Description
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia | 1974
Highlights:
– Classic late-model Ghia with 1600cc engine
– Four new tires and rims
– Front disc brakes upgrade
The seller offers for sale a 1974 VW Karmann Ghia coupe, equipped with a 1600cc air-cooled four-cylinder petrol engine and a manual transmission. As one of the last model years before production ended, this example benefits from incremental updates introduced in later variants.
The car’s paintwork is in a good condition. The Karmann Ghia’s iconic silhouette remains intact, featuring subtle curves and distinctive front and rear styling. This car includes front disc brakes, enhancing its drivability over earlier versions that came with drum brakes all around.
The interior is in good condition, featuring leatherette upholstery and trim that is intact and not in need of replacement. The cabin is clean, functional, and reflective of the car’s era, though no modifications or upgrades beyond maintenance are mentioned. All dashboard instruments and lighting systems are reported to be working as expected.
Technically, the car is described as ready for use. Electrical functions, including lights and indicators, are operational. While the car does not have a current roadworthiness inspection, it is exempt due to its age under Dutch regulations.
The car is fitted with four new tires and comes with fresh rims, an upgrade that adds safety and visual appeal.
The VW Karmann Ghia was developed as a collaborative project between Volkswagen, coachbuilder Karmann, and Italian design house Ghia. First introduced in 1955, it was based on the mechanical underpinnings of the VW Beetle, offering buyers a more stylish and refined alternative while retaining the reliability and simplicity of the Type 1 platform.
The Karmann Ghia was available as both a coupe and a convertible and remained in production for nearly two decades, ending in 1974. Throughout its lifespan, the model received subtle design and mechanical updates while preserving its elegant proportions. Though the car never promised high performance, it won over buyers with its understated looks, accessible maintenance, and comfortable ride.
With its hand-finished bodywork and limited production relative to the mass-market Beetle, the Karmann Ghia occupies a special place in Volkswagen’s history. Enthusiasts admire its balanced design—a combination of Italian styling finesse and German build quality. The later 1600cc engine models, such as this one, offer the best drivability among the series, with more power and improved braking thanks to the factory disc brake system introduced in the early 1970s.
Despite being affordable when new, many Ghia models were not preserved as carefully as other classics, making well-kept examples increasingly sought after today. This particular car, featuring newer tires, a tidy exterior and interior, and front disc brakes, represents a practical entry into vintage car ownership without the high maintenance demands of more complex classics.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
4. Very Good: Small dents or scratches; may require minimal bodywork or paint correction.
Condition of the Interior
4. Very Good: Clean with minimal wear; may need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical Condition
4. Very Good: Mechanically solid, with possible minor maintenance required.
Overall Condition
4. Very Good Condition: Shows only minimal wear and is ready to drive at any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in Groningen province, the Netherlands.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a Dutch registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
