1973 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Convertible

In 2020, Fortune magazine published an article entitled “The (100) Greatest Designs of All Time”. We don't know who the judges were, but the Porsche 911 made the list and so did the VW Beetle. Oddly enough, if a 911 and a Beetle had a baby, it would look exactly like a Kharmann Ghia, which is why that car was named by legendary industrial designer W. Dorwin Teague in 1969 as one of the world's “most beautifully designed” products. The story of the design and how it came to be is too long for this page, but worth a read for those interested.

For consignment, a wonderfully restored 1973 Karmann Ghia in stunning black and tan. Although more than 400,000 Kharmann Ghias were produced, finding one in excellent condition is rare these days, and if the model is on your dream list, this one is worth your time.

Exterior
One of 13 colors available on the Ghia in 1973, Black represents perhaps the most understated and some might say, tasteful. It's certainly one of the few colors that has survived in car manufacturing and still looks relevant today. The quality is very good here, like a deep vat of black ink with a very reflective sheen. The only thing shinier is the chrome and brightwork on the car which adds to the show worthy quality. The amber lenses of the front markers and red lenses of the taillights look particularly fresh. A tan canvas top shows some scuffs but is not torn or worn. The rear window is trimmed in black molding and is made of glass. Minilite style 15-inch wheels by CPS are mounted on this car and look great. The brackets for the continuation of the side molding are on the front fenders, but the molding is missing. Beyond that, there are no major flaws. Up close and magnified, we note the paint could benefit from an experienced detailer.

Interior
A bi level pattern of black and tan vinyl smartly covers the door panels accented by the black window crank and door handle. The tan vinyl bucket seats are of a more modern design and more bolstered than the originals would have been. They appear supportive and in good condition. A simple steering wheel with the Wolfsburg emblem fronts an equally simple dash with just two gauges that relay speed, miles traveled, time, and the fuel level. A Kenwood AM/FM/CD player is in the middle and there are numerous missing knobs in other areas of the dashboard. The floor mounted shifter adds a spot of color with a green VW emblem and a simple parking brake is nearby. Gray, loop style carpet covers the floor and rear shelf.

Drivetrain
A rear mounted 1585cc flat 4 cylinder engine is on board and presents in driver quality aesthetic condition. It is fed by a 1-barrel carburetor and shifts gears through a 4-speed manual transaxle which keeps power at the rear wheels with 3.875 gearing. Dual exhaust doesn't have far to travel and exit towards the center and out past the rear bumper with chrome tips. Unassisted disc brakes are up front with drums in the rear.

Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath as well with surface rust on the muffler, suspension parts, and the front of the belly pan. Generally, however, things are in good condition and complete. Both axles house independent suspension with trailing arms and torsion bars. We note just a drop of oil on the oil pan and residual oil on the transaxle bottom.

Drive-Ability
As predicted, the seats are very nice, comfortable and supportive. We prime the 1-barrel and turn the key and roll this little roadster out on the loop. In the side mirrors, we note the lovely extended hips of the car and visibility over the hood is quite good for a low car. She purrs along wonderfully and with 46 horsepower we're not in any hurry. It handles well and the brakes elicit plenty of confidence. The only issue we encountered was the ignition switch which occasionally doesn't respond to the turning key and won't crank. But with some persistence, we were able to start the car.

By now, we've all heard the slight dis on this car when it was called the “poor man's Porsche”. Well, today it's the “smart man's collectible” and is no longer seen as a Porsche alternative. Oh, and women love it too! This is a very nice example that's ready to be enjoyed!

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.

With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!