1957 VW Karmann Ghia Coupe
The early "low light" Karmann Ghias from 56-59 have become a very desirable
model among collectors and for very good reason. The beautiful early design of the body, low production numbers
and even lower availability in current day have been boosting prices up quite a bit the past few years.
This 1957 model is a car that came into our hands a while back from a California estate collection.
When it arrived to us, the car was partially disassembled and was in multiple shades of primer.
The thought of restoring it certainly came to mind due to its rarity and value, but I decided to
have a little fun with it instead. The La Cucaracha Rally Ghia is simply a creative project
to satisfy my imagination and bring a few laughs and smiles to all who sees it.
The goal in my mind was to create the look of a vehicle that had just come off the dusty roads
of Mexico and to show the age and dirt one would expect from competing in a race like La Carrera.
The "dirt" is actually painted on the finish!
Beautifully done hand lettering and pinstriping make up the majority of the graphics.
The overall finish has a bit of a matte finish to it to help it look vintage.
The La Cucaracha graphics were recreated from an actual race car that competed in the event in the 1950's
The roof has a bit more of a shine. The numbers and lettering all have that distinct
hand lettered appearance with visible brush strokes and a bit of transparency in places.
The overall appearance is quite convincing...and even more so with a layer of real dust
like in this shot. One of the joys of this sort of finish is that you don't have to wash it!
It just gets better looking the dirtier it is.
The bumpers and chrome all have the painted dirt finish to dull them down for a cohesive look.
Period Marchal "Fantastic" rally lights and headlight stone guards
La Carrera Panamerica rally plate was reproduced to match the car.
Painted mud splatter on the nose
German and Mexican cross flags on the hood.
A few period logo decals were sourced from a vendor in the UK.
Any decal wused has been carefully aged down a bit to give them the proper vibe.
The number 141 was just a personal choice
Correct large script Karmann Ghia emblem on the rear.
Very fun
The theme has been continued inside the car with period props and accessories.
Some vintage Airguide instruments have been added for looks (not function)
Dash labels have been added for fun
Rally timers
Period camera in the glove box
Well worn wallet with vintage 2000 Pesos bill
Custom roll bar created for looks and the rear filled with spare tires and tools one would see in a rally car.
Period Tudor safety belts have been added for looks as well.
The car is currently registered and insured in my name.
It is however a "salvaged" title for some reason, but this must have happened long ago
and I cant quite tell why. The car looks incredibly solid and straight.
Period Mexican road race literature included in the sale
Including vintage maps and a matchbook cover that inspired sponsorship logos on the car.
The car has been featured in the November 2024 issue of Hot VWs Magazine
Very nice 6 page full color article.
Super honored to be among the pages of far nicer cars in such a prestigious publication.
Photos have been taken as well for feature in Classic Motorsports Magazine that has yet to be published.
The nose of the car is really in excellent shape.
Under the hood the original Pelican red paint remains
Great color.
I would hope the current finish remains on the car, but if down the line a new owner wanted to restore
the car to its original colors and details...this would be a great basis for that.
No body modifications have been made, the "detailing" is all just paint.
Out back is a stock 36hp engine,
Runs well but admittedly is a bit slower than the car looks.
The brakes have been recently serviced with new lines and fluids.
The body and chassis are wonderfully solid and sound and show no signs that I have seen of rust damage or repair.
Very solid rockers
New clutch installed but everything left looking road weary underneath
So solid though!
Rare for a Ghia of this vintage
I call this a bit of an art project on wheels.
I really wanted to challenge myself to create a realistic vision of a well worn vintage race car
with the sultry smooth lines of the early Ghia.
Its not "restored" really, its just received an artistic makeover that I must say has
been incredibly well received out in the world when I have shown it.
In fact I am confident that the car as it is, gets far more interest from folks than a restored car would.
Im super pleased with the way it came out, in fact I loved the process so much I want to do it again
on another vintage sports car that I now have in my sights. If I can find a new owner for
this bit of rolling art, I can bring another "fresh canvas" into my studio and do it again.
Oh,,,I forgot to mention that I did install a horn that plays La Cucaracha as well...it just had to happen.
In any case, like many artists, I have no clue what value to put on my artwork
but considering the value of the canvas underneath that paint and just how solid and
straight of a car it is underneath the rally look finish and accessories, I'm pricing it
at a spot above a "project car" but well below the price of a restored one.
That being said...finding a home that is going to love it and keep it as it is holds
some personal satisfaction to me, so I am open to realistic conversations and offers.
Asking
$24,500 obo
For More Info...CALL
951 795-1175
Or Email oldbug@earthlink.net