Vehicle Description
This spectacular 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is not just one of
the nicest VWs we've ever featured, it is one of the nicest
ANYTHINGS we've featured. It takes the smooth shape and gives it a
modern twist so that it's both instantly recognizable and something
truly unique, and backs it up with impeccable workmanship and a
beautifully modern look.
The list of body modifications is brief but the effect they have on
the overall look is stunning. Perhaps the most notable change is
the addition of modern headlights grafted neatly into the
Karmann-Ghia's front fenders. The angle is right and they fit so
well you almost think they were born there. The custom shape makes
the VW look far more expensive than it is, and the paint work and
exceptional metal finishing underneath suggest that this was a
cost-no-object build. That gorgeous Candy Apple Red paint suits the
car's custom look, adding a high-tech vibe that makes it stand out
without being too overt about it, and the quality of the work is
very impressive. Gaps are even, the paint has an awesome gloss, and
the blacked-out trim around the windows works well with the other
details. And like all great customs, it's hard to tell where the
factory work stops and the custom stuff begins. That's way cool.
Oh, and you also get show-quality chrome throughout, including the
handsome bumpers and delicate Karmann Ghia script badges on the
trunk lid.
The interior is just as effective and beautifully finished with an
eye towards contemporary style. The bucket seats have a cool '60s
style to them but wear beautiful seat covers with cloth inserts
that are tasteful and elegant. The floors wear tan carpets but
we're especially enamored with the woodgrained floor mats, which
are a little whimsical but also exactly right. The original VDO
gauges have been nicely restored and are visible through the spokes
of a custom billet steering wheel with a wooden rim. A Kenwood
AM/FM/CD stereo head unit in the dash powers speakers throughout
the interior, including a trio of big subwoofers in the rear
package area behind the fold-down rear seat; very trick! In all,
it's just a beautiful blend of traditional styling cues, modern
technology, and high fashion. Oh, and that pointed nose still has a
usefully-shaped trunk area that's finished like a stocker with a
simple piece of black carpet.
The engine is a pretty stout 1776 cc unit that was rebuilt about 60
miles ago (yes, 60). Now that may not seem like a lot, but bear in
mind that this sucker weighs in around 1800 pounds and you can
understand that performance is, shall we say, entertaining.
Featuring a forged crank, dual carbs, a powder coated accessory
drive, and a whole lot chrome dress-up pieces, the engine bay looks
cool enough to show off every time you go to a show. It also runs
superbly, pulling strongly through all four gears and with the
Karmann-Ghia's lower center of gravity, handling is much improved
compared to the Beetle. Some of the credit for that improvement
should go to the lowered ride height, which gives it a bit of
attitude but isn't so low that it makes the car a pain to drive on
real-world pavement. Front disc brakes, a big front sway bar, and
ceramic-coated exhaust sounds distinctive and looks great peeking
out from under the bodywork and it rolls on polished Minilite-style
wheels and staggered 135R15 front and 165R15 rear blackwall
radials.
Documented with receipts for all the paint work, this is simply a
spectacular car, no matter what your favorite might be. Call
today!