The Karmann Ghia was the sports car equivalent of the Volkswagen Beetle. It was only the second auto to be produced by VW and had a 20-year run from 1955 to 1974 (1957-74 for convertibles). Designated the Type 14 in VW-speak, the cool cars used the same floors and mechanical bits as the Bug. This 1964 drop-top was found in a barn and then cleaned up, waiting for someone to restore it. Located now in Pedricktown, New Jersey, this example will need some bodywork and probably a replacement engine. Available here on eBay, the current bid is $1,850 (reserve not met).
Volkswagen’s Karmann Ghia took its name from its stylist (Ghia) and coachbuilder (Karmann). Seating for more than two people was cramped as the tiny rear seat required really short legs. Engine size varied over the years as it did with the Beetle, but a 1.2-liter air-cooled 4-cylinder was deployed in 1964. 445,000 KGs were produced in Germany over the years, with another 41,000 coming out of Brazil.
The photos show a barn find being liberated, followed by some light detailing. We’re told it’s numbers-matching, but it has a seized engine from sitting (can it be saved?). While the floors are thought to be good, the rear quarter panels have accumulated some corrosion over the years. The top is intact and functions, and the interior seems to be complete.
A nice discovery is that the car’s original Sapphire radio has survived along with the owner’s manual. While these cars weren’t as prolific in the States as the Type 1, I remember quite a few of them running around in the 1970s. So, a restorable Karmann Ghia is probably a great find, and being a convertible is a huge plus.
Fun car ! I drove my 63 convertible onto the mountains in 1972 , ended up on the Appalachian Trail ! Left it at my friends house when I moved to Florida , never saw it again , still have the title ! Think I paid $100 for it .
The heater channels and side supports need to be checked. These can be fun when not rusted out.
Get a SCAT bigger engine with dual carbs to actually run and climb hills on the highway.
Good luck with sale..
The few up close pictures show plenty or rust or prior rust repair which needs addressing, again. I have no idea of value, the reserve will likely determine if it’s a viable project. Needs a thorough inspection prior to purchase.
Steve R
The back fender looks like it is a high percentage of bondo. This is going to take someone very proficient is metal working to bring it back from the precipice.
I’ve always liked the design of these cars – I’d take one over a standard Beetle any day of the week. Most of the car guys I’ve spoken with think they are a “girl’s car” LOL.
There was the pink one Molly Ringwald drove in Pretty In Pink, probably had a lot to do with it.
my first car was a KG convertible. about as nice, I might add.
I would not buy a car with 20 years of dust and attached to a tow strap.
That is not the way to display a car.
Ummm… you’re on a site called “Barn Finds” son…
I see a lot of cutting, welding, filling and sanding in someone’s future… That said, I’ve seen Ghia’s in much worse shape…
I’d get it running, clean it up, and leave it as is. Maybe I’d put in a bluetooth radio, just so I can listen to music. I’d keep it as a smiles and miles car.
I bought one of these years ago from a guy who did a full restoration on it then had an engine fire.
Looked perfectly fine on the outside, and the engine compartment only had minor smoke damage. The engine needed to be cleaned up and wiring redone.
My then-wife said she hated it.
We split up shortly afterwards, and the first thing she did was have a VW mechanic get it running again. That was all she wrote.
That’s been about 20 years ago, and SHE STILL HAS IT! lol
Had many. Rust is THE issue. In a cabrio, you need the beefed up heater channels or it’ll be door sag city.
All I have to say is a least they have before and after pictures of it dirty and cleaned off.
Reserve still not met at 4950.
Ft bumper commonly touched the nose of the ft hood. Very rarely do you find any clearance and no damages.
I recall seeing Karman Ghias on the street in the 70’s. Fairly new yet rust was prominent in many places. The barn find needs an acid dip, then see what’s left.
Best of luck !
I had a 64 coupe years ago and I remember the specific Ghia stuff was alot more expensive than Bug parts.House of Ghia used to be my go to. But Karmann Ghia’s are fewer in numbers than bugs. I have enjoyed both vehicles and lots of fond memories. If you have never owned a older VW,give one a try. You’ll be surprised how much attention they get.
I looked for a Karman Ghia in the early 1980s, but even the rotted out one were more than my budget would allow, at the time. I ended up buying and driving a ’74 Super Beetle for the next 3 years.
He recently dropped the price on his Marketplace ad. For the bargain price of $12.5k it could be yours!!
It’s gonna to need a bath, first !
12,500? Yikes !
I keep seeing online that VW is bringing back the Karmin G. along with some really cool pics of the new design. Really disapointed when I was told it was just a scam and VW has no current plans to bring it back! 😥
When the Bentley Continental GT came out in 2003, I thought it should have been a KG. The side profile looked like a modernized version.
Was gifted one for my 16th birthday by one of our families friend.
However, my father refused to let me receive it. It has been my dream car ever since. At the age of 33 I had an aortic dissection requiring a 5x bypass. Now it is my number 1 bucket list item, it’s been many years and counting with not one I can afford one so far. Tick,Tock goes the clock…
Maybe for my 55th birthday.
Keep your dream alive Virginia, go for it with all you got.
You are wrong…..Then maybe you should just drive your ten year old car or lease a car because this kind of car takes a lot of money and a long list of maintenance , but the rewards are worth it.
Unfortunately this type of restoration will far exceed the value