Featured on AutoHunter, the net public sale platform pushed by ClassicCars.com, is that this 1969 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe.

The VW Karmann Ghia was by no means designed to be a real sports activities automotive, however these trendy VW vehicles which might be primarily based on the Kind 1 Beetle undoubtedly have the potential to scratch the basic sports activities automotive itch. These vehicles with their trendy our bodies, designed by Ghia and coach constructed by Karmann, are mixed with underpinnings which might be actually not quite a bit completely different from the famed Porsche 356. All it takes are just a few efficiency modifications and you find yourself with a automotive that’s fairly able to maintaining with and even passing the dearer 356.

I’ve personally at all times appreciated these vehicles and have pushed fairly just a few, and I really feel that they nonetheless symbolize a little bit of a discount within the collector automotive world. If you mix that with the money of servicing them and the abundance of components on the market, the Ghia makes for a terrific first time collector automotive.

The 1969 VW Karmann Ghia featured right here is described as a automotive that acquired exterior paint touch-ups and a refurbished inside in 2023 in addition to updates to the ignition system, gas system, and fluids. It’s powered by a 1.5-liter flat-four mated to a four-speed guide transaxle. Completed in yellow over a black vinyl inside, this Karmann Ghia is now provided with a transparent title. I do suppose that this automotive has been repainted and although it seems like good paint, there’s proof of some slight overspray, however nothing that ought to dissuade a purchaser.

The inside is once more stated to have been refurbished in July 2023 with newer black vinyl seats up entrance, a bench within the rear, and matching supplies for the headliner, carpeting, and solar visors. Options embrace manual-crank home windows and a Kenwood AM/FM/CD radio. The carpet-lined entrance storage compartment incorporates a spare tire with a canopy. The VDO-branded instrumentation features a 90-mph speedometer, a clock, and a gas gauge. The five-digit mechanical odometer reads 26,842 miles, though the true mileage on the chassis is unknown. One factor I’ve at all times puzzled about is why VW thought a tachometer was not one thing folks would need, at the same time as an choice.

Below the rear deck there’s the inventory rear-mounted 1.5-liter carbureted flat-four engine. The vendor states that it acquired upkeep in October that included the alternative of the gas pump, spark plugs, distributor, and fluids. Output is distributed to the rear wheels through a floor-shifted four-speed guide transaxle. The pictures present an engine compartment that appears very inventory with no bizarre aftermarket components. I like seeing that because it makes me really feel that the automotive was cared about. That being stated, this automotive is begging for an engine swap to a VW 1835cc or 1996cc engine with twin carbs. Regardless, the 1500cc engine will cruise all day at 75 mph.

The undercarriage of this Ghia seems from the pictures to be fairly good with no rust points seen. For the reason that ground of a Ghia is actually the body, by no means purchase a rusty instance. This one seems like one.

So if you need a European collector automotive that appears superb, is enjoyable to drive, easy to service, dependable, and has virtually countless efficiency modification potential, I’d take into account this 1969 Karmann Ghia as a good selection.

The public sale for this 13,842-mile 1969 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia coupe ends Friday, December 15, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. (MST)

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