Price of a Ghia

[lboos]

I have never owned a ghia but have always wanted one, I now own a 71 and a 72 S/B.
I found a beautiful 68 Ghia [inside and out], same owner since 1972, it looks like it just rolled off the show room floor, I have never seen one in this nice of condition [no pic's yet.]

But he is asking $35,000 for it. I had no idea they were selling that high, but I have not priced one in over 25 years or so.

I really like this one, but when I see at bug shows they always judge up too 1967 then 1968 and up. would one before 1968 be more collectable ? or does it matter on the Ghia's, and does the $35,000 sound outrages for a nice 68 ? Thanks for any comments.

[Era Vulgaris]

This is only my opinion, but when I look at the collectability of Ghias, I group them like this

56-59
(60 is kind of in between these first two groups, as it has some lowlight aspects and some non-lowlight aspects)
61-66
67-71
72-74

You'll also find that those groupings coincide with the major design changes in the life of the Ghia

As for pricing, Bring a Trailer is a good resource. You can see auction results from the last few years

https://bringatrailer.com/volkswagen/karmann-ghia/?q=karmann%20ghia


$35k for a 68 wouldn't be outrageous if it's actually in mint factory survivor condition, but it would be the high end for that year IMO. But if you're not familiar with Ghias, you can easily be taken because it's all in the details - details that most folks aren't familiar with. Best to post many detailed pics here and the experts here will tear it apart for you
_________________
Currently own:
66 Karmann Ghia, L390 Gulf Blue, under construction, here: www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=760505&highlight=
99 Mazda MX-5 10AE, Sapphire Blue Mica, 6 speed, LSD

Previously owned:
98 Porsche Boxster, silver, 2.5L -- 67 Karmann Ghia, Black, 1500sp -- 98 BMW Z3, Atlanta Blue Metallic, 2.8L I6 -- 75 Porsche 914, Laguna Blue, 2270cc -- 72 Porsche 914, Signal Orange, 1.7 FI -- 74 Karmann Ghia, Black, 1600dp -- 74 Triumph TR6 with O.D., sapphire blue

[lboos]

Thank you Era for that helpful information. esp the chart.
I have owned many VW bugs over the years, don't know why I waited so long in life for a Ghia, but, I gotta have one.
I'll try and post some pic's in the next day or two.

[Glenn]

A solid, rust free car in excellent condition is worth more than an older one that is not as nice.

Ghia's are VERY expensive to have rust and body work done on.
_________________
Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"

Member #1009

#BlueSquare

[lboos]

Thanks Glenn, I will be looking for any rust.

[Tom K.]

You could get a nice late 60s Ghia in above average shape for less than 15k. People spending 35k keep those cars in garages and rarely drive them. Is that you? If not, then get a solid driver for 15k.
_________________
'91 Vanagon Westfalia
'70 Beetle Convertible
'71 Super Beetle Semi-Automatic: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=714131&highlight=
'65 Ghia: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=762478&highlight=

[lboos]

[jeffrey8164]

Unfortunately, due to the rarity, you will be hard pressed to find one locally.
I would suggest trying to find one at a show but I only see two or three Ghias at shows I've attended and none of those are for sale. Furthermore, there are no VW shows in GA. The ones I enter are in Tennessee or Florida.
_________________
Volkswagen!
Turning owners into mechanics since 1938.

“Let he that is without oil throw the first rod”
(Compression 8.7:1)

[Marcdeb]

From time to time, some great cars and great deals come across ebay. But most of the time, you'll see the same cars over and over being offered by dealers. Ignore them and watch for nice cars being sold by real owners.

Check seller' profiles. You want to find a seller who is the private owner of the car and is willing to offer up details about his/her car. Look for a comparatively low number of feedbacks and check what else they are selling and if you see 4 or 5 listings for cars, they are probably just flipping cars.
_________________
Marc
68 Karmann Ghia Cabrio Autostick
71 Karmann Ghia Cabrio

Previously Owned:
2011 VW EOS Hard Top Conv
2008 Saab 9-3 2.0T Conv
2003 Saab 9-3 SE Conv
2001 Saab 9-3 Conv
1998 BMW 3 Series Conv
1997 Saab 900 Conv
1997 Mazda Miata

68 Ghia Vert Survivor with 22,350 miles: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=768107&highlight=
71 Ghia Vert Restoration: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=726710&postorder=asc

[Tom K.]

Here is one in your neck of the woods:
https://staugustine.craigslist.org/cto/d/saint-augustine-1970-vw-karmann-ghia/7560075039.html

But be patient. Program Craigslist to give you a notification if any Ghia is up for sale within 500 mikes of you. Then be prepared to look at 3 or 4 before you buy. Time spent searching is much better than that same time fixing unexpected surprises.
_________________
'91 Vanagon Westfalia
'70 Beetle Convertible
'71 Super Beetle Semi-Automatic: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=714131&highlight=
'65 Ghia: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=762478&highlight=

[lboos]

jeffrey,
You have one beautiful Ghia.
I did go to one bug show in Tenn. several years ago, I then just had my 72 super.

At that time I was not looking for a Ghia. but there were many reg. bugs and 'Things' for sale. I guess I'll just have to keep looking.

I thank everyone for the great info. and comments.

[John Moxon]

[toddb_67]

They are out there. Just keep an eye out and be willing to drive a little to go see a good one. This one is in your neck of the woods.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2585106
_________________
1970 Pastel White Westfalia
1971 Super Beetle Convertible (sold) http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=582365&highlight=
1970 Squareback "Savanna" (sold)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=714683
1974 Karmann Ghia- current project, 1967cc engine. https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=775207
“I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me.” - Dudley Field Malone

[kingkarmann]

Karmann Ghia prices have been on a strong upward trajectory for a few years now.
Coupe or convertible?
$35k might not be outrageous especially if it’s a convertible.
Coupe price may be at the top end of the scale.
As with any collector car if what you’re looking at is unmolested factory original $35k could be a fair price regardless.
We would love to see pics if you get a chance.😎
_________________
"Depression is a malfunction of the instrument we use to determine reality.”

Mike Gerson

What is your "Bespoke Reality"?

[lboos]

kingkarmann,
The one I'm looking at is a coupe, it's regatta blue. I'll have the pic's tue or wed
if it don't rain wed, and will post them.

Your red convertible is outstanding, is the blue coupe yours also ?
Two great looking Ghia's.

I'm not able to travel at this time so I'm limited to the Ghia's I can insp. in person, and you don't see many air cooled vw's of any kind around here.

[kingkarmann]