1969 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

53bhp 1,493cc horizontally opposed overhead valve four-cylinder engine with four-speed manual transmission, four-wheel independent suspension and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 94.5"

No one could ever imagine that during a time when the North American automobile industry was busy competing in building large, prestigious automobiles there would be a market for a small imported car. By 1950, however, importing vehicles from countries like Britain and Germany started to grow in popularity. Not surprisingly, the trend caught the eye of American automakers, eventually leading them to build their own breed of compact car. One of the most influential compact models to land on U.S. soil would be the now legendary Volkswagen Beetle, affectionately nicknamed the “Bug” by a smitten American public.

The Beetle grew out of a growing interest in motoring among postwar Europeans. Its popularity in the U.S. caught on quite quickly and the company added to its line of automobiles with creations such as the Volkswagen Thing, Microbus and most interesting of all, the Karmann Ghia. Introduced in 1955 and built until 1974 the beloved Karmann Ghia was an interesting German-Italian joint effort. Built on the ubiquitous Beetle floorpan and drivetrain, the new coupe was a stylish addition to the VW product line. The body was produced by Karmann under contract for Volkswagen, but was designed by the famous Italian design firm, Ghia. Although initially available only in coupe form, the convertible debuted two years later. The Karmann Ghia far surpassed its creator’s expectations in both execution and commercial success. When production ceased at the Osnabruck plant in July 1974, 283,501 coupes and 80,897 convertibles had been produced.

It is a unique experience driving a Karmann Ghia. The sound and feel of the Volkswagen engine combined with the immediately recognizable styling continues to turn heads. This Karmann Ghia convertible is handsomely finished in red with a black interior. It was properly restored in the 1990s and has been carefully driven ever since, registering only 4,650 miles since completed. Offered without reserve, this is an excellent opportunity to purchase a charming example of the always admired Karmann Ghia convertible.

Please contact us at Baldwin Motors for more information on this vehicle.

This is not an automatic stickshift. It has a four speed transmission.

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