Hemmings Find of the Day – 1971 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

Published by Mike on July 3, 2014

In 1955, the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia debuted as the brand’s first halo car, featuring styling by Italian design firm Ghia and coachwork from Germany’s Karmann. Underneath the stylish skin, the Karmann Ghia’s mechanicals were straight out of the Volkswagen Beetle, but buyers didn’t seem to care. Despite its higher price, the Karmann Ghia was a relative success the world over, with nearly a half million examples built over the car’s 19-year production life. Finding one that’s survived the ravages of time can be a challenge, but this 1971 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia for sale on Hemmings.com was reportedly pulled from long-term storage in a dry barn prior to its restoration. Purists may object to the car’s aftermarket wheels, engine dressing and non-original woodgrain vinyl on the dash, but overall the car appears to be a better than average driver, blessed with a mechanical simplicity that few cars can rival. From the seller’s description:

VIN 141220438 – Coupe; “1600″ Engine; Great Two Thumbs Up Look; All Interior Redone; Almost Everything New As Result Of Restoration; Runs Well
History: Bought from a private individual in Cedar Park, Texas in 2004 (name available on request). He provided the following information: He purchased in 1997 with plans to restore. Vehicle had been in a dry barn for 20 years. Original floor pan, no rust. Nose perfect. Odometer accurate. Progress on restoration included. Motor and clutch rebuild Undercoated and inside Painted in 2001 Engine and compartment dressed up Interior stripped
We finished restoration and have most invoices for materials and labor. Once restoration completed, engine was pulled by Ron Shimek Auto Service, Austin. Engine, transmission and clutch checked and repaired as needed. More recently valves adjusted, new plugs and condenser and air by-pass solenoid replaced. Since we purchased it, car has always been garaged and covered.