1974 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

I am very pleased to offer this charming. highly correct and original 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. the last year of production for VW's legendary sporty coupe. The Karmann-Ghia was born of a time when the European economy was recovering and buyers were looking beyond the basic transportation the Beetle provided. Volkswagen bosses wanted a Halo car to offer buyers and to drive traffic to showrooms. A concept was shown in 1953. based on a standard Beetle platform but with gorgeous Luigi Segre (chief stylist at Ghia) penned bodywork. Public reaction was overwhelming and the Type-14 was put into production starting in 1955. The soft. flowing lines were in stark contrast to the utilitarian Beetle. and required special techniques to build. While Ghia had their own manufacturing facility. the cost of importing bodies from Italy would have been too great. So VW turned to its close partners at Karmann to build the bodies. Panels were hand formed in steel and butt welded. and seams were leaded to create a smooth. clean look. It was a labor intensive and expensive process. which was reflected in the price of the car when it hit the market. In spite of the cost. sales were brisk and the Type 14 Karmann-Ghia went on to become a mainstay of the line until 1974 when it was replaced by the Golf-based (and also Karmann built) Scirocco coupe.

My featured Karmann-Ghia is a wonderful. low-mileage example that has been cherished from day one. Recently acquired from the 2nd owner. this Ghia has never been restored or wrecked and remains in outstanding. highly original condition. It has covered 26. 00 miles from new and was in the hands of the second owner for the past 38 years. It was originally equipped with very rare. dealer-installed A/C which still blows cold!

A Georgia car from. it has never seen snow or salt. The floors. sills and all other typical Ghia trouble spots are solid and rust free. Original undercoat is in very good condition. and we had only to touch up a few spots where it peeled from age. The body lines are excellent with very good shut lines and factory-correct gaps. Some paintwork has been done. most recently on the driver's door. though any work appears to have been done to a high standard with excellent color match. There are a few dings on the body though they don't really detract from the overall charm. and seem to point to this car's highly original condition. Correct whitewall radials ride on beautiful chrome wheels. and the original spare wheel and Michelin tire are in the boot.

The tan interior is in excellent order with no rips. tears or stains on the original upholstery. The dash pad has cracked from age and will be replaced prior to delivery. The sports steering wheel dresses up the cabin though the original wheel is included for purists. Carpets are protected by sisal floor mats. all of which are in excellent order. The original radio is still in place and working. and the aforementioned A/C controls are well integrated into the dash.

Similarly. the engine bay is extremely tidy and well-presented with many factory-correct markings still in place. I believe the engine (#132231) to be the correct original unit. A comprehensive. 110-point inspection was completed by our expert staff to ensure it is turn-key and ready for enjoyment. A copy of our inspection report is available to interested buyers. We performed an oil service using Brad Penn oil. and performed a flush and charge on the air conditioning which now blows cold.

Rarely do such genuine. honest low-mileage Ghias become available. On the road. this car feels tight. solid and rattle free. every bit a real 25K mile car. I am very proud to offer this fantastic example. Sale includes original books. window sticker. and factory literature on the A/C system. original steering wheel. some service records and documents from the previous owner.

Additional photos available here:  https://1drv. ms/f/s!AtKyoyBhdAqbkmcPdX1hyZPyJ7Ql

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