1974 VW Karmann Ghia Convertible For Sale – Project Car

This is an opportunity to own a rare classic: a 1974 Vw Karmann Ghia Convertible For Sale, located in Cary, NC. Asking $8,000, but offers are welcome. This vehicle runs and drives and holds a clear North Carolina title in hand. It represents a unique chance to acquire a sought-after convertible model, perfect for enthusiasts looking for a rewarding project or a mechanically sound base to enjoy. While it requires bodywork, significant mechanical restoration has already been completed. Contact details are available via the Contact form or the phone number listed on that page.

Vehicle Overview and Condition

This Karmann Ghia is fundamentally a great car with solid potential. Key highlights include:

• It is operational – starts, runs, and drives.
• The convertible top functions correctly and features the desirable rear glass windshield.
• The vehicle retains its spare tire and original emblems.
• A car cover is included with the sale.

Front driver side view of the 1974 VW Karmann Ghia convertible for sale

It’s important to note the rarity of Karmann Ghia convertibles. They constituted only 18% of the total Karmann Ghia production. Specifically for the 1974 model year, Volkswagen produced just 1,558 convertibles, making it one of the lowest production years. Despite its cosmetic imperfections, this car is a genuine survivor.

Extensive Restoration Work Completed

Considerable effort and investment have gone into restoring the mechanical aspects of this vehicle, ensuring it is sound for the road.

View of the air-cooled engine bay in the 1974 VW Karmann Ghia convertible

Interior Updates:

• New interior carpet installed with padding.
• New back bench fitted (replacing the factory-deleted 1974 rear seat).
• New seatbelts for safety.
• New rear side panels.
• New EMPI trigger-style shifter installed.
• Steering wheel refurbished with a new leather grip.

Exterior Enhancements:

• Brand new tires fitted.
• New side mirrors installed.
• New rear emblems (“Volkswagen”, “Karmann Ghia” script).
• Hubcaps refurbished.
• Original rear bumper refurbished.
• New tail light mounts and rubber seals.

Engine and Mechanical:

• 34 PICT-3 carburetor restored by Volkzbitz.
• New timing belt installed.
• New battery fitted.
• Regular oil changes and valve adjustments performed.

Brake System Overhaul:

• New master cylinder.
• Complete replacement of brake lines (both hard and soft).
• New front discs and calipers.
• Rear drum brakes rebuilt.
• Brake fluid flushed, system cleaned, reservoir cleaned.
• Parking brake refurbished with new boot and levers.

Clutch System Renewal:

• New clutch plate installed.
• New throw-out bearing.
• New clutch shaft and arm.
• New Bowden tube and clutch cable.

Front-End Refurbishment:

• New tie rods installed.
• New steering knuckles.
• New steering shaft.
• Steering box adjusted.
• Gas tank de-rusted, refurbished, and fitted with a new sending unit.
• Trunk area cleaned and painted.
• New trunk carpet installed.
• New speedometer cable (restoring speedometer and odometer function).
• New horns installed.

Interior cabin view of the 1974 VW Karmann Ghia convertible showing seats and dash

Areas Requiring Attention

The primary area needing work is the body. This car wears its history as a survivor. The front nose section shows evidence of past impacts, and the passenger-side fender is dented. Significant amounts of body filler (up to 1/4″ thick) are present on the front end. A critical structural issue is the driver-side door post, which has rusted and weakened, causing the door to drop slightly upon opening. Additionally, the rear driver-side bumper mount has rusted off. Vulnerable spots uncovered during restoration were treated with rust converter and paint sealant.

Close-up of dented front passenger fender on the 1974 VW Karmann Ghia needing body work

For a complete, show-quality restoration, further attention would be needed:

• Restoration of the convertible top fabric/mechanism.
• Replacement of interior door panels.
• Refreshing the dashboard.
• Connecting the sound system components.
• Calibrating the fuel gauge sending unit.
• Sourcing and fitting a front bumper (the original rear bumper is restored and included).
• Connecting the heating system (though less critical for a convertible).

Unique Characteristics and Vehicle History

Potential buyers should be aware of a few non-stock elements. The floor pans were replaced by a previous owner with welded-in units; importantly, they feel very solid. The seats and their mounting tracks are also not original to the car.

The speedometer cable was broken when the current owner acquired the vehicle. Consequently, the speedometer was non-functional, and the odometer was stuck at 62,202 miles. Replacing the cable restored function to both instruments. The true total mileage is unknown, but all mileage recorded after 62,202 reflects driving by the current owner.

Close-up of the classic Karmann Ghia script emblem on the rear of the vehicle

The car’s traceable history goes back to a Virginia title in the 1990s. It later ended up with a VW enthusiast in Tennessee. In early 2022, it was purchased by a Ms. Anna, who initially sought a Beetle but fell for the Karmann Ghia. She used it as a fun car for a few months before selling it due to life changes, making no significant alterations. The current owner purchased it from Ms. Anna in June 2022. Despite finding it rougher than anticipated, the smooth transmission during the test drive was a positive sign. The car was driven through the Tennessee mountains before being transported to North Carolina.

Why This Karmann Ghia is For Sale

While the owner loves this Karmann Ghia, the decision to sell stems from a desire for an earlier model year. Preference for the design elements of older Ghias, influenced by family history (a grandfather owned a ’67 convertible) and ownership of a ’70 Beetle, motivates the sale. The goal is to find this ’74 convertible a new home to fund the purchase of an earlier model.

This Vw Karmann Ghia Convertible For Sale is available for immediate purchase. The seller is transparent about its condition. If you are seriously interested in this classic VW project, please reach out using the Contact form.