1971 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe

Description

The Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (Type 14) stands as a timeless classic, seamlessly blending the mechanical simplicity of the Volkswagen Beetle with the elegance of Italian design. Produced from 1955 to 1974, this distinctive model was the result of a unique collaboration: Italian styling by Carrozzeria Ghia, paired with precision German craftsmanship from coachbuilder Karmann.

What set the Karmann-Ghia apart was its hand-finished bodywork. Panels were butt-welded, shaped by hand, and smoothed with English pewter — a meticulous process more commonly associated with luxury marques. Available in coupe or convertible bodies, the 1971 model incorporated safety and handling upgrades, including front disc brakes and a ball-joint front suspension. Aesthetic updates included larger taillights, wider chrome bumpers, and a revised instrument cluster with tunnel-style gauges. Production continued until 1974, cementing the Karmann Ghia as one of VW’s most iconic classics, with over 364,000 coupes built during its run.

Finished in bright red and powered by a factory air-cooled 1.6L flat-four, this 1971 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe features a few upgrades like shaved door handles, an updated stereo, modern seats, and more. Additionally, earlier this year it reportedly received an engine top-end rebuild and replacement of the clutch, exhaust system, brakes, tires, and more as detailed below. This Karmann Ghia is no offered with a car cover, some spare parts, and South Carolina registration in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• Extensive servicing in 2025, as listed below

• Several upgrades throughout

Factory Equipment

• Powered by a 1.6-liter air-cooled flat-four engine rated at 60 horsepower

• Four-speed manual transmission

• The chassis number (1412863350) decodes as:

  • 1 – Type 1 (Beetle-based platform, which includes the Karmann Ghia)

  • 4 – Karmann Ghia

  • 1 – 1971 model year

  • 2491597 – Sequential production number

Modifications

• Door poppers with remote

• Upgraded stereo system with Sony head-unit, upgrade speakers, and a subwoofer

• Modern front seats

Servicing

Maintenance/upgrades performed in 2025 include:

• Engine top-end rebuild, converted from generator to alternator

• New exhaust, heads, pushrod tubes, oil cooler, fan shroud

• Brakes, rear bearings, shocks replaced

• New master cylinder, shift tube bushings replaced

• New interior panels

• New tires

• New clutch

• Replaced electronic control on door poppers

• Professional undercoating under previous ownership

Known Imperfections

• Window trim "needs work"

• Driver door drops 1/8 to 1/4 inch, needs new hinges

• Horn inoperable

• Some oil drips noted, "not enough to make a difference in oil level" according to the seller

Ownership History

The seller of this 1971 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe has owned it since 2023.

Included Items

• Car cover

• Horn

• Miscellaneous spare parts

• Tools used for rebuild, including rack for dropping engine

Additional Information

The seller of this 1971 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia states, “Pulled engine and did a top-end rebuild, converted to alternator. New exhaust, heads, pushrod tubes, oil cooler, fan shroud. Brakes, rear bearings, shocks replaced. Master cylinder new, shift tube bushings replaced. $1,200 stereo system with subwoofer. New interior panels. New tires. New clutch. Has great undercoating done by previous owner, 99 percent rust free. Drove it to Florida and back after its rebuild (about 1000 miles roundtrip) no issues.”