1963 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Convertible – A Truly Stunning Show Car! on 2040-cars

This is a one of a kind, absolutely stunning, fully restored show stopper!  What really sets this 1963 K-Ghia convertible apart from other Ghias is that it is right hand drive, has working semaphore turn signals that light up at night, and to top it off, its Mango!  And oh yeah, you can adjust the air suspension to any height with the flick of a switch hidden under the dash board.  It is the smoothest ride ever!  It’s like you’re riding on a cloud! Look, I’m 60 years old and to be perfectly honest, I thought that the air suspension might be a bit much and out of my “demographic.”  But now I wouldn’t have it any other way. I can drive it around totally stock looking, or drop it an inch or two for a more sporty aggressive look.  I love it!

This particular endeavor was a complete body off restoration (several pictures of this process are included with the sale of this car).  Hundreds of hours were spent on making this vehicle the previous owner’s dream car. He had a vision (and apparently a lot of time and money), acted upon it, and created this one of a kind vintage VW.  Overall, its very stock and original looking, but he tastefully changed things to make this a one of a kind K-Ghia convertible. Besides being right hand drive with semaphore turn signals and air suspension, he added little nuances like the stainless low-light grab bar on a padless dashboard.  Also, he kept the original “all transistor” AM radio, but added a modern CD unit inside the glove box with a handmade metal enclosure for it.  Totally trick, yet he kept the original glove box decal for the “vintage” feel.  Once again, love it! In addition, please notice that this Ghia is rear seat delete to accommodate additional sound system equipment, but he kept it factory looking with oatmeal German square weave carpet to match the rest of the original look interior. Because this car was restored for show purposes, and to be driven only on sunny California days, the previous owner and I both chose not to spend an extra $2,000 to have a new canvas top installed.  The entire frame is there should the new owner want to do this, but I can think of better things to spend my money on than a top I will literally never use.

EXTERIOR:  The paint on this K-Ghia is second to none. The entire body is as straight as an arrow.  You would be hard presses to find another K-Ghia with this level of workmanship. It is absolutely amazing and cannot possibly be truly appreciated unless it is seen in person.  Although the car is Mango, the pictures seem to look more yellowish.  Someone suggested I hire a professional photographer to showcase just how nice this car is, but I simply didn’t have time or know of anybody who specializes in this sort of thing. These amateur photos I have taken myself do it no justice at all. If it is possible, any serious buyer should make an appointment within the auction’s time frame to personally view it.  I am retired and would be more than happy to take the time to show it to any serious prospective buyer.  The only flaw that is noticeable on the car is a small (1/2”?) crack next to the rear deck lid and it is barely noticeable except up close or if I were to point it out.

INTERIOR: It is in outstanding condition throughout.  Actually, my favorite part of the interior (besides the right hand drive) is the finish of the paint on the dash.  It is so glossy you can comb your hair in the reflection while you’re driving! Even the paint where the convertible top latches on is still perfect because it’s never been used!  Seats, door panels and rug are excellent as are all the gauges.  The steering wheel has a couple of minor paint cracks.

MECHANICALS:  According to the previous owner who undertook this massive project, everything mechanically was rebuilt including the engine, transmission, brakes, etc.   I cannot guarantee anything because I have no receipts for the aforementioned work.  However, I can tell you that this is the nicest driving VW I have ever owned over the past 40+ years. It fires up immediately (zero smoke), it is very quick and pulls beautifully up the hills in the mountains where I live with rest of the “modern” traffic.  It doesn’t miss a beat! It does have a couple of typical VW oil leaks, probably from not driving it enough.  It has been driven less than 2,000 miles since its restoration was completed in 2006.  In addition, the brakes are perfect and the transmission shifts flawlessly even when cold.  There are absolutely no mechanical issues that I know of. It’s as simple as that.  In my humble opinion, it doesn’t get any better or any more reliable mechanically than with this car.  It runs and drives like a dream….

Things that may need attention, but were not important to me because I rarely drive it (about 300 miles in the past year and a half) are –

1. Clock doesn’t work

2. No spare tire

3. Inaccurrate gas gauge

4. Odometer doesn’t work

5. No jack

This 51 year old 1963 K-Ghia convertible is one of the most amazing and beautiful K-Ghia’s you will ever see or drive. It is not perfect, but pretty close nonetheless. I don’t think anyone in their right mind could ever be disappointed!

Please attempt to view my car in person before the end of the bidding session.  Remember that this is a virtual auction. If you are uncomfortable, or unwilling to pay for my car before seeing it in person then please do not waste my time or the other bidders with your participation. If you are lucky enough to be the winning bidder, I will require payment in full within 72 hours of the end of the auction. The only acceptable payment is by wire transfer (I bank with Wells Fargo), or cashier’s check.  Once the funds have fully cleared, I will release the clean title and then the new owner can make arrangements to either have the car picked up by a transport company, or simply drive it home.

PS – Reason for selling:  we recently purchased a beach house and just got the bids for a full remodel.  The costs were significantly higher than we anticipated so it is time (according to my wife) to replenish our savings account by selling a handful of vintage German cars from my collection.  Please feel free to view my other current ads on eBay for my 1968 VW Westfalia Camper and my 1971 Karmann Ghia Convertible.  When I have sold these three vehicles, I will be selling two more of my vintage show cars.  Please call me directly with any questions.  My name is Chris and my phone number is (916) 220-2460.  I WILL NOT BE RESPONDING TO ANY EMAILS.   Thank you and good luck.

Feel free to call me directly with any questions.  My name is Chris and my phone number is (916) 220-2460.  I WILL NOT RESPOND TO ANY EMAILS.  Thanks!