Vehicle Description
Combining the mechanical components from the iconic VW Beetle with
Italian aesthetics provided by Italian design firm Carrozzeria Ghia
and a hand-built body via respected German coachbuilder Karmann,
this 1972 VW Karmann Ghia is an unusual rolling example of
international cooperation. It offers a substantial amount of
vintage cachet and historical significance at a good price and will
arrive with both build receipts and restoration photos on hand as
back up for the work and investment that went into bringing it to
its current stellar state.
The Emola gray color it now wears gives it a bit of a modern touch
but doesn't detract in the least from its vintage identity. Being
so newly applied, the paint still looks very clean, with nice
uniform pigmentation from front to back. You can see the appeal of
this automotive "citizen of the world" right away - its relatively
broad track and low profile sets it far apart from its VW Beetle
stablemate and the curvature coming from its Italian styling
influence really jumps out at you. Its recent restoration leaves it
with a very vital look - both the headlights and taillights are
new, as are the striking look bullet-style turn signals. All of the
exterior fittings and badging - from the signature VW emblem and
vents up front to the "Karmann Ghia" script in back - look great
and there's clear glass on all sides of the cabin, and the front
and rear windshields are surrounded by fresh rubber to keep the
elements out.
The red vinyl interior features a thoroughly factory appearance
and, being so lightly travelled, looks as if it has yet to see much
activity inside its doors. You'll find no wear marks or creasing on
either the front bucket seats or rear bench seat and their covers
are very well fitted. While the Karmann Ghia would never be
mistaken for a passenger hauler, its rear seat isn't just a novelty
- this car will accommodate passengers in back. Up front, the
Ghia's relatively wide dimension provides a surprising amount of
shoulder room for the driver and front seat occupant. Beyond the
woodgrain steering wheel, the dash area really looks sharp - its
gauges are clear and functional, all control knobs and switches sit
securely in place and the dash pad shows none of the damaging
effects of UV exposure. An AM/FM/iPod stereo with Bluetooth
connectivity sits at the center to provide audio accompaniment
while on the road.
The 1641 cc 4 cylinder engine sitting in the very clean rear engine
compartment is the same one this Karmann Ghia began life with more
than 45 years ago and, having benefitted from a rebuilding just
3,000 miles ago, it's running very well. While it was being brought
back into form, an aftermarket cam, new pistons and new cylinders
were added and an also new Pertronix ignition sits nearby to
maximize spark. The dual carbs it's armed with sit to its sides
under sharp looking chrome air cleaners and have been tuned with
precision, so the note coming out of its dual exhaust sounds smooth
and even. The undercarriage on this classic looks straight and
sturdy - there's just a touch of the expected patina below, but the
floorpans, exhaust and suspension components look great. Front disc
brakes bring things to a quick, fade resistant stop as needed as
this well-restored German export cruises on its 15" steel wheels
with freshly powder-coated surfaces and new hubcaps that are
wrapped with Nexen tires that appear to have plenty of life left on
them.
This 1972 VW Karmann Ghia offers the opportunity to get behind the
wheel of a true import classic with plenty of historical
significance at a good price. Call today!