1971 VW Karmann Ghia Convertible Runs/Drives Great! Sports version of Bug/Thing!

Description

This is one of my favorite cars ever, a Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Convertible. This cute, little 1971 VW Karmann Ghia starts up and runs and idles perfectly. A recent tune up, oil chance, and other maintenance helped get this Ghia ready for the road.

I have a Karmann Ghia Convertible in my own collection (my birth year, 1973) and they are certainly fun to own and drive. This green example is what I would refer to as a "daily driver". It would surely benefit from a paint job or a full restoration, but it can be enjoyed as is if you don't mind the lack of glossy paint (though I did just polish up the bumpers before the photo shoot today and they now look pretty shinny).

1971 is a great year for the Karmann Ghia. 1971 is a two year only model (1970 and 1971) and they retain the old style chrome bumpers with over riders ('71 is the last year for them). The transition from the earlier models began in 1970 with a different tail light design. From '72 until the end of production much larger tail lights were fitted to the rear much to the chagrin of some enthusiasts. But the tail lights are unique to '70-'71 and the rear bumper is also correct for only these two years to accommodate rear reflectors. Newer features such as a glass rear window with defrost are a step up from earlier convertibles. So this model still retains most of the desirable features of the '60s with a few practical improvements not found on earlier models.

I recently had the engine removed to have new intake manifold boots installed. While it was in the shop I had the mechanic do an oil change with the best oil (20W50 with Zinc) and a valve adjustment on the engine. He also installed Bosch plugs and points, new muffler gaskets, he rebuilt the solex carburetor and he replaced fuel lines and the fuel filter. The engine was reinstalled and tuned and it now starts right up, idles great and it has a nice, responsive throttle.

The odometer reads 05xxx so it probably has 105k on it. The engine is a 1600cc duel port (engine number is AE 073674). According to Nada Guides, the (2018) values for low, average and high retail are $8600, $19,600 and $35,600 respectively. I have this green convertible priced so fairly because a full restoration would be quite an undertaking. Even so there could be room at the top should the next owner decide to give this classic convertible a deserved restoration. Please take the time to view the additional photos in the Photo Gallery linked below. The original color looks to be orange although the full car has been painted green inside and out.

The brakes feel great and the car really drives nicely. The top material is relatively new (3 years or so) though the convertible top does have some issues still. It will need attention to be water tight and function properly. All lighting works -- many hours were spent getting all of the lighting sorted. The seats have nice material and are very comfortable. The rare, convertible-only rear seat is present. The entire car shows wear but it is nice and complete (and best of all, running and driving well).

Only about one of every 5 Karmann Ghias made were convertibles, and they do not come up for sale very often. Even though I specialize in air-cooled Volkswagen it is uncommon to have a Karmann Ghia Convertible available for sale. In fact this is the first Ghia Convertible I've offered in over four years, and in 10 years of selling over 400 vehicles I can count on one hand the number of Convertible Ghias I've had the opportunity to sell.

I appreciate you checking out my listing and visiting Sunset Classics. I can answer more questions by phone and I can even do a video call so you can hear this Ghia start up and run. So call, email or text for more details. Thanks for checking out this 1971 Karmann Ghia Convertible for sale! -John Snell 612-805-2428

Conditions & Terms:

A bid on this vehicle constitutes a commitment to buy. Please only enter in to this agreement unless you are committed to and capable of purchasing this vehicle! Your bid is a legally binding contract as eBay clearly states. If you have any questions whatsoever please ask them before bidding. We will be pleased to answer your questions. Upon meeting the auction reserve, your bid will be considered a lawfully binding contract. By bidding on this vehicle you are agreeing to these terms and conditions.

We make every reasonable effort to describe this vehicle and use many photographs to help in this description. Please remember that this is a used vehicle. It is not new. The mileage on this vehicle has been recorded at the time of listing and is subject to change. Regardless of our commitment to describe vehicles in as much detail as possible there will be imperfections. Us failing to mention for example an item such as a paint imperfection, an inoperable switch etc, does not constitute refusal of a car by the buyer. Vehicles are complex machines with thousands of parts. Classic & special interest vehicles are broad in their differences and uniqueness. Even though we attempt to be as clear and concise in our descriptions as possible, some of these are cars that we buy and consign. They are not our own personal cars and we do not always know what to specifically look for. It may have issues that are inherent to a vehicle of its type and/or age. In short, we encourage you to ask questions. We also encourage inspections to avoid any misunderstandings. This vehicle is being sold "as-is", with no warranty, expressed or implied. Vehicle is available for an inspection prior to purchase and we will be happy to arrange one at the expense of the interested buyer. Again, the winning bidder is committed to following through on the transaction.

Taxes and Licensing: Out of state buyers (including other countries), we will send title and you will be responsible for registration and taxes in your own state or providence. If leaving the state or country, the car must be picked up by a transportation company that can provide a bill of lading. (All licensed transport companies provide these). Personalized plates on vehicles (if any) belong to the owner of record and cannot be included with the vehicle.

A non-refundable deposit of $500 is due within 48 hours of the auction close (acceptable via Paypal). The remaining balance is due within 72 hours of the close of auction, unless other arrangements were made. Accepted payment methods are bank wire transfers, cashier's checks, cash in person and money orders. If you wish to obtain financing, please do so ahead of time. We reserve the right to end the auction early. We also reserve the right to verify any or all bids to ensure exceptional auction integrity. Please do not ask the reserve amount, as we will not disclose this information.

Transportation expenses are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held liable for any problems or damages arising from or due to transportation handling. The buyer is responsible for all shipping charges and fees from point of sale to the final destination. In addition, it is the buyers responsibility to arrange & coordinate shipping. We are happy to provide a list of transporters.

Retractions: We will not accept bid retractions. If you bid and retract you will be added to our blocked bidder list and future bids will not be accepted. If you do not follow up on your purchase you will be reported to eBay's safe harbor and we will submit your username to eBay's non-paying bidder program. eBay allows for you to triple check your bid before finally entering the bid. To bid, you must be 18 years of age or older. If you are a bidder with only negative feedback, please do not bid on this vehicle.

Feedback: We encourage you to read our feedback. We are proud of our track record and hope that it will instill the confidence needed to help you make a decision to purchase. Upon receipt of of positive feedback, we will post same.

On Aug-13-18 at 19:13:31 PDT, seller added the following information: