Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia Flat 4 1968
General description :
1968 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Rat Rod
One of the most photographed VW Ghias in the world!
Purchased from Gas Monkey Garage
Custom patina of desirable “Rat Rod” look
Performance 1.4L horizontally opposed 4 cylinder engine
4-speed manual transmission
4 inch drop!
MotoeXotica Classic Cars rarely says “one of a kind”, but there just cant be another 1968 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia like this one! This car named “Betty Rusty”, is the epitome of the Rat Rod car culture! Purchased by us at auction for an area charity sponsored by Richard Rawlings of Gas Monkey Garage fame. This event will be featured in an upcoming episode of Fast N Loud and it stills stands as low today as it did the day it graced the cover of the October 2015 issue of Ultra VW magazine!
The VW community has a number of subcultures, all the way from purists to visionaries. The builder of this low scraping sculpture is artist Carlos “C-Low” Mijares is one of latter members. He got this Ghia from a guy who had rescued it from the bone yard. He like the car’s patina so much he decided to saved it, but as a creative soul he couldn’t resist added a few of his personal touches to the exterior and interior. He then slammed this sled with no bags or juice, just a static drop! When asked if he was finished with it, his response was” you’re never done”…but why is it so low?, “Because I have to live up to my nickname!”
Re-bodied with a 1961 body onto the 1968 chassis with a 8″ narrowed front beam with adjusters and 21/2′ drop spindles. Re-finished in a multi colored clear coated rat rod patina, it shows extremely as designed with all the imperfections visible upon 50 ft inspection. Metalflake gold with neon green spider webs adorn the roof. Front and rear bumpers fit properly with chrome removed as well as the override bumper guards. What trim that is present and finish is bright. Weather stripping is not there for both doors, however front and rear glass stripping is good condition with no signs of drying, tearing or shrinkage.
Inside, the floors have been flatened to give an extra 2″ of clearance. The door panels actual match and compliment the seats. The dashboard has the same metalflake finish and is designed to mirror the exterior top of the car. The original steering wheel with a grey leather displays well with no real signs of wear. Personal interior touches of the previous owners include, a skateboard wheel gas pedal and a clear acrylic shift knob for the deeply religious.
This Karman Ghia is equipped with a built by Roland (the Buggy Shop) single Solex carburetored 1.4L boxer 4 cylinder engine with110 cam, matted to a 4-speed manual transmission, rear 4″ drop spring plates with1 click up on the torsion, the body is tubbed in the rear to accommodate the 7″ wide wheels, bevel gear differential, front disc and rear drum brakes. 17 inch black centered BRM polished lip alloys equipped with 205/40 ZR17 directional tires.
This Rat Rod Ghia will take you back to a simpler time…it just may take you a little more time to get there GET OUT AND LOW RIDE!!!
Current mileage on the odometer shows 93,252 it is sold as is and is mileage exempt. The car is being sold on a clean & clear title.
VIN: 148200458
http://www.motoexotica.com/inventory/listing/1968-volkswagen-karmann-ghia-ratrod/
1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia Flat 4 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Fenton (St. Louis) by for Not priced.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Volkswagen Model : Karmann-Ghia Model Version : Flat 4 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1968 Sub type : Coupé Location : Fenton (St. Louis)
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About Volkswagen
The Volkswagen story is indeed an intriguing tale of innovation, resilience, and post-war revival, marked by various models that have become iconic in automotive history.The People's Car (Volkswagen): Initially envisioned by Adolf Hitler in the 1930s as a "people's car" or "Volkswagen" in German, the idea was to create an affordable and practical vehicle for the German people. This concept led to the development of the Volkswagen Beetle (or the Type 1), designed by Ferdinand Porsche.
Post-War Challenges: After World War II, Volkswagen faced significant challenges. The factory was heavily damaged, and the brand's association with the Nazi regime led to a lack of interest in the car in some regions.
British Intervention - The British Army & Ivan Hirst: The British Army took control of the factory in the immediate post-war period. Major Ivan Hirst, a British Army officer, played a crucial role in reviving Volkswagen. He recognized the potential of the Beetle and advocated for its production, convincing the British military to order several thousand cars. This decision helped jumpstart the brand's revival.
Export Success and the Beetle's Global Appeal: The Beetle gained popularity not only in Germany but also globally, becoming an icon of affordable motoring. Its simple, reliable design and unique appearance made it a favorite among consumers worldwide.
Model Evolution: Over the years, Volkswagen introduced various models alongside the Beetle, each contributing to the brand's growth:
Type 2 (VW Bus or Transporter): Introduced in the 1950s, it became an iconic symbol of the hippie movement in the 1960s, loved for its spaciousness and versatility.
Golf (Rabbit in the U.S.): Launched in the mid-1970s, the Golf (or Rabbit in the U.S.) marked a shift towards front-wheel-drive, modern design, and hatchback practicality, becoming a cornerstone of the brand's success.
Passat, Jetta, and Other Models: Volkswagen expanded its lineup with models like the Passat and Jetta, catering to different market segments.
Challenges and Innovations: Despite success, Volkswagen faced challenges, including quality issues in the 1970s. However, the brand continued to innovate and develop new models and technologies.
Rise of the GTI and Global Expansion: The 1980s saw the rise of the iconic Golf GTI, a high-performance version that sparked the hot hatch trend. Volkswagen also expanded its global presence during this period.
The British intervention in reviving Volkswagen after World War II played a pivotal role in the brand's resurgence. While there might have been some tensions or competition among automotive companies in the 1950s and 1960s due to Volkswagen's post-war success, the brand's ability to produce innovative and popular models solidified its place in automotive history.