn’t part your hair in the back like most. This one looks to be in pretty good shape paint aside and a lot of the parts are really inexpensive.
A Ghia of this age without a punched nose, no rust in ft fender wells or door bottoms, is a rare breed. House of Ghias in Oregon will take care of need, just be sure to bring your wallet.