This is the sort of Barn Find that some of you are really going to love. The owner of this 1969 Karmann Ghia has had it for 5-years and has decided that the time has come to part with the car. Why some of you will love it is because he has no intention of washing it. If you do buy it, how you see it is how you’ll get it. That will make it yours to clean and enjoy. Barn Finder Ikey H located this classic for us, so thank you so much for that Ikey. The Karmann is located in Longmont, Colorado, and is listed for sale here on Craigslist. The owner has set an asking price of $3,500 for this dusty beauty.
The most vulnerable part of a Karmann when it comes to potential damage is the nose. This Karmann has been lucky because it has never suffered any accident damage. There is some rust to be dealt with, but it really isn’t bad. It’s hard to see in the photos, but apparently, there is rust in the bottoms of both fenders, and some in the rockers. The good news is that the floors are said to be solid, and that’s a good starting point with one of these. The owner believes that the car has undergone a repaint at some point, but this was some time ago. That means that any nasty surprises should have reared their ugly heads by now.
There are no photos of the engine or interior, but there’s still plenty of good news. This car runs well, and I believe that it would drive okay. It is also fitted with good tires, and the brakes and wipers work well. The electrical system has not been touched, which is a bit of a bonus. The only thing that has a question mark over it is the turn signals, as the owner is unsure whether these work. We don’t get a lot of info about the interior, but the owner is including a new headliner, along with door seals and a hood seal.
As an entry-point project car, this Karmann Ghia has quite a lot going for it. The fact that it has minimal rust, and that it appears to be in mechanical good health, makes it an attractive proposition. Some people are just going to love the fact that they can buy it as it currently stands, and then have the pleasure of seeing the car emerge from that healthy layer of dust. This will give that person the opportunity to document the car’s entire journey from dusty barn find, through to a restored classic.
Not a bad starting point at all, and the ’69 will have the IRS and front disc brakes with ball joint beam and 12 V system, all good stuff. Someday I’ll build another but not for a while so have at it people.
If this were closer, I’d have a look. But the uncertainty about turn signal operation seems weird. So easy to check, especially on a running example. Makes me wonder about other items not discussed.
If it’s as solid as it looks the price is great. If you take a look as what the fully restored cars are selling for now you could afford to tackle this one.
Judging by the rust around the headlights, I’m gonna guess they’re held in place with gorilla glue – my NY native 74 was held together with bungee cords and wire
Mine was held together with Bondo, Bondo and…..more Bondo. I wasn’t fortunate enough to get one that hadn’t been nose-punched. Also, rocker rot runs deep in these, as well as around the headlights, wheelwells & A-pillars. This one looks pretty salvageable on the surface. Someone’s gonna get a pretty good project.
First un-restored one with a clean nose I’ve seen in about 30 years.
They are usually bashed in even with that additional bar on the bumper.
Good candidate for a cheap restore as you go driver.
Or for a young person getting into the hobby.
Plenty of parts sources and clubs for older VWs.
Well worth the asking price.
It looks pretty good for the money!!
Horay a decent buy on BF
I want one for my wife but…has to be autostick!