Vehicle Description
Description from the owner:
"1968 Karmann Ghia
VIN #: 148760171
Lic. #: 6NWE459
Odometer: 85,915 (5 digit Device)
Under 8,000 miles in last 26 years
About Our Family's 1968 Karmann Ghia...
"My mother bought this car new in 1968. She had suffered a medical
setback and "felt a little down" as she put it and she had always
wanted a red sport's car. It made sense that a Ghia was her choice
because my parents had owned several Bugs starting with a 1956 with
the only gauge being an odometer/speedometer and a flip valve when
you ran out of fuel. Mom was so coordinated she could flip it when
she ran out so quickly she did not have to restart the engine. My
parents drove to Washington D.C. from Berkeley twice and dad told
me the fuel bill was about $200!
In 1991 when the Oakland Fire Storm hit, and took our old family
home my mom had a tough decision as the fire approached because
there were two cars in the carport, my dad's old Mercedes (a nice
car) and the Ghia. Mom chose to drive the Ghia out and thus save
her. The Mercedes was lost and mom had recently spent over $3000
for needed upkeep. I got a call from mom about three weeks after
the fire. She expressed doubt that she had made the correct
decision vis-a-vie the cars. I said, "No mom, you made the right
decision!"
Mom drove the car until she was 87. Having moved to a home on
Grizzly Peak Blvd. at the top of Marin Ave. in Berkeley, she
traversed Marin (an extremely steep street) with the down shifting
and driving skill needed. At that point she gave the Ghia to one of
my older brothers. He did some fixup including having her repainted
and then I took her over about ten years later. I have had her for
about thirteen years and significantly redid much of the interior
and addressed the other compartments and upkeep. Mom had the engine
rebuilt in 1995. Even though that was 25 years ago the mileage
since then is less than 8000 miles. My hope is that someone will
take good care of her and continue to restore her to the best of
their ability and enjoy a beautiful car relic.
Bob Garcia
Son of the original owner
Auto Data:
3 Owners in same family since new.
See "About Our Family's Karmann Ghia..."
Recent Restoration:
Paint portions of front truck space and rear engine compartment
Replace 3 hubcaps and chrome rim covers
Replace door panels and some door accessories
Replace door post rubber & rear window hinges
Replace dash pad and face
Replace rear window rack floor
Rework front bumper-paint/repair and reinstall
Recent Maintenance:
12/2020 Oil change, Left rear axle seal, Adjust carburetor
1/2020 Oil change
9/2018 Oil change, valve adjustment (approx. 1000 miles ago)
Replace muffler and tail pipes
Past Restoration/Maintenance:
11/2017 New turn signal switch
New horn ring
10/2017 New rear axle seals
8/2017 New tires
New front brake pads
12/2016 Upgrade generator to alternator
New horn ring
New battery
11/2016 New seat belts
New wiper motor
Powder coat of wiper blade bars
8/2016 New clock
7/2016 Gauges rebuilt
6/2016 Rear upholstery work
4/2016 New front seat upholstery
4/2016 New master brake cylinder
10/1998 Repair rear body and paint
4/1995 Engine overhaul (mileage 78795)-approx. 8000 miles ago.
12/1994 Four new shocks installed, Replace heater boxes"
There is a dent in the drivers side door and quarter panel. The car
runs and drives great.