Vehicle Description
The VW Beetle was among the most versatile platforms in history,
and this slick 1965 VW 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, and if recent trends are any indicator, these cars will lead
the VW market into the future.
The bottom line is that the Karmann-Ghia looks like a million
bucks, in pretty much every color on the planet. 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 several years ago that's starting to show
its age a little around the edges, but still maintains a heck of a
curb presence that really turns heads. The somewhat unique shade of
Silver on the car is one of the less archetypal selections used on
the Karmann-Ghia, but that's exactly why we love it - it somehow
manages to be both flashy and low-key at the exact same time. The
sheetmetal is in good condition, with good gaps and a surprising
feeling of solidity for a car in this price range. The slender
chrome bumpers are in nice shape too, and all the unique trim
pieces shine up well, making this a car that still draws
appreciative stares wherever it goes.
The Ghia designers also did a great job disguising the Beetle's
interior appointments, and the tan vinyl seats look upscale and
comfortable, and are really the focal point of the car. The seats
are stock-spec and virtually unblemished, the lighter door panels
match them nicely, and the warm carpets are very plush and tie the
cozy cabin together. The uber-clean black and silver dash is lower
than on a Beetle, featuring three gauge pods housing the
speedometer, fuel gauge, and clock for a minimalist look we
absolutely love. The rear bench seat is finished to the same high
level as the front buckets and it folds down to add some storage
space, and if we had to list a demerit it would be the original
headliner which shows some discoloration in spots, although a
Saturday spent well would fix that right up. The original AM radio
is long gone, replaced by a newer Pioneer AM/FM/CD head unit, while
the original steering wheel and shifter are exactly what you'd see
in 1965. The forward trunk is neatly finished with painted panels,
carpets, and a full-size spare tire and jack set that may even be
the original.
Power comes from VW's erstwhile 1300 cc air-cooled flat four
engine, and the sound is instantly recognizable. Performance is
good in the lightweight Karmann-Ghia coupe, and it's great to see
an engine compartment that's been beautifully detailed with painted
and polished components that really pop out from the silver pans.
Despite the brightly colorful pieces, if you look closely you'll
see that the actual equipment is mostly stock spec, including the
single carb set-up, the straightforward air cleaner assembly,
correct ignition components and upgraded battery. Excellent
maintenance means that everything is clean and tidy under the rear
deck, and VW's reputation for reliability is earned the
old-fashioned way: by being reliable. The 4-speed manual
transmission shifts about as well as a VW can, and the brakes are
firm and easy to modulate. Standard painted VW wheels with shiny
hubcaps 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 as it
is and with a bit of effort, could easily be taken to the next
level. Call today!
