For Sale: 1972 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia in Ft Worth, Texas

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!