TheSamba.com :: View topic

Wed Aug 18, 2021 7:52 am

As you all probably know I’m an avid follower of Bring a Trailer or BAT. As a KG enthusiast I will comment on the Ghia’s that appear on the platform. It’s also a learning experience for me as there are some very knowledgeable commenter’s on BAT.

When a certain Cherry Red 1967 Convertible appeared to say I was gobsmacked was an understatement. I immediately made a comment about how IMO “this Ghia is the bar for all others” or some such nonsense.

I knew a fair amount about this convertible as it was at one time being brokered though Randy Carlson at Oldbug. I admired it but never really thought about ownership.
The things I didn’t know about this KG were actually more than I did know. But that isn’t a bad thing.

I had the pleasure of conversing with theghiagirl, 67FloridaDeluxe and the seller Dustin known to us on the Samba as 52brezelfenster. It was my great pleasure in dealing with him. It made my first (and likely last) auction experience a great one.

Joan, as I have now named her was originally from the east, New York, New Jersey, making her way eventually to theghiagirl who commissioned the beautiful, kind & thoughtful restoration.
Once Lisa and I talked it spurred my memory of the Ghia being posted here. It is so great to know the history!
Joan became part of a vintage VW display at Alhambra VW and resided there for several years.

Dustin, 52brezelfenster became the caretaker and eventually listed the Ghia with Oldbug.
Oldbug actually sold Joan but a unfortunate event led to the deal not being able to be completed.

As far as my decision to try and become the next caretaker, it was very spontaneous. After I had made my comments on BAT it occurred to me that maybe with the blessing of Chevygirl48 (my wife) I might be able to own Joan myself.

Once I was given a green light and a spending limit it was decided that I shouldn’t bid under my username kingkarmann. The wife registered on BAT as Chevygirl48 and the rest is now BAT and Samba history

You may wonder about naming this Cherry Red Karmann Ghia Joan.
My 67 Coupe has been named “Sophia”. Sophia Loren is the beautiful Italian actor with the same gorgeous lines as our KG’s

The Cherry Red convertible Joan is named after a character in the series “Mad Men” one of my all time favorites. Joan Holloway is the office manager for Sterling Cooper ad agency and is played by Christina Hicks. The character Roger Sterling who is a partner in the agency has been having an affair with “Red”. Red is the nickname that Roger gave Joan. So Joan, who is a curvaceous red head, I believe is a fitting name.

Joan arrived from West Linn (Portland) Oregon to her new home in Grove City (Columbus) Ohio unscathed yesterday morning.
She's in a temporary spot in the garage. The other side is safer and less cluttered :oops:
We can’t wait to share Joan & Sophia’s adventures!

PS The final photo is from theghiagirl gallery during her ownership.

Wed Aug 18, 2021 8:41 am

Congratulations!! A good decision well made. Thanks for the story on Joan.

Wed Aug 18, 2021 9:24 am

Awesome find, I think it is great that you know some of the history of Joan firsthand. :D

Wed Aug 18, 2021 9:39 am

What a happy story for an outstanding Ghia...keeping it in The Samba family. Congratulations to your and you wife. :D

Wed Aug 18, 2021 9:41 am

Frankly, I’m surprised Chevygirl48 is not jealous.

Wed Aug 18, 2021 11:39 am

What a nice car, congratulations 8)

Antoine

Wed Aug 18, 2021 12:11 pm

Congratulations , lovely Ghia 8)

Wed Aug 18, 2021 12:16 pm

Congratulations!! Really nice Ghia!
Soo, dropping it on earlies? :wink:

Wed Aug 18, 2021 2:28 pm

Trylon wrote: Frankly, I’m surprised Chevygirl48 is not jealous.
Actually I think Sophia is more jealous :shock:

Wed Aug 18, 2021 2:30 pm

kingkarmann wrote: Trylon wrote: Frankly, I’m surprised Chevygirl48 is not jealous.
Actually I think Sophia is more jealous :shock:

Ha!

Wed Aug 18, 2021 2:53 pm

c21darrel wrote: Congratulations!! Really nice Ghia!
Soo, dropping it on earlies? :wink:
Ha!
I might bag it 8)

I did some basic checks and discovered the oil level on the dipstick was way over to full mark, like double what it's supposed to be an had a strong fuel smell. My immediate thought was the fuel pump diaphragm was bad.
I was informed if Joan was loaded on the car carrier nose high it could cause fuel to leak into the crankcase. I had no idea this could happen.
Drained about a gallon of fuel oil mix. Got a nice engine flush!
I didn't see any signs of metal or bearing material.
Joan now has a full crankcase of fresh oil!
Now waiting for the weather to cooperate and get a drive in!

Wed Aug 18, 2021 3:21 pm

Two thumbs up!

Wed Aug 18, 2021 5:21 pm

Oh what a great day it must have been. I can only imagine how exciting it must have been to see the truck arrive. The only thing better than a Karmann Ghia is a pair of Karmann Ghias.

Wed Aug 18, 2021 5:23 pm

Enjoy Joan!

Wed Aug 18, 2021 5:38 pm

Thank you Marcdeb & Obus!

And thanks to all the Samba experts and a great search function!
I could not wrap my mind around how having Joan transported nose high could cause fuel to fill the crankcase.
It seems the carb float can't fully close the needle valve and shut the fuel flow.
Who knew? I didn't!
Next time I'll have them back it in. Oh wait, there likely wont be a next time :lol:

Thu Aug 19, 2021 8:13 am

theghiagirl led me to the Volkswagen Alhambra Facebook page where videos are posted showing Alhambra's vintage VW display.
Joan is shown in several.
So cool to know she really was a celebrity.
Here's a two minute claim to fame!
For some reason I can't get the preview :?
anyhow here's the YouTube link

https://fb.watch/7uaJTChnkM/

Thu Aug 19, 2021 9:55 am

kingkarmann wrote: theghiagirl led me to the Volkswagen Alhambra Facebook page where videos are posted showing Alhambra's vintage VW display.
Joan is shown in several.
So cool to know she really was a celebrity.
Here's a two minute claim to fame!
For some reason I can't get the preview :?
anyhow here's the YouTube link

https://fb.watch/7uaJTChnkM/

That's pretty cool. I'm so envious!! :D

Thu Aug 19, 2021 10:44 am

Sweet video!
Red’s got a bow in her hair and everything!

Thu Aug 19, 2021 6:38 pm

Beautiful Ghia- wonderful she ended up in a true enthusiast's care.
Congratulations! :D

Thu Aug 19, 2021 10:48 pm

Not bad, many congrats on taking it, it really is a gem :oops:
Have fun!
Vlad