What do we LIKE about the 72-74 ghias?

[61TXghia]

I think I would still rather drive a Fat Chick over a bug any day.

[spectre6000]

This is actually a Type 3 I'm told, but it's the same as the Brazilian models for all intent and purpose.

It looks like the lens is white at the top, but the owner has informed me that it's just faded yellow. If I could figure out a way to get some lenses with white at the top I'd be completely set.


I've got some Type 3 tail light clips sitting in my garage ready to rock this look....
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-'74 Toyota FJ40 (DD)
-'58 German Market Deluxe Beetle (in progress)
-'57 German Market Karmann Ghia (DD to be)
"Buy the best, cry once." -Gene Berg
"A cheap man will always buy the cheapest thing available, and then buys another one hoping for a better result, and then spends the rest of his life in misery complaining about it. A thrifty man will buy a good part once and never think about it again." -RockCrusher

[spectre6000]

For those interested in the Brazilian look, here's more or less a kit:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1325489
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-'74 Toyota FJ40 (DD)
-'58 German Market Deluxe Beetle (in progress)
-'57 German Market Karmann Ghia (DD to be)
"Buy the best, cry once." -Gene Berg
"A cheap man will always buy the cheapest thing available, and then buys another one hoping for a better result, and then spends the rest of his life in misery complaining about it. A thrifty man will buy a good part once and never think about it again." -RockCrusher

[Volfandt]

Imteresting thread. To answer the long dated OP's question, the reason why I like the 72 Ghia is because thats what I got

re. Brazilian tail lights. they have nice lines. Shame they didn't make it into the N American market.

re. big tail lights. I'm restoreing my 72 as a daily driver and not only am I glad I have those big brake lights on top but I'm thinking of adding a 3rd brake light on the luggage tray. I want any and everyone thats tail gateing me to know when I'm brakeing

With todays temps hitting 105, I'm thinking I'd like to locate a factory AC setup

Dave
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1972 Karmann Ghia, the Dragon slayer....
1949 Chevrolet 3100 1/2 ton pkup.
1966 Wheel Horse 856 (gear)
1966 Wheel Horse 876 (hydro)

[OLD VW NUT]

Its good to see an old thread like this dug up. My first Ghia was a 74. I wasn't aware at the time it was among the most rare in terms of production. I didn't have it all that long before getting talked out of it. Kinda wished I'd kept that car. But now I have a 71 - 'technically' its a fat chick - a stupid designation if ever there were one for any Ghia IMO. I think they are all beautiful. The 71 came to me because it was available - it is nearly rust free - and these cars don't come up around here very often. And it was only $2500! A screaming deal!

I do like the 71 and earlier bumpers better than the blade bumpers on the later cars - but mine need some work and I'm thinking it won't be cheap once I get to them. Nerf bars may be in my future for the short term. The original bumpers will be rebuilt at some point in time and restored to the car. Gotta keep it original - well except for the motor. I love high HP VWs! Still working on the motor - I'm on the last stages and it should be going in somewhere in the next few weeks. I can't wait! I have to get the new rear seal in place in the engine compartment - I hate doing that! A necessary evil that job! Motor is assembled and just waiting for the tin to be painted by my nephew who owes his uncle a favor. Its like pulling teeth getting him on task. Sometime this week is what he's telling me now.
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71 Ghia Coupe - stock - no rust! - 2110 power

650 Burgman 'scooter' - fun stuff! (Yup - sold the Harley)

POLITICIANS AND DIAPERS NEED TO BE CHANGED OFTEN -- AND FOR THE SAME REASON

[Pat KG]

I have owned two Ghia cabriolets -- a 70 and a 74. I loved the 70 so much, that I bought the 74 brand new in Sept 74 and almost 38 years later, I still drive her. Both of my Ghia cabs were or are Signal Orange with a black top. Lovely little cars!

[73Miles]

I bought my Ghia in February of 1973 at Vern Hagestad Volkswagen in Lakewood, Colo It is Phoenix Red in color. I still have it and drive it on the Treffen west coast cruises put on by Airhead Parts. This will be my 5th year to do this.