Maybe I didn’t live in the right California city back in the ’90s, but as far as I can recall, even then, finding an unrestored early Karmann Ghia was a rarity. Perhaps a ’70s ratty one could be found, but an early one? As I remember, the prettiest of the air-cooled VWs had already turned into car show material. Or Sunday drivers.
But here’s one, posted by J.C. at the Cohort, apparently with what looks like old patina in the streets of Carmel. And it’s the drop-top type. A Northern California kind of car. Recent barn find brought to life? Unrestored daily driver of a retired local? Whatever the case, I like this sight.
The front turn signals suggest this is a 1955 model. Ancient VW history, that is. License light “tail” seems newer, but what surviving VW hasn’t benefited from some organ donation by now? And from this angle, the exterior looks like a faded version of the car’s original color.
However, lots of relevant wearables look recent; turn signals, hubcaps, tires, and tailpipes. A car on its way to restoration? Or to be used as is, to preserve its past while being mechanically apt for today?
Figures that this was found in Carmel, a place about which I’ve a very vivid memory from when I visited in the late ’90s. There, on a street overlooking the sea, next to renovated multimillion-dollar houses, a ratty old one still survived, with big signs placed by the owner: “NOT FOR SALE”. It was the funniest of sights.
I wonder, how many unsolicited “IS IT FOR SALE?” notes does the owner of this old Karmann must find every so often? I would think quite a few. I’ve gotten some on my ’68 Beetle, and that one, last I checked, ain’t no Ghia.
Related CC Reading
Curbside Classic: 1963 Karmann-Ghia – Patina Overachiever, by T87
Curbside Classic: 1970 Karmann Ghia – The Fairest Volkswagen Of Them All, by PN
CC Capsule: 1967 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia – The Perfect Curbside Classic for the Crunchy Granola Set?, by Jim Grey
CC Capsule: 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (Type 14) Cabriolet – Wie K-G In Frankreich, by T87
In-Motion Outtakes: 1970 – ’71 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia – Grape Creamsicle, by Joseph Dennis
I may be in the minority here, but I always thought Karmann-Ghias were butt ugly… and still do.
I’m hurt!
Hope it got a spiffy, coat a paint, and a good top. “KG’s” make me happy.
Sweet. I’d be quite happy to keep it and drive it as is. A car is original only once.
Indeed ;
_This_ one is a one year only “Low Light” (headlights) 1955# 145 .
The engine is newer (or has the ’58 > exhaust system .
VWoA kept those tail light lenses in stock well into the 1980’s .
‘Ghias look nice but are not really good for daily driver .
-Nate
Beg to disagree on that – my truly daily driver is however, the “big block” 1600 twinport version and keeps up with modern traffic quite happily….
Nicely created patina, it almost looks real, I parked next to a 59 KG recently a very original car in good condition, proudly displaying the window decal announcing VW KG had discovered 12 volts, one of several KGs that roam this area, I dont want one, too difficult to get in and out of now.
Original owner and paint 1958.
Originally billed as, The World’s Slowest Sports Car”. I had a girlfriend that had a early 70’s KG convertible, loved that car, lol. But I always cared for the Low Light model. Its about the ride, not the speed. Its how you look, not how you feel.
come on “experts” there were no KG convertibles till 1958! you are all way off on your detail knowledge, also where is the black plate if it was a CA car, the 8 plate tells me its a recent import from elsewhere