1973 VW Karmann Ghia Sports Convertible For Sale

1973 VW Karmann Ghia Sports Cabriolet For Sale

SOLD!!

There are so many things to learn in the VW scene that even after decades of
chasing the details and history, I still am amazed at seeing something new.
This exceedingly rare 1973 Karmann Ghia "Sports" is one of them.

In the 1970's VW was losing ground to the imports from Japan and were trying to figure out ways to
make the VW model line more attractive. The introduction of a whole variety of "special edition"
cars was one technique. The "Sports" model Beetles are well known, as well as the "Sun Bug", "Jeans"
and "Champagne Edition" cars...but very few people are aware of the special edition Ghias.

The Sports Bug was a heavily promoted model in the US and it sold quite well.

The special colors, trim, seats, steering wheel and road wheels made the
Sports Bug stand out from the crowd, especially in the bright Saturn Yellow paint scheme.

So successful was the program in the US, that Volkswagen of America made direct contact with Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
to order a shipment of Karmann Ghias for the US market. Since the Saturn Yellow was already
a standard color for the Ghia, the black trim, steering wheel and sport wheels were an easy thing to add.

The order went through and a limited amount of cars were delivered in Coupe and Convertible format
but when Volkswagen in Germany found out, they intervened and stopped further production.

The VW birth certificates on this car show some of the details.

Paint color L13M Saturn Yellow was one of two colors offered for the Sport model Beetles
and they all came with the black leatherette interiors.

In the special configuration line it refers to the following page

The D21 is a special order number, most likely signifying the order from Karmann
and the M976 Sport rims, not normally offered on a Ghia at all, tell the story.

While this is a model that VW of Germany did not authorize directly, the history
of how it happened between Volkswagen of America and Karmann made the model possible.

While total numbers have not been documented, a search online estimates it is less than 200
Karmann Ghias were so equipped, the vast majority being Coupes.
I personally think that number is far lower, as images of only a handful of Coupes are floating around out there
and virtually no Sport Ghia Cabriolets... this one is quite the unicorn.

Located in Northern California in the hands of a true Ghia nut,
this 73 is in really beautiful condition.

The car was repainted in its original color by a previous owner and has been well kept
and shows beautifully.

Clean California title

Bright chrome and a nice top with glass back window.

Stock height with no modifications

The Sports model stripes on the fenders and door tops add a bit of a racy look.

A very clean and beautiful example

Passenger side mirror was also on the original order for this car.

Under the hood up front is very clean.
Matching spare wheel with new tire.

Original trunk liner in very nice shape.

Looking deep in the nose, you do see signs of some slight bodywork done
but everything was nicely brought back into shape.

The line on the nose remains nicely crisp and from the outside you would never know.
Hood fits well, it was just a light bump, but that is very common on these cars.

The interior of the car remains original and is in remarkably nice condition.

Original upholstery on the seats and door panels
The original Sports edition steering wheel is present.

The top appears to have been replaced and is very clean,

New rubber seals throughout

Original radio still in the dash

Carpet is original and shows minimal wear.
Sturdy rubber mats on the floor fit well and look nice.

Rear area as well...very nice original materials still present.

Production decal still here in the door jam

Nice and solid under the back seat

I love these Sports wheels...nice fact grip that feels great in your hand.
Original dash pad does have a couple cracks near the speaker as usual
but this is common and to be expected from a west coast car.

Original matching engine number as documented by the VW birth certificate

Engine runs great with no issues and all original filters, tins and equipment are here.
Optima battery fitted out back and a very tidy and clean engine room

The underside looks great!
Very solid car!

Clean rockers

Detail of edge of body trim
This looks to be a replacement trim to me, but very cleanly installed

Even super clean way down low under the nose!