Vehicle Description
The VW Beetle was among the most versatile platforms in history,
and this bright red 1967 Volkswagen 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. The Cherry Red color is original to the car and one of the
less archetypal selections used on the Karmann-Ghia, but that's
exactly why we love it. The sheetmetal is in good condition, with
decent gaps and a surprising feeling of solidity for a car in this
price range. The slender chrome bumpers are in nice shape, 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 tweed seats look upscale and
comfortable, and are really the focal point of the car. The seats
are largely unblemished and supremely comfortable, the door panels
match perfectly, and the carpet is very sturdy and ties the cozy
cabin together. The clean black dash is lower than on a Beetle,
featuring a big, round speedometer and three VDO auxiliary units,
while the woodgrain panel trim makes it look far less minimalist
than most of its contemporaries. Options include an aftermarket
AM/FM/Cassette head unit in the dash, a sporty 4-speed shifter that
splits the seats, a heater/defrost unit, and front seatbelts. The
rear seat was finished to the same level, and folds down to add
some storage space, while the bonnet pops up and reveals plenty of
trunk space.
Power comes from VW's erstwhile 1493cc air-cooled flat four engine,
and the sound is instantly recognizable. Performance is good in the
lightweight Karmann-Ghia coupe, and it's refreshing to see an
engine compartment that's almost entirely factory stock rather than
hopped up with multiple carburetors and exotic exhaust systems.
Look closely and you'll see details like a chrome air cleaner
assembly, upgraded ignition components, a steel-braided fuel line,
and a factory generator mounted up top. 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 transmission shifts about as well as a
VW can, and the front disc brakes are firm and easy to modulate.
Shiny 15-inch wheels give it a sporty demeanor, and thanks to its
light weight and modest size, those 185/55/15 radials deliver great
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!
