1974 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia from North America - Comments

The Ghia for a certain number of years was available in what Volkswagen called an Auto-Stick version. It had a clutch just like a normal VW, but instead of a pedal it was operated by vacuum servos so all you had to do was change gear and the vacuum from the engine would engage and disengage the clutch. At least that's what I assume you mean by and early Volkswagen automatic.

I have looking for a semi auto Ghia for ten years.You have a great car. Hang on to it.

I have wanted a Ghia since I was a kid. May get one someday, when I can afford to have a weekend car.

The Ghia is all about the looks, not the performance. But a souped-up one would make a nice sleeper :)

Great car.

73 Ghia is my ride, with new alternator, carburetor, brake jobs, blah blah blah - reality check it's a 73 and I'm a 68, sometimes I don't even want to get out of bed in the morning.

If you don't mind hobby car syndrome, Ghia is the way - if reliability is the key, maybe another ride is for you - I haven't been stranded but once, and that was me pushing fate like an idiot on crack, just looking for a chance to have that rush of making the run without going down.

Don't drive without the generator light working, unless of course you know that your generator is out, then go for it, but don't be surprised when the lights go out. Ghia is a sweet ride, just be patient.

I've owned a 74 Ghia for the past 16 years as a daily driver. It is indeed very, very reliable. Yes the brake pads do eventually wear out, and even after 180K miles the front end needed some new parts.

The stock 1600cc with dual port heads and solex carb do accelerate the car fairly well, so long as it is tuned properly. The Bosch 009 distributor is on only way to go.

I change my own oil frequently as it does not have a real filter and gets dirty after 2500 miles. It takes only 2.5 quarts and can be changed by anyone in about 10 minutes on a slow day.

I've had lots of cars, but the Karmann Ghia is the most fun to drive. Yes, it is kind of peppy if you really know how to drive it. Not blistering acceleration, but mine will "eventually" top in at 100. Who cares about smoking tires and wasting $4 a gallon gas when just cruising in the back lane twisties in the hills and two lane roads is what it was designed for (Alpines) in the first place.