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In a Shed Since ’84: 1971 VW Karmann Ghia

This 1971 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia convertible is listed as a recent rescue from a shed, where it had been parked since 1984. With the exterior apparently showing decent shine with just a wash and a host of mechanical repairs completed, the seller claims this is a car you can get in and drive or choose to take to the next level with additional cosmetic restoration. Find the droptop here on eBay for $12,500 or best offer.

The seller notes one of the key selling points of the Ghia is having a nose that’s never been hit. In addition, the floorpan is solid, as are the rockers and door posts. Rust is largely limited to the bottom of the driver’s side rear fender beneath the bumper, where it looks like a drain was blocked or water otherwise became trapped. The chrome bumpers still look tidy, but too shiny compared to the luggage rack.

Inside, the wood applique on the dashboard needs replacing, which almost all of them need if not kept in a museum. The bucket seats still look like they have plenty of life left in them, as do the door panels. The dash needs replacement, as it looks like it was either cut or buckled up in the center around a former vent location. It’s nice to see matching paint inside the doors.

The seller notes the Karmann Ghia was refreshed by Vintage Works in Safety Harbor, Florida, which includes new ignition components, rebuilt carburetor, cleaned-out gas tank, new exhaust, refreshed braking system, and more. While sellers have been claiming for a while the Karmann Ghia is poised for a spike in value, I’ve not seen evidence of this yet – will the tide start to rise soon?

Comments

  1. Avatar Steve R

    I’m a little leery of the sellers interpretation of surface rust.

    Steve R

    Like 13
  2. bobhess bobhess Member

    Does look a little toasty under there doesn’t it.

    Like 2
  3. Avatar Stevieg

    Crispy critter!
    I always liked these…sure wish I would fit in one (the rare car where I prefer a hard to over a convertible…oh yeah, my Wisconsin belly doesn’t help either lol).
    When I was a 6 or 7 year old back in the mid 1970’s, my Dad had a girlfriend that owned one. I loved the sound of that engine! I always thought the lines were pretty cool too. My Mom was not impressed, since she & my Dad had recently married & were still together lol. I don’t remember her, and there were too many others like her to remember (in my Dad’s world), but I sure remember the car!

    Like 5
  4. Avatar Newport Pagnell Member

    Sacrificial anode washer(sic)hanging in the one shot. Looks like it didn’t do it’s job.Nice!

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Louis Q Chen

    Needs a few work…the hood rust and other rough spots….the dash…how about the top? Maybe $7500? Another $4K to restore back to original condition.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Always less than expected. When will these take off in price? Tennis Tim

    As always, great lines and styling. Performance Always less than expected. When will these take off in price?

    Like 0
  7. Avatar stillrunners

    Florida ?

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Albert

    WoW! I bought a 74 Ghia Coupe in much better shape with 36k original miles and I only paid $4k for it. This is ridiculous.

    Like 1
  9. Avatar George Mattar

    Stevieg. I know of a rust free Ghia owned by a friend. Car from new Mexico. Hardtop. Same color as this. Engine was rebuilt. He has had it about 5 years. It it sitting inside his heated garage in Pennsylvania. He wants to sell. Call Don 570 296 6088. Missing bumpers. Yeah I know they are not cheap. It is stick shift. Far from perfect buy much better than a car from a state where it snows.

    Like 0

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