Vehicle Description
THIS TYPE 34 GHIA HAS BEEN ACCEPTED TO RUN ON BRINGATRAILER.COM AND
WILL RUN FOR 7 DAYS FROM 12/11/2021-12/18/21 AND CAN BE YOURS JUST
IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS! THIS VEHICLE WILL BE SELLING TO THE HIGHEST
BIDDER, DONT MISS YOUR CHANCE TO ADD THIS VERY RARE IN THE USA VW
TO YOUR COLLECTION. LINK WILL FOLLOW ONCE IT GOES LIVE!*
This is an incredibly rare opportunity to own a unique VW
collectible. This Type 34 came over to the US many years ago when a
US serviceman stationed in Germany fell in love with its unique
design. VW never sold anything quite like this here. This example
has 81k original miles and powered by its original engine. Total
numbers in US are thought to be less than 100 examples. Please call
Jon @ 480-703-2337 with questions and please read more info on the
type 34 on the following link:
https://type34.com/library/15-history/32-history-of-the-type-34
The three-way partnership of Volkswagen, Karmann, and Carrozzeria
Ghia was born of the post-war economic boom, which saw middle-class
buying power grow exponentially. As buyers demanded more from their
automobiles, style and performance became top selling points.
Volkswagen built its name on the "cheap and cheerful" Beetle, so
the thought was that a stylish sporty coupe could boost their
image, particularly in the critical USA market. But the boffins in
Wolfsburg were reluctant to give the green light, as production was
already at maximum capacity with the Beetle and Type 2 bus. The
project's savior came via Wilhelm Karmann, who was eager to secure
more of VW's business beyond the limited coachbuilt convertible
Beetles he was already building. He offered VW the use of his
production line and skilled workers for the new sporty car and
brought Gigi Segre of Ghia on board to provide the styling. The
beautiful new Volkswagen shared its underpinnings with the Type 1
Beetle, meaning it was simple, robust, and dependable. The
beautiful Italian styling made the Type 14 Karmann-Ghia an
overnight classic, remaining essentially unchanged and widely
adored for its entire 19-year production run.
Volkswagen figured it couldn't survive on Type 1 Beetles alone and
diversified with a new family car platform. The new Type 3 of 1961
was envisioned as a more mature car with superior power, space, and
refinement compared to the Beetle. Three standard body styles were
offered on a common shared platform and were functional and
respectably styled with a strong VW family resemblance. Volkswagen
wanted a flagship model to promote the Type 3, and again turned to
Karmann and Ghia to create it. Known commonly as the "Type 34," the
new Karmann-Ghia 1500 was a completely different car from the Type
14 Karmann-Ghia, and it featured crisp and sophisticated styling
penned by Sergio Sartorelli for Ghia. Thanks to that lovely but
labor-intensive body, the Type 34 debuted the most expensive VW of
its day, costing the equivalent of two well-equipped Beetles.
Despite its offering many luxury features, the price was difficult
for customers to overcome, and it sold in relatively small numbers
between 1961 and 1969. Because of VW's reputation for value in the
US, the Type 34 was never officially imported, which further
reduced the overall sales. It is estimated that just a couple
hundred examples have come stateside in the hands of enthusiasts
through the years, and they are among the most sought-after and
distinctive air-cooled VWs.
The 1963 Volkswagen Type 34 offered here is an exceptionally
well-preserved example of this rarely-seen Karmann-Ghia variant.
This highly original car is refreshingly honest and authentic,
discovered locally after years tucked away in a garage. Finished in
a lovely two-tone color scheme of Pacific Green with a white roof,
the livery is a fine complement for the Ghia-designed shape,
highlighting its crisp lines and fascinating detail. The body and
structure are remarkably solid, and the older respray is
attractive, with just a few touchups and imperfections that fit
well with the car's authentic character. Nearly all of the
brightwork is original, displaying a moderate patina on the
bumpers, in particular. It rides on original-style cream-colored
steel wheels, fitted with correct dog-dish hubcaps and new radial
tires.
Like the exterior, the interior is incredibly well-preserved and
appears to be mostly original to the car. The seats and door cards
are upholstered in turquoise leatherette with tweed fabric inserts.
Aside from a minor flaw on the rear bench, the upholstery is in
excellent condition and reflects this car's remarkably
well-preserved nature. The Type 34 was the most expensive and
best-equipped VW of its time, and the cabin has a decidedly
upmarket feel with unique pushbutton controls for the wipers and
lights, a Bendix Sapphire radio, and distinctive VDO instruments.
Both front and rear trunks retain the original gray vinyl lining,
in excellent order.
The car is mechanically in good sound condition, and the 1500
"pancake" engine looks tidy and runs well. The engine bay displays
an appropriate level of patina, with period-correct fittings and
accessories. Underneath, the floor pans and structure appear
excellent, with only some minor surface corrosion noted
Type 34 Ghias are an incredibly rare sight on our shores,
particularly in this car's remarkably original condition. Brimming
with character, it is a superb choice for Cars & Coffee gatherings,
casual club events, and regular driving enjoyment with the family.
Most air-cooled VW experts theorize that there are less than 100 of
these running around all of the United States. Join the club and
add something unique to your collection!
Call Jon @ 480-703-2337