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priuslyfe
Samba Member
Joined: June 12, 2025
Posts: 3
Location: Ohio
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 Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 6:53 am Post subject: Any information about this Wolfsburg badge/hood-ornament? Thanks |
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I restored a 1974 KG hardtop a long time ago and its long been sold. However, the ONE SINGLE ITEM I couldn't part with was the hood-ornament. It is very detailed and pretty and I think its either made of enamel or porcelain but not sure. I've never seen another one on a KG and typically, actually I've only seen the VW aluminum hood-ornament.
1. Why it was made? My 1974 was the last year of the KG and the "deluxe" version from I was what told and this badge was on the nose of the Ghia pre-restoration. I figured it might signify something like Mercedes Benz has Maybach as a line.
2. That said, it might not be from the final year at all. I talked to the owner of a 1961 Beetle and he had the same hood-ornament/emblem on his car I found on the internet. Similarly no identication marks referring to year/make.
3. Any thoughts on the value? I assume they are rare but in terms of desirability I'm not so sure.
Thanks for your thoughts...have a good Summer.
MINE:
I scratched my initials in there when I owned the car in case anyone stole it; yeah I know...lol & unlikely.
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Shonandb
Samba Member
Joined: January 12, 2019
Posts: 1993
Location: Vancouver, BC
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| Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 10:25 am Post subject: Re: Any information about this Wolfsburg badge/hood-ornament? Thanks |
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If you do a search using Google Lens, many original badges come up on ebay and other sites including The Samba Classified with values from $25 to $250 with the majority running around the $50 range.
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76 Westy with a 2.5L Subaru SOHC + Vanagon (010) Automatic Transaxle
Build & Trip Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=758760
Previous 1973 Panel Bus:
Click to view image |
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priuslyfe
Samba Member
Joined: June 12, 2025
Posts: 3
Location: Ohio
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| Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 10:55 am Post subject: Re: Any information about this Wolfsburg badge/hood-ornament? Thanks |
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| Shonandb wrote: |
| If you do a search using Google Lens, many original badges come up on ebay and other sites including The Samba Classified with values from $25 to $250 with the majority running around the $50 range. |
THanks for the info. I've looked many times at these listings. they don't offer much historical info/reasons.
But that doesn't tell me the reasons behind it being made. I've tried and I've never seen a Ghia wolfsburg emblem badge like mine. |
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Shonandb
Samba Member
Joined: January 12, 2019
Posts: 1993
Location: Vancouver, BC
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| Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 11:26 am Post subject: Re: Any information about this Wolfsburg badge/hood-ornament? Thanks |
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| priuslyfe wrote: |
| Shonandb wrote: |
| If you do a search using Google Lens, many original badges come up on ebay and other sites including The Samba Classified with values from $25 to $250 with the majority running around the $50 range. |
THanks for the info. I've looked many times at these listings. they don't offer much historical info/reasons.
But that doesn't tell me the reasons behind it being made. I've tried and I've never seen a Ghia wolfsburg emblem badge like mine. |
I'm sure some of the long time contributors will add their thoughts.
I ran a couple searches but could only come up with some general info.
"The crest is symbolically important to collectors and enthusiasts because it connects the car to the origins of the VW brand."
"It also reflects the craftsmanship and design collaboration between Volkswagen, Karmann (body manufacturing), and Ghia (Italian design house)."
"For vintage Ghias, the presence of the Wolfsburg crest is often seen as a mark of authenticity and originality, especially in earlier production years."
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76 Westy with a 2.5L Subaru SOHC + Vanagon (010) Automatic Transaxle
Build & Trip Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=758760
Previous 1973 Panel Bus:
Click to view image |
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busman78
Samba Member
Joined: August 17, 2004
Posts: 4655
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
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| Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2025 6:48 am Post subject: Re: Any information about this Wolfsburg badge/hood-ornament? Thanks |
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| Hate to burst your bubble but that Ghia nose piece is a made up one, somebody in the past used the original Ghia nose base and added a 3-Prong center cap for one of those aftermarket nipple style and/or flat style hub caps with the 3-prong hole. EMPI currently sells a similar center cap, albeit a different color it is the same pattern. Another tell sign to being made up, VW never added extra holes to the bases. |
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