Three-Owner 1974 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe

Description

The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia (Type 14) stands as a true vintage classic, seamlessly blending the mechanical simplicity of the Volkswagen Beetle with the elegant, Italian-inspired styling of Carrozzeria Ghia. Produced from 1955 to 1974, this distinctive coupe was hand-built by German coachbuilder Karmann, featuring body panels that were butt-welded, hand-shaped, and smoothed with English pewter — a meticulous process more commonly associated with luxury marques.

By 1974, the Karmann Ghia had undergone subtle refinements. That year’s model introduced larger taillights and reinforced bumpers to comply with evolving U.S. safety standards. Under the rear hood, it housed a 1.6-liter air-cooled flat-four engine delivering around 60 horsepower, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. The interior remained minimalist yet refined, enhanced with safety upgrades like a padded dashboard and energy-absorbing steering column. The last Volkswagen Karmann Ghia was produced on 21 July 1974, at the plant in Osnabrück, West Germany.

This three-owner Karmann Ghia represents the final year of this beloved classic and one of the last built as it drove off the assembly line 1 July 1974 according to Volkswagen. Originally finished in Phoenix Red, it now sports a coat of striking Mini Cooper “Chili Red” paint.

Highlights

• The final model year of Volkswagen’s earliest, most sporting model

• Three owners from new

• Finished in Mini Cooper “Chili Red”

• Black (50) leatherette interior

• 1.6-liter air-cooled flat-four engine “correct down to the emissions equipment”

• Four-speed manual transmission

Features

• Optioned from new with:

  • D53 – M-Package

  • M002 – Sealed beam headlamps

  • M054 – Lockable glove box

  • M128 – Whitewall tires

• Upgraded with:

  • New exhaust and heat exchangers

  • Professional front end work

  • Professional tune up

  • Rebuilt carb and distributor

  • Under chassis prep and paint by Stilly’s Auto Body

  • Newer interior with Dynamat

  • Newer shocks and brakes

  • Coker white wall tires and chrome rims

Known Imperfections

• Rust spot on the rear passenger quarter panel

• Rocker panels on both sides will need attention

• Area of paint bubbling by license plate on rear trunk lid

• Some paint touchups on passenger door middle

• Two cracks in factory black dashboard vinyl covering

• Headliner shows some discoloration in a few areas

• One of six oil sump cover studs snapped off, no reported leaks

• Engine has some oil seepage

• #3 cylinder has a common Helicoil repair

• Signs of rust on rear swingarms

Included

• Owner’s manual

• Certification from Volkswagen

• Four factory mag wheels

• Factory steering wheel (has cracks)

• Several boxes of VW spare parts

Ownership History

The consignor of this 1974 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe states, “An engineer in Rhode Island purchased the car for his wife, and it remained in storage for 14 years without being driven. Around 2001, my neighbor—also an engineer—acquired the car and had it repainted. Originally finished in ‘Phoenix Red,’ it was changed to Mini Cooper’s ‘Chili Red.’ The paint presents well and has even won a local car show. I bought the car in 2011 with 87,312 miles on it.”

Additional Notes

No title for vehicles more than 20-years-old in the state of Connecticut. Vehicle offered with current Connecticut registration in the owner’s name.