1971Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Convertible

1971 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Description

This is likely one of, if not, THE best conditioned convertible Ghia in the U.S.!!

It is not Concours condition, but it's pretty darn close.

1971 Volkswagen Karman Ghia convertible with extensive rolling restoration work completed. One of approximately 5,000 produced of this classic has been restored with old paint stripped, new factory stock paint color, chrome euro bumpers, rebuilt 1.6 liter engine with a 20% horsepower boost with large bore ki, new clutch and all gauges functioning. New heater boxes, master cylinder with of the mechanical and body work completed by Little Foreign Care Garage of Waltham, MA. New Stayfast black canvas top with headliner and glass rear window. All new rubber around windows, trunk, doors and hood. Interior and trunk has new carpet with Coco matts and re-cushioned seats.

Carefully rebuilt from 2012 to 2016, this Karman Ghia has matching numbers and kept as original as possible. New suspension, brakes with new rotors. New AM/FM/Aux radio with 1971 appearance added with powered sub woofer hidden in driver's compartment so you can hear the music with the top down. Kill switch added. Driver/Fog lamps with upgraded halogen headlamps added. Many more new parts are all detailed. Oil change and chassis lube just completed.

This Ghia had only two prior owners, ALL repair receipts including original 1970 bill of sale are all saved on all work done up to current work (Hard copy notebook will accompany purchase with original documentation). This car was kept in a NH barn from the late 1970's until 2012 with 81,364 miles then sold to current owner. Rebuilt engine work completed at 85,000 and driven less than 3000 miles on new engine. Floor pans and undercarriage are in excellent shape as the initial owner had the foresight to have it Ziebarted. Documented investment in the restoration of this Ghia exceeds $28k.

There are very few original Karman Ghia convertibles available of this quality in the market today. I would argue this is the nicest convertible in the U.S.

History of the Karmann Ghia

Volkswagen capitalized on the overwhelming popularity of their Beetle by following “the people’s car” with a sporty sister: the Karmann Ghia.

Produced from 1956 to 1974, the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia (called the Type 14 internally) shared the Beetle’s reliable running gear. Its rear-mounted, air-cooled, four-cylinder boxer engine only displaced 1192 cc and produced a scant 36 horsepower upon introduction, but its low curb weight meant that the Karmann Ghia could still be a fun drive on the right road.

Utilizing the Beetle’s existing mechanicals helped offset costs associated with the new labor-intensive body, and allowed Volkswagen to keep production costs low—the car debuted with a $2,395 list price. The public’s response to the car’s introduction was so positive that production doubled shortly thereafter and the Karmann Ghia quickly became one of America’s most imported vehicles. In all, nearly half a million were manufactured during the car’s lifespan.

Changes to the Karmann Ghia were minimal during the car’s 18-year run. Headlights were raised slightly in 1961, while safety regulations motivated most of the car’s remaining visual changes. Mechanical alterations were mainly dictated by changes to the Beetle’s engine. Displacement increased in 1966 to 1300 cc, with horsepower rising to 50. Three more subsequent engine evolutions were outfitted into the Karmann Ghia, with the final model year’s engine ending up at 1584 cc with 60 hp.

The Karmann Ghia’s last year of production was 1974, at which point it was replaced by the Volkswagen Rabbit in the U.S market. But the car’s lengthy production run, reliable underpinnings, and striking styling ensure the Karmann Ghia can be recognized in virtually every town in America. It also means it enjoys strong appreciation amongst collectors.