1974 Karmann Ghia Convertible
Vehicle Details
- Year: 1974
- Make: Volkswagen
- Model: Karmann Ghia Convertible
- VIN: 1442013632
- Mileage: 12,271mi (5-digit odometer)
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Saturn Yellow
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
- Lot #: V-0041355-DT
With styling by Carrozzeria Ghia and hand-built bodywork by Karmann, the Karmann Ghia was the second car produced by Volkswagen after the Beetle and was the brand's most premium offering. This 1974 convertible example is the final year of the original Type 14 version, finished in its factory-specified color of Saturn Yellow over black upholstery, and benefits from a restoration effort as well as recent maintenance. This Karmann Ghia convertible is now being offered for auction by its second owner out of North Carolina.
The Karmann Ghia’s bodywork was fashioned using hand-shaped and butt-welded body panels smoothed with English pewter, a demanding process that was more common among higher-end manufacturers at the time. This 1974 example benefits from a restoration that included a full respray in the factory-specified color of Saturn Yellow, a new black vinyl convertible top and boot cover, new trim, and mirrors. It rides on factory 15” slotted wheels featuring chrome hubcaps and Americus Touring Plus tires mounted less than 500 miles ago. The seller notes light surface blemishes on the bumpers and a very small scratch. Detailed images are provided in the gallery.
Inside, the cabin presents a reupholstered black vinyl dashboard, black leather seats, wool carpeting with brown fabric floor mats in front, new vinyl visors, door panels, and armrests that were all part of a restoration effort. Equipment includes a VDO gauge cluster, a factory-installed air conditioner, and a four-spoke steering wheel. Additionally, the seller notes an aftermarket Alpine stereo and two rear speakers added. The seller reports all gauges and accessories to be working properly.
Powered by a rear-mounted 1600cc air-cooled flat-four engine, the Ghia delivers power to the rear wheels by way of a 4-speed manual transmission. This car benefits from recent maintenance including new belts and hoses, brake cylinders, brake hoses, and a rebuilt carburetor.
This sale will include a new spare tire and a clean title.
The seller would like you to know: “This car had one owner for 49 years and the current owner for one year. It has no rust and has never spent a night outside. It is clean and solid. It had never been in a wreck. Must see. The car had been recently inspected and serviced by Bob and Chad Hicks at Hicks VW Repair, 919-596-1026. The car was recently shown at the Winter Volksfest in Raleigh, NC, and was very well received and its condition is considered very unique and hard to find. There were only 1,558 Ghia convertibles produced in the final production year. Approximately 4,500 convertibles were produced in each of the other production years making the 1974 year model the rarest of all years. This should help to allow the value to continue to increase as it has in the last few years.”
Auction Results
- Sold for: $20,500
- Auction End: Mar 28, 2024 02:32:12PM UTC
- Number of Offers: 2
Comments (46)
Sold for $20,500
$20,500 offer from Lisle, IL (60532)
Offer in the amount of $20,000
Bid in the amount of $15,000
Bid in the amount of $13,250
Bid in the amount of $13,000
Bid in the amount of $12,250
Bid in the amount of $11,500
Hello Arffbubba,
There may be a couple of small bolt holes where the compressor mount is attached in the engine compartment. I’m not about the other components as I have not removed them in the past. Those are very much out of site anyway. Thank you. Don
@Donmoell, if buyer removed the AC, are there large holes that would need to be welded closed?
Thank you Diamond
Bid in the amount of $10,750
Thanks!
Hello 1980308gtsi,
I hope all’s well. I apologize for the delay. Please take a look at the two pictures that I just uploaded to this site in response to your questions. One picture is under the radio in the dash and the other is up front, under the center of the nose. The compressor, condenser and evaporator all appear to be plumbed properly. I apologize that I have not tested the system.
I hope this helps and please let me know if there is any other information you need. Thank you. Don
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
Sorry for the delay. I was driving to meet some friends.
Yes, as far as I can tell. I’ll look tomorrow and let you know if I see anything different.
Thank you again and you are very welcome.
Ok thanks, so evaporator, condenser, and dryer are all still present and plumbed in place? That’s what I needed to know. Thanks!
The condenser is under the dash. The dryer under the nose area. I’m out of town until tomorrow so I can’t photo it. Thank you.
If you can send a photo of it that would be great! Looks like the lines run toward the front under the rocker panel but I don’t see its location anywhere? Thanks!
Thanks for the quick response! Where in the car is the condenser located? Engine lid? Or did they mount it up front somewhere? Thanks again!
The A/C does not blow cool air. Fan works. The widow of the previous owner said it worked the last time they tried it, prior to the owner’s stroke. After that it was not driven for several years. I checked with the compressor manufacturer who said that the fittings and Freon are still available. Thank you.
Thank you Richard
Hello, is the A/C system complete and operational? Blowing cold?
Bid in the amount of $10,500
Thank you Dave
Kylmed, In regards to your earlier question regarding repairs or modifications to the Ghia last year I accidentally left one item off my earlier response. I noticed the shifting was not as smooth as I thought it should be so I took it to John at Import Performance in Raleigh. John’s shop is much closer to my home and he has about 40 years of experience. He cut his teeth working and managing West German Garage for his uncle before opening his own shop. It appeared that during the restoration of the car the shifter had been removed and the plate had been reinstalled improperly. It was an easy fix for him. I also asked him to go over the car with a critical eye. He says the car is in great condition, very solid, rust free and runs great.
Thanks again for your interest.
Bid in the amount of $9,911
While I’m always looking for a project, last year I couldn’t pass this car up even though it wasn’t project car. I still found a few things to do. When I bought it there was no convertible top boot so I had a new black vinyl boot made. The horn did not work so I had it fixed. While I only drove it 300 miles in the last year, I recently changed the oil and washed and waxed the exterior. There’s really nothing else to do. It’s definitely not a project car. Thanks for asking.
Beautiful car! I see you've only owned the car for a year. Did you do any modifications or repairs during that year?
Thank you Chad, you should know!
I have see this car in person and it is one of a kind, I hope the person that gets this has a great time!!! Voooom!!!!
Thank you very much!
This is the car for a true Ghia lover! In great condition and very well taken care of!
I just bought a project car and need the space. The car was fully restored prior to my purchasing it last year. I always wanted a Ghia and could pass it up but I need to be working on the next project. There’s nothing wrong with the car. Thank you for asking.
Hi, Nice looking car. Question: If you have only had it for one year, why are you selling it? Thanks
The replacement top was installed by the original owner. I do not know what was originally installed on the car. The replacement top appears to be a high quality vinyl fabric. Thank you.
The total mileage is 112,271. The original owner drove it locally, less than 3,000 mikes per year. Thank you.
Sorry: how many mls it has in total
- Could you tell me how many kilometers the Ghia actually has?
- Am I right in assuming that the soft top is not an original replacement?
It is only PVC or something similar, but no original fabric.
Thanks Steve.
Thank you Richard.
I’ve seen and driven this car. It is in really great shape. No rust on the body any where. Runs like new. Wish I had more room in my garage.
Bid in the amount of $5,000
Hello and thank you for your interest in this Ghia. It is a real beauty.
Please ask me any questions and I’ll do my best to answer them all.