Originally conceived as an image builder for the Volkswagenwerke AG, the beautiful Karmann Ghia has long attained cult car status. Designed by the world-famous Carozzeria Ghia in Turin, Italy and hand-built at Karmann Karosseriewerke in Osnabrück, it is very elegant, yet, with its VW Beetle-derived mechanicals, virtually bullet-proof and easy to live with.

Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)

In the guise of a Cabriolet, the Karmann Ghia is able to provide almost all the fun of a topless Porsche 356C, at a mere fraction of the latter's exorbitant cost.

Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)

Well, here's one of the few surviving convertibles, a 1970 model, looking very sexy in red.
Let's check it out!

Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)

Opening the front lid, we'll find the small but tidy trunk. Displayed on the gray cardboard trunk liner are owner's manual and factory tool roll. Gulf bias ply spare tire still carries its factory label, has never been used. Did you know that the windshield washer was pressurized by air from the spare tire? Air tube attached to valve stem is visible above.
Neat!

Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)

Below the cardboard partition rests the fuel tank. Also visible, the remote brake fuid reservoir.
Note fresh weatherstripping throughout the car.

Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)

Ghia looks splendid, displaying just the right factory stance. So many of these beauties have been modified with dropped spindles, narrowed front beams, and aftermarket wheel-and-tire combos that it's refreshing to see a stock-appearing example. Upon close scrutiny the coachwork appears to have had its share of bumps and repairs, quite the norm for these fragile unibody cars. However, today it does not show any bubbles, dings or dents.

Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)

The expensive-to-replace, well-padded convertible top, featuring a heated glass rear window, was just installed recently and is in fabulous condition, showing no rips, tears or any other damage.

Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)

To the best of our knowledge, Henna Red (factory code VWL553) is the car's original color. Finish is smooth and glossy, with nary an imperfection. All glass and chrome trim, including the expensive-to-replace bumpers, is in excellent condition throughout.
Factory 15" steel rims wear stock chrome hubcaps and attractive, slotted alloy trim rings. Tires are radials of the correct dimension 165-15 and in fine condition throughtout.

Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)

The Karmann's inviting cabin looks absolutely splendid. A perfectly crack-free black dash surround framing the wood-look fascia give a favorable first impression, the black steering wheel with its chrome horn ring and Wolfsburg emblem and the white-on-gray, chrome-rimmed gauges do the rest. Even the Volkswagen Saphire XI radio still works perfectly.

Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)

Inviting front bucket seats have been expertly reupholstered and are flawless. Door panels are immaculate, and so is the black loop carpeting.

Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)

The rear area, with its folding seat back, offers additional storage space. Here, it appears large and comfortable enough to serve as a cozy play place for two children or a bed for a couple of man's best friends.

Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)

But where is the motor, please?

Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)

Right here in the rear, of course, as Professor Porsche intended!
This one's the genuine 1,6-liter single port unit, correct down to the air hoses and air cleaner with water decal affixed to it.
Better yet, it starts without fuss, settles into a mellow idle, and runs like a German sewing machine!
Also note the correct firewall mat.

All the way down under, everything appears to be healthy. There's no visible rust, just solid metal with a thin layer of undercoating. Bottom of engine is dry. There's no oil smoke, either! The car sports a set of neat, VW-logoed mud flaps. Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)

Click on any of the above images for a full-size view

Feel free to check out the VW's undercarriage closely by enlarging the photos above to their full size (950 x 629 pixels).

Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)

So, how does this vintage Volkswagen drive?
Let's find out!

Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)

Quite fond of the concept of combining Italian chic with German engineering, we took the little red Ghia out for a quick trip to our favorite neighborhood here in Ventura. The weather gods were in a good mood and thus we were able to enjoy our drive to the fullest, soaking in the sunshine and the wonderful California winter weather.

Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)

This Karmann does everything with ease, like a well-mannered child that just got out of boarding school. The "big" 1600's 55 horses are good for an advertised 86mph top speed, i.e., the car is able to swim along nicely in today's traffic. Shifting is effortless, the car tracks straight as an arrow, and, thanks to the front disc brakes, stops much better than you'd expect from an old VW. There were no mechanical gremlins of any kind to note -- this one's ready for summer!

Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)

Returning home, we realize what an incredible bargain among classic German convertibles the Karmann Ghia still is. Featuring the early-style, attractive chrome bumpers with overrider bars (the 1970 models where the last ones so equipped), it's one of only 6,398 Ghia convertibles made in 1970.

Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)

Spring will be here soon, everybody will want to go topless, and that's going to elevate convertible prices accordingly. Open-topped Karmann Type 1 models in particular are getting harder to find by the day, as they strike just the right balance of collectibility, fun, and ease of maintenance. Right now might be the best time to acquire this appreciating asset!