1969 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia (Nye)

1969 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

This spectacular 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is not just one of the nicest VWs we ve ever featured it is one of the nicest ANYTHINGS we ve featured. It takes the smooth shape and gives it a modern twist so that it s both instantly recognizable and something truly unique and backs it up with impeccable workmanship and a beautifully modern look.The list of body modifications is brief but the effect they have on the overall look is stunning. Perhaps the most notable change is the addition of modern headlights grafted neatly into the Karmann-Ghia s front fenders. The angle is right and they fit so well you almost think they were born there. The custom shape makes the VW look far more expensive than it is and the paint work and exceptional metal finishing underneath suggest that this was a cost-no-object build. That gorgeous Candy Apple Red paint suits the car s custom look adding a high-tech vibe that makes it stand out without being too overt about it and the quality of the work is very impressive. Gaps are even the paint has an awesome gloss and the blacked-out trim around the windows works well with the other details. And like all great customs it s hard to tell where the factory work stops and the custom stuff begins. That s way cool. Oh and you also get show-quality chrome throughout including the handsome bumpers and delicate Karmann Ghia script badges on the trunk lid. The interior is just as effective and beautifully finished with an eye towards contemporary style. The bucket seats have a cool 60s style to them but wear beautiful seat covers with cloth inserts that are tasteful and elegant. The floors wear tan carpets but we re especially enamored with the woodgrained floor mats which are a little whimsical but also exactly right. The original VDO gauges have been nicely restored and are visible through the spokes of a custom billet steering wheel with a wooden rim. A Kenwood AM FM CD stereo head unit in the dash powers speakers throughout the interior including a trio of big subwoofers in the rear package area behind the fold-down rear seat very trick In all it s just a beautiful blend of traditional styling cues modern technology and high fashion. Oh and that pointed nose still has a usefully-shaped trunk area that s finished like a stocker with a simple piece of black carpet. The engine is a pretty stout 1776 cc unit that was rebuilt about 60 miles ago (yes 60). Now that may not seem like a lot but bear in mind that this sucker weighs in around 1800 pounds and you can understand that performance is shall we say entertaining. Featuring a forged crank dual carbs a powder coated accessory drive and a whole lot chrome dress-up pieces the engine bay looks cool enough to show off every time you go to a show. It also runs superbly pulling strongly through all four gears and with the Karmann-Ghia s lower center of gravity handling is much improved compared to the Beetle. Some of the credit for that improvement should go to the lowered ride height which gives it a bit of attitude but isn t so low that it makes the car a pain to drive on real-world pavement. Front disc brakes a big front sway bar and ceramic-coated exhaust sounds distinctive and looks great peeking out from under the bodywork and it rolls on polished Minilite-style wheels and staggered 135R15 front and 165R15 rear blackwall radials.