TheSamba.com :: 1969 Type 3 Ghia

On November 10, 2001, I visited with the seller of this 1969 Automatic Type 3 Ghia. It appeared to have no rust in floor pans or body but had evidence of front and rear damage. The car was stated to have 33K original miles, which, although backed up by the presence of an original engine case, seemed unlikely given the body damage, missing parts, and "personal touches" made by the previous owners. Car was stated to have been a California car that spent a few years in New Jersey before moving to its current location above Phoenix, AZ. The car was not running when I arrived, due to the infestation of a mouse which had chewed up most of the engine wiring, including the spark plug wires. I assisted the owner in getting it running but a rusted-through exhaust prevented an auditory examination of the engine's condition. He also stated it had some trouble going into reverse, due to misadjusted automatic transmission linkage. Although I am not familiar with the automatic models, the car appeared to have all the engine extras associated with an automatic - additional vacuum ports on the carburetors, unique carburetor linkage with a kick-down switch, some extra wiring for various relays, etc..

VIN#:
349227720 (under back seat as front trunk tag was missing)
8480 (under VIN tag location in front trunk)
970 (under VIN tag location in front trunk)

The Ad:
1968 VOLKSWAGEN Karmann Ghia, sporty Red, with Black interior, only one of two cars in this country, European export with only 35,000 miles. Kelly - New River, AZ, $7500 obo (Phone number withheld)

Photos A sticker on the front windshield, I started laughing as I noticed this after looking over the whole car, it summed up the car for me (based on the price).
Nice dash, 33K miles is supposedly original	No rust on pan or battery tray	Western brand 14" rims, possibly rare? Tires were huge and has contacted the rear wheels wells a few times
German badges on front fenders	Interior	VIN tag missing
Front Trunk area with evidence of a previous front end accident
Front end and nose
Rear end
	Rear end damage	Engine