Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1969 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe.
The VW Karmann Ghia was never designed to be a true sports car, but these stylish VW cars that are based on the Type 1 Beetle definitely have the potential to scratch the classic sports car itch. These cars with their stylish bodies, designed by Ghia and coach built by Karmann, are combined with underpinnings that are really not a lot different from the famed Porsche 356. All it takes are a few performance modifications and you end up with a car that is quite capable of keeping up with and even passing the more expensive 356.
I have personally always liked these cars and have driven quite a few, and I feel that they still represent a bit of a bargain in the collector car world. When you combine that with the cash of servicing them and the abundance of parts out there, the Ghia makes for a terrific first time collector car.
The 1969 VW Karmann Ghia featured here is described as a car that received exterior paint touch-ups and a refurbished interior in 2023 as well as updates to the ignition system, fuel system, and fluids. It is powered by a 1.5-liter flat-four mated to a four-speed manual transaxle. Finished in yellow over a black vinyl interior, this Karmann Ghia is now offered with a clear title. I do think that this car has been repainted and though it looks like good paint, there is evidence of some slight overspray, but nothing that should dissuade a buyer.
The interior is again said to have been refurbished in July 2023 with newer black vinyl seats up front, a bench in the rear, and matching materials for the headliner, carpeting, and sun visors. Features include manual-crank windows and a Kenwood AM/FM/CD radio. The carpet-lined front storage compartment contains a spare tire with a cover. The VDO-branded instrumentation includes a 90-mph speedometer, a clock, and a fuel gauge. The five-digit mechanical odometer reads 26,842 miles, although the true mileage on the chassis is unknown. One thing I have always wondered about is why VW thought a tachometer was not something people would want, even as an option.
Under the rear deck there is the stock rear-mounted 1.5-liter carbureted flat-four engine. The seller states that it received maintenance in October that included the replacement of the fuel pump, spark plugs, distributor, and fluids. Output is sent to the rear wheels via a floor-shifted four-speed manual transaxle. The photos show an engine compartment that looks very stock with no weird aftermarket parts. I like seeing that as it makes me feel that the car was cared about. That being said, this car is begging for an engine swap to a VW 1835cc or 1996cc engine with dual carbs. Regardless, the 1500cc engine will cruise all day at 75 mph.
The undercarriage of this Ghia looks from the photos to be quite nice with no rust issues visible. Since the floor of a Ghia is essentially the frame, never buy a rusty example. This one looks like a good one.
So if you want a European collector car that looks amazing, is fun to drive, simple to service, reliable, and has practically endless performance modification potential, I would consider this 1969 Karmann Ghia as a good choice.
The auction for this 13,842-mile 1969 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia coupe ends Friday, December 15, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. (MST)
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery
