Vehicle Description
The VW Beetle was among the most versatile platforms in history,
and this bright 1971 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, complete with an overbuilt motor that makes this VW a hero for
the guy sitting behind the wheel.
The bottom line is that the Karmann-Ghia looks like a million
bucks, I don't care which engine is powering it. 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 in the early 2000s that's starting to show a
little age. The light blue color is original to the car and one of
the most archetypal selections used on the Karmann-Ghia. 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. And for the enterprising hobbyist, it's a
chance to add a little sweat equity and add value at the same time.
Believe me, the engine will make you want to step it up in a big
way.
They also did a great job disguising the Beetle's interior
appointments, and the white and gray cloth and vinyl seats look
upscale and comfortable. It's not quite stock, but the look isn't
too far from the original and it would take an expert to spot all
the changes. The dash is lower than on a Beetle, featuring three
gauge pods housing the speedometer, fuel gauge, and clock. The
carpets have been replaced at some point in the past, and there's a
modest back seat that's probably OK for kids on short trips. Custom
door panels were whipped up to match the seats, so it all has a
very consistent look, and even the white boot on the shifter lends
a bright custom twist. There's an updated AM/FM/iPod stereo head
unit in the dash and the forward trunk is furnished with a
reproduction carpet mat and a full-sized spare.
Power comes from a fresh 2275 cc air-cooled flat four engine from
Chick Performance Racing, and the sound is instantly recognizable.
Performance is downright impressive in the lightweight Karmann-Ghia
coupe, and the engine compartment is extremely well detailed with
lots of new parts. There are twin carburetors, new wiring, a fresh
generator, custom pulleys, and trick air cleaners that really make
it look finished. The battery tray is a little scabby, but you
could clean that up in a weekend and really make this engine bay
sparkle, but perhaps you won't even care after you experience the
way it runs. There's a decent hit of torque at any speed and it
seems to want to pull forever. The 4-speed manual transmission
shifts about as well as a VW can, and the brakes are firm and easy
to modulate. Custom aluminum wheels give it a sporty demeanor, and
thanks to its light weight and modest size, those 165/80/15 radials
deliver decent 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 and
with a bit of effort, could easily be taken to the next level. Call
today!
