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Sun Feb 29, 2004 5:56 pm

Got a question. I was wondering what Sambanites thought is more rare (valuable)...a pre '60 ghia coupe or a 21 window bus. Considering both in equal condition.
What do you think?

ghiafreek

Sun Feb 29, 2004 6:07 pm

Well, here's a running lowlight ghia coupe for sale in the classifieds at $2500.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/index.php?alert+200402291043325965

Try finding a 21 window for that price. So I guess the obvious answer is the bus.

Sun Feb 29, 2004 6:13 pm

I see what you mean. I wonder, though, which one is more available.
It seems I see a lot more 21 windows all over samba in good and horrible shape than lowlights. I just don't see them very often. Maybe that's because few people want to get rid of them...I don't know.

ghiafreek

Sun Feb 29, 2004 6:25 pm

In numbers about equally available I would think.

I may draw fire for this, but could it be that the Ghia equvialant of a 21 window is a Porsche 356?

High-end bus collectors wind up with a 21 or 23 window because that's as good as it gets, and since the bus is so unique there's really no place else to go.

Do high-end Ghia collectors just move on to other sports cars instead?

Sun Feb 29, 2004 6:48 pm

Personally, I had the oppurtunity to own a 356A. I chose a '59 vert.
The ghia's lines are much more, excuse the expression, sexier and more interesting than a 356. It does nothing for me. People who move to a 356 and who can afford to invest plenty of money in a ghia are probably just doing it for the name and not for the beauty of the car. I apologize if I offend anyone. Lets see if I was in a conversation with some people at a, hmmm, cigar humidor, I might draw much more attention if I said I owned a 356 porsche than if I told them I had a vw ghia. But I am sure that if I pulled up next to a 356 porsche with my '59 vert, those same people would be much more drawn to the ghia.

ghiafreek

Sun Feb 29, 2004 7:10 pm

ghiafreek wrote: PPeople who move to a 356 and who can afford to invest plenty of money in a ghia are probably just doing it for the name and not for the beauty of the car. I apologize if I offend anyone. Lets see if I was in a conversation with some people at a, hmmm, cigar humidor, I might draw much more attention if I said I owned a 356 porsche than if I told them I had a vw ghia. But I am sure that if I pulled up next to a 356 porsche with my '59 vert, those same people would be much more drawn to the ghia.

ghiafreek

I agree. I've owned both, and I'm really not interested in another 356. And a huge part of the reason is the people. I'm not a "porsche person."

But I think there's the same thing at work in owning a 21 or 23 window. Honestly, how much more enjoyment can you get out of those extra windows? A big part of owning a 21 window is status too.

I suspect there are more early ghias being driven on a regular basis than 21 or 23 window buses if that means anything.

Mon Mar 01, 2004 1:38 pm

I have owned several 21 and 23 windows but never a low light Ghia. I want that opportunity, but I have too many cars right now. I find the Ghis to be very attractive and the convertible version can reach bus prices. For me, they have equal desirability. I have promised myself that someday I will own one. :D

Mon Mar 01, 2004 3:46 pm

Hmmm, all very interesting.

I've been going to VW shows in my area (Illinois) for about 8 years. I've seen plenty 21 & 23 windows. I saw 1 in a bone yard. I met a guy who had 2 21's donating parts to his 23.

I have yet to see a low-light Ghia in person. Maybe it's a location thing.

Mon Mar 01, 2004 11:56 pm

Even at an all Ghia show like the Treffen in Cali there were only about 7 total low lights, go to any all bus show, there are far more 21 or 23 window buses. Now every show I go to I'll find myself comparing the numbers :D . Let the show season begin!!!

Tue Mar 02, 2004 8:41 am

21s are a dime a dozen.

I'd take my friend's so-so '59 Ghia vert over a restored 21.

Tue Mar 02, 2004 9:05 am

EverettB wrote: 21s are a dime a dozen.

I'd take my friend's so-so '59 Ghia vert over a restored 21.

Take a dime out of my contribution and send me a dozen. :D

Tue Mar 02, 2004 4:27 pm

i thoroughly love my 58 vert... nothing gets more smiles and waves from the little kiddies (except for the firebus). If I want to cruise somewhere in style, its the ghia with the top down (weather pending of course). It will, hands down, always get more attention with any given group of people. (well of course, the v80 gets you stares of awe... :shock: )

I don't own a 23 window bus, but I'm looking for a Nov. 19, 1957 deluxe if anyone knows where one is... 8)

David

Thu Mar 04, 2004 3:51 pm

be glad that lowlight ghias are cheaper than 21/23 window buses. I like splitties too, but I just don't see the appeal of spending $20k + for one. Owning a 64' standard bus & a 69' ghia always reminds me of how much better a ghia drives. When you are driving a deluxe bus, you are still driving a "commerical" vehicle. driving an expensive commerical vehicle ( however cool it may be ) just always make me wonder. Actually, I think you could probably buy a 356 for the price of deluxe splitties these days!