Modified 1969 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

Description

In the mid 1950s, Volkswagen sought to introduce a new model that could boost the brand beyond the economical and utilitarian image of the Type 1 (Beetle). To do so, Volkswagen turned to the Italian firm Ghia, where Luigi Segre would design a new aerodynamic and stylish body that could be mounted atop the already proven reliable chassis and running gear of the Beetle.

German coachbuilder Karmann was already building Volkswagen convertibles, so they were tasked with the new hand-finished bodywork. The Karmann Ghia’s Panels were butt-welded, shaped by hand, and smoothed with English pewter—a meticulous process more commonly associated with luxury marques.

Codenamed Type 14, the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is a blend of German craftsmanship and reliability and Italian styling. The recipe was successful and proved particularly popular in the U.S., where over 80 percent VW Ghias were sold between 1955 and 1974.

Said to have been repainted ice blue metallic in April 2026, this ‘69 Karmann Ghia coupe has been modified with headlight buckets from a pre-1967 Beetle and aftermarket Rossi headlight rings with incorporated turn signals. The side trim and bumpers have also been shaved, the rear wheel arches have been enlarged, and aftermarket side-view mirrors have been installed.

Inside, the front bucket seats feature headrests and were retrimmed in black vinyl along with replacement of the carpeting in April 2026, per the seller. Additional details include a wood-rimmed Grant steering wheel, an EMPI trigger-style shifter, a roller accelerator pedal, and AutoMeter instrumentation.

Out back, the air-cooled flat-four has reportedly been modified to displace 1914cc utilizing an (AE) AS41 dual-relief magnesium engine case machined for 94mm pistons and cylinders. The engine features Compu-Fire distributorless ignition, dual Weber IDF carburetors, an electric fuel pump, a degree pulley, and a merged header exhaust system.

This modified 1969 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is now offered with a clean Texas title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• One of approximately 450,000 Karman Ghias made between 1955 and 1974

• Replacement air-cooled (AE) flat-four reportedly displacing 1,914cc

• Four-speed manual transaxle

• Repainted ice blue metallic

• Compu-Fire distributorless ignition

• Dual Weber IDF carburetors

• AutoMeter instrumentation

• Front disc brakes

Modifications

• Pre-1967 Beetle headlight buckets

• Rossi headlight trim rings

• Shaved bumpers, trim, and turn signals

• Turn signals relocated to headlight buckets

• Enlarged rear wheel arches

• Aftermarket side-view mirrors

• Adjustable front axle beam

• Dan Gurney-style 14” wheels

• Front seats have been fitted with headrests

• EMPI trigger-style shifter

• Aftermarket pedal covers and window cranks

• Roller-style accelerator pedal

• Wood-rimmed Grant steering wheel

• Chrome parking brake

• AutoMeter instrumentation

• Polished glove compartment door

• Polished louvered firewall trim

• Replacement air-cooled (AE) flat-four reportedly displacing 1,914cc

• 36hp-style fan shroud without heater provisions

• Polished cylinder tin

• Dual Weber carburetors

• Compu-Fire distributorless ignition

• Merged header exhaust system with J-tubes

• Degree pulley

• Electric fuel pump

• Alternator charging system

• Modified engine wiring

Servicing & Documentation

• From the seller: “This car has been fully restored. The car was painted professionally on 4/20/26, and the interior was also redone with new upholstery and carpet. The engine was replaced by the previous owner with a 1914cc air-cooled engine and has only 573 miles.”

Known Imperfections

• Body work blemishes on the dashboard

• Paint chips on the engine fan shroud

• Cabin heater components have been removed

Ownership History

The car was acquired by the seller in February 2026.