The VW Karmann Ghia had an exceptionally long production life, being built from 1955 through until the end of 1974. During this period the car underwent numerous improvements and upgrades, but it was a car that remained instantly recognizable. This 1974 model has been bid to $510, but the reserve hasn’t been met. If you read this article and decide that this is a car that you really must have, you might choose to hit the BIN button at $2,500. Located in London, Kentucky, you will find the Karmann listed for sale here on eBay.
This poor little car has a sad story to tell. It was a great little car until an engine fire brought it to a halt. The owner doesn’t provide any photos of the engine, or of the damage that the fire inflicted. If the car is original, then it should be fitted with a 1,485cc flat-4 Volkswagen engine, backed by a 4-speed manual transmission. Even if the fire has done substantial damage to the engine, replacements are easily sourced and aren’t terribly expensive. One bonus with this one is that it is an air-conditioned car. The system is complete, but the compressor has been removed. The body of the car looks quite good. There is some rust to attend to, and fairly typical of Volkswagens of this era, it looks like it will need floors, and some minor repairs to the rockers. There are a few minor marks and dings in the body, and the front bumper is damaged, but the overall appearance of the car looks quite promising.
The interior is a bit hard to see, but the owner says that it is complete. From what we can see, the seats have some rips and will need new covers, while the dash pad is quite badly cracked. Once again, the beauty of the Karmann Ghia is that parts are still readily available.
The 1974 American Karmann Ghia varied in some areas from those sold in other markets. Due to difficulties meeting seatbelt regulations, the 1974 American vehicles were built as strictly a 2-seater. This car is one of those, so in a worldwide context, it makes it a little bit special. This was also the final year of production, as the production of the Karmann Ghia ceased in late 1974. Today, a really good 1974 model will cost in the vicinity of $15,000, while a pristine example will set you back closer to $30,000. Even at the BIN price, this Karmann Ghia has the potential to be a really great project car.
Listing ended .. .
The 74 Ghia had a 1600cc engine.
I was going to say, that’s a very decent price for what looks like a Ghia that would clean up nicely just with a wash & detailing. The fact that it ended didn’t surprise me. Who got it?
Gone–
hear me out please–you are trying to sell a car that had an engine fire. that magnesium burns so hot its unreal..think tranny case is also–so why wouldn’t you take some pics of the engine compartment so the seller can see what he’s buying?? Bueller? Bueller?? Pics show and what you can see looks good….good luck to the new owner
I feel better now
Cheers
GPC
Yes, GPC, motor & trans are both a mag/aluminum alloy. And yes, it burns. Really, really hot. Learned that from my years with VWs and more at The Glen with the safety crew. Off topic, I was just glad to see a rebuildable Ghia that hadn’t been punched in the nose.
I’ve never heard of an air-conditioned ACVW before. I guess you do learn something new ever single day.
They’re out there. I actually had one. You just didn’t see many, because it was a very expensive option, it sucked too much power from the 53 HP engine, and, it worked *almost* as well as the heater.
Let me guess..someone installed one of those absolutely rediculous plastic fuel filters between the fuel pump and the carb, and it ruptured?
if you can take pics of the outside why not the trunk and engine???