Riding in a Volkswagen Beetle it is a bit like getting measles, being beaten up under the bleachers, or having a small pox vaccine scar -- you know, one of those terrible American traditions that has slowly disappeared, only to be remembered by old folks. However, if you want that Beetle smell without the frumpy Beetle looks -- you could get the sporty version called the Karmann Ghia that was much cooler looking...albeit slower. Find this 1970 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia offered for $5,500 in San Carlos, CA via craigslist.
The 2+2 coupe had sporty bodywork designed by Carrozzeria Ghia SpA and built by karosseriebauer Karmann GmbH mounted on a Beetle pan. Power comes courtesy of a 1.6 liter flat-4 that pushes out 58 horsepower into a 4-speed manual gearbox. If the "new paint" was properly applied, this could be a decent classic to tool around town.
See another classic Ghia for cheap? tips@dailyturismo.com
Frankly, if you want a Porsche 356 without the stigma of high cost, here is your answer. I didn't like these back in the day, but now I find them quite attractive. I would happily drive one. Why did they insist on putting California so darned far from me?
ReplyDeleteHad several. Sold my last 2 almost 2 years ago, as a package. One was not running. Got as much for the non runner as this guy is selling his for.
ReplyDeleteSo sounds like a decent deal. Salvage title would be my only concern, for safety and resale.
Agree w/Bobinott on a poor man's 356.
It's also less snobby/more friendly.
And people won't think it's a kit car!
-Stan (the wistful-that-his-Ghias-are-gone Stan...)
More or less stock looking Ghia's with Fuchs wheels are a great base for personalization as long as one can keep their inner Foose in check as can be seen in this CL offering
DeleteWarning...some things cannot be unseen.
Should have come with a stronger warning, Huns.
DeleteJesus.
HahHhahhahahahha
DeleteLooks like something from Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Hahahahhahaha
I am going to use that as my wallpaper to get a laugh throughout the day.
I just chula'd all over my vista.
DeleteNote the vise grip window cranks
ReplyDeletebut nice looking car @ low entry price
All VWs from the air-cooled era, well into the water pumper era use the same spline arrangement for window cranks. I had '87 GTI window cranks on my '70 VW bus in the late 90s. Seriously, window cranks are basically free, much less than a vise grip for sure.
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ReplyDeleteFor all the garage build EV lovers here, how about a Ghia EV
ReplyDelete