1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

Description

The VW Beetle was among the most versatile platforms in history, and this bright red 1967 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is a great opportunity to own an icon. Who would have thought that a graceful, upscale 2-seater would be born from the utilitarian, functional Beetle? Yet here it is, and if recent trends are any indicator, these cars will lead the VW market into the future.

The bottom line is that the Karmann-Ghia looks like a million bucks, in pretty much every color on the planet. The graceful lines, the muscular curved rear fenders, and the slender pillars that make the roof almost look like it's floating are all masterstrokes of '60s design. This one has been freshened as needed, with a repaint several years ago that's starting to show its age. The Cherry Red color is original to the car and one of the less archetypal selections used on the Karmann-Ghia, but that's exactly why we love it. The sheetmetal is in good condition, with decent gaps and a surprising feeling of solidity for a car in this price range. The slender chrome bumpers are in nice shape, and all the unique trim pieces shine up well, making this a car that still draws appreciative stares wherever it goes.

The Ghia designers also did a great job disguising the Beetle's interior appointments, and the tan tweed seats look upscale and comfortable, and are really the focal point of the car. The seats are largely unblemished and supremely comfortable, the door panels match perfectly, and the carpet is very sturdy and ties the cozy cabin together. The clean black dash is lower than on a Beetle, featuring a big, round speedometer and three VDO auxiliary units, while the woodgrain panel trim makes it look far less minimalist than most of its contemporaries. Options include an aftermarket AM/FM/Cassette head unit in the dash, a sporty 4-speed shifter that splits the seats, a heater/defrost unit, and front seatbelts. The rear seat was finished to the same level, and folds down to add some storage space, while the bonnet pops up and reveals plenty of trunk space.

Power comes from VW's erstwhile 1493cc air-cooled flat four engine, and the sound is instantly recognizable. Performance is good in the lightweight Karmann-Ghia coupe, and it's refreshing to see an engine compartment that's almost entirely factory stock rather than hopped up with multiple carburetors and exotic exhaust systems. Look closely and you'll see details like a chrome air cleaner assembly, upgraded ignition components, a steel-braided fuel line, and a factory generator mounted up top. Excellent maintenance means that everything is clean and tidy under the rear deck, and VW's reputation for reliability is earned the old-fashioned way: by being reliable. The 4-speed transmission shifts about as well as a VW can, and the front disc brakes are firm and easy to modulate. Shiny 15-inch wheels give it a sporty demeanor, and thanks to its light weight and modest size, those 185/55/15 radials deliver great grip and a smooth ride.

VW fans are rightly proud of the Karmann-Ghia, and we see the market for these cars heating up. This one is very affordable as it is and with a bit of effort, could easily be taken to the next level. Call today!