1971 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Convertible

Description

With the automotive industry in high gear in the late 1950s, VW needed something more than a Beetle to bring upscale customers into their showrooms. The answer was the Karmann-Ghia, an international hybrid that combined VW engineering with Italian design, and it was a slam-dunk in terms of sales. This gorgeous 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia convertible is a great driver-quality example that really turns heads, featuring a strong 1600cc air-cooled motor, a 4-speed manual transmission, and handsome red-on-black color combination.

The paint is close cross between two original Ghia colors – Brilliant Red and Blood Orange – and although it's an older paint job it still shows very nicely today. Despite their somewhat custom, hand-built nature, the Karmann-Ghias were as well-built as any VW of the period, with tightly fitted doors, surprisingly neat gaps, and excellent alignment throughout, all of which was preserved during the respray. There's just enough chrome to remind you that this is a design from the 1950s that didn't change much at all in the 17 years it was produced, but it's also a reminder that this is a European product - so it's restrained, yet sporty. The delicate chrome grilles up front add interest to the pointed nose, and slender bumpers wrap around the curvaceous fenders to offer better protection for the precious sheetmetal. Thin body trim between the wheels visually lengthens the car, and it's quite easy to forget there's a Beetle hiding underneath. This one also offers clear lenses and bright badging, so even the details are crisp and ready to show off. She's an uber-fun droptop who has held up very well and is ready to be enjoyed today.

The interior will give you a better idea of this car's upscale mission, and the entirely new upholstery makes it look like a far more expensive car. The door panels were likely replaced when the car was painted, and there's a great-looking black canvas top (including header bows) overhead, and it's all in great condition. Most importantly, the front bucket seats and rear bench were recovered with fresh, durable vinyl upholstery that features bright red piping and comfortable pleated hides, meaning this Ghia is way more comfortable to sit in today than it was in 1971. The Karmann-Ghia was wider than the Beetle, so it feels spacious inside despite the close-coupled body, and there's no doubt that it has a very international feeling with the red-and-black and original VDO gauges. The 4-speed manual is a great travelling companion, endowing the car with agile performance that fits its looks, and it's topped with a woodgrain knob that matches the wood-rimmed Grant GT steering wheel that anchors the cockpit. An original Becker AM/FM stereo system fills the car with vintage sound when you're out cruising (or at least it will once it's fixed), a perfect accompaniment to the flat-four's staccato chirp.

That 1600cc air-cooled flat-four under the rear boot is running strong and looks factory-spec throughout, which means it's ready to work for years to come. The Karmann-Ghia's wider body and flat deck allows unprecedented access to the engine bay, which is tidy and well-maintained throughout. An original style carburetor is fed by the gas tank up front, the ignition system shows newer parts, and the exhaust system still looks stock aside from the shiny, polished tips that exit under the rear bumper. A solid chassis is the perfect platform for the convertible, and with coated floor pans and original-style suspension components, this one is ready to drive. Fuchs style wheels give it the perfect vintage touch and wear modern BFGoodrich 195R15 radials that definitely improve ride and handling.

Turn-key and ready for the road today, this Karmann-Ghia is itching to get out in the sunshine ASAP. Call today!