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

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

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