Karman Chameleon

A Beetle with a pretty dress, VW’s Karman Ghia sold nearly a half-million units. But, only 20-percent were convertibles like the video feature car. But this 1970 model packs the most horsepower of them all. How much? You’ll have to watch and see. Spoiler alert: this one gets to 60-mph in just 21 seconds! Zow! Zap! Pow!

[@timkis64]

the beetle was the first vehicle i ever drove where you needed an ice scraper INSIDE.the windshield was so close to the driver your breath would freeze on the inside of the windshield,so you had to scrape the inside a few times before the car would warm up enough to prevent the icing.

[@barberjeff67]

My 65 Corvair had that wonderful feature!

[@robertbeckler5058]

I had a 72 stationary wagon flavor. Lived in north Dakota. Yep scrapped the inside while you drove down the road.

[@cadethofgravel5100]

But you did it lol

[@Rom3_29]

My 1975 beetle had that scary option package. Later on I learned what caused but bug was long gone.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

When I was in elementary school we had the occasional pleasure of piling into a neighbor's Karmann Ghia convertible to ride to school. THREE of us would sit on the back bench which wasn't padded. I think my neighbor's was a very early model - 59 or 60.

[@eddiegary7817]

Hey Steve, great video as always! One thing… very common for these Ghia’s to rust above the headlights (among several other places) due to the lack of an inner fender and the tight little space above the headlight bucket. Mud and salt will collect there and cause the corrosion.

[@bruceharkness4497]

The biggest problem was rust. They had so many cavities where moisture could do it’s deed. I had a beater 1963 that I did a mechanical rebuild on, as I was a VW mechanic. The rockers, where the heat runs through were gone. Lots of fun to drive. I built a 1700cc high compression engine and installed the original carburetor. It would get 50 mpg. One oddity is they had aluminum door hinges which wore horribly fast and were expensive. The heater actually worked well on aircooled VWs, when they were sealed properly and all the controls were adjusted properly. Just remember the rpm is the heater fan.

[@ernielaw]

I didn't realize 1956 was the first year for Karman Ghia, but knew they were produced up to 1974. A family friend took me for a ride in his 1957 model when it was 11 years old. The Karman Ghia of the 1970s appears to share its taillights with the VW Type 3.

[@vettekid3326]

The very last VW I ever owned was a 1971 type three square back sedan. It had the dual port 1600 engine with Bosch electronic fuel injection and the automatic stick shift transmission. Great little car that got great gas mileage and with the fuel injection was easy to start in all kinds of weather. As long as you had good heat exchangers that weren't rusted out and leaking air the heat wasn't too bad especially if you added a booster blower to force the heat circulation and had a functioning thermostatic bellows controlling the fan shroud flapper.

[@mikeholland1031]

Aftermarket fi I assume. VW didn't go fi until 75.

[@TheMotorman80]

@@mikeholland1031 Nope, factory. I bought a 1971 square back in 2001 and it still had the functioning factory fuel injection from Bosch. I did take it off and put dual Weber carbs because the fuel injection was finicky by then.

[@mikeholland1031]

@@TheMotorman80 weird. Bugs and the rest didn't get it until 75

[@TheMotorman80]

@@mikeholland1031 Yeah, I’ve only seen it on the type 3’s before 75, but I’m not sure what all they put it on.

[@mikeholland1031]

@@TheMotorman80 I looked it up. 67 or 68 for those. 75 for the rest. I was sorta right. Lol

[@mikefed]

I hitchhiked to high school in the 60’s. Every morning i’d pray that anyone would pick me up before a guy in a Karman Ghia coupe would stop for me. I was a big guy (6’3” 235lbs) and i’d have to squeeze into the back seat as his son rode shotgun. Oh, those were the days!

[@jeffclark2725]

I rememberseveral of those running around in the 80s, great video

[@aa64912]

In 1966 my uncle purchased one of these convertibles. It was yellow with black interior. It was a blast to ride in.

[@bk14nyc]

Would you believe Maxwell Smart had one of these Volkswagens?

[@robbchastain3036]

Surely he was saving up for a DB4. 😀

[@rupe53]

that and a Sunbeam Tiger. (with a Ford V-8)

[@bk14nyc]

And let’s not forget about the Opel, sold Brand New only at Buick Dealerships! 😉

[@mikeholland1031]

Yes

[@richardthompson6366]

Missed it by that much.

[@melvinjones3895]

Musty1 will get that running in an about one hour. No problem. He could be standing behind that big tree right now. Thanks a lot. 1970 cab.

[@brianbloom1799]

Hey Steve I owned a 65 VW Convertible,, I changed the 1500 to a 1600, It took 10 min to Pull the Motor, 4 bolts and a cable ,dropped it on a Tire,

[@mgguygardening]

Get well Steve! I will continue to hit every one of your videos that pop up in my feed.

[@larryfromwisconsin9970]

Growing up in Northern Wisconsin in the 1960s Volkswagens were an unusual sight because their heater/defroster just wouldn't cut it in the sub zero temperatures. In 1968 my Dad bought a V4 Saab with a true Swedish heater that would make the interior like a Swedish sauna. We also had a 1968 Pontiac Catalina convertible that never left the garage from October to May. He would idle the engine once a week.

[@googleusergp]

I sometimes go to WI for work, and I've gone in the colder months. Whoa Nelley, it gets cold there.

[@mikeholland1031]

They had an optional gas heater too you know. Worked great but tended to use more gas than the engine.

[@SteveMagnante]

@@mikeholland1031 The South Wind! I had one for my 1967 Beetle way back in 1986 but never installed it. Thanks for watching and writing. -Steve Magnante

[@robertmoffett3486]

@googleusergp I knew a Norwegian guy who came to the US in his fifties. He lived in NYC, his daughter lived in Wisconsin. He visited her one winter. "Mine Got, it is cold dere!" When a Norwegian said it was cold, I had to believe him!

[@googleusergp]

@@robertmoffett3486 LOL. One of my colleagues is from Nigeria. We went on a business trip one day in GA in the summer and he said, "Man, it's too hot here". I said, "Wait a minute, you were born in Africa, isn't that one of the hottest places on the planet?" He said, "Nah Chief (what he calls everyone), that's a different type of heat. I can't stand this humid nonsense". LOL. Where does he eventually move? Upstate NY.

[@luisvelasco316]

A friend in high school (1970s) offered to give me and 3 others a ride in his Karmann Ghia convertible in the winter. So I was with 2 other guys in the back seat with the top up and the windows down to keep everything from instantly fogging over. Fortunately, we couldn't get going fast enough to suffer wind-chill induced frostbite, but I think this ride still qualifies as the most uncomfortable I've ever been in a car!

[@edwardmartinez9459]

Love that olds behind you.

[@davidgosselin5466]

Such a tragedy really, sweet ride in its heyday with that snappy paint job. I'd like to see someone snag the drive train at the very least! Good one, Steve! Keep'em coming!

[@darrenwilliams-wy9gb]

Great video Steve , never knew all those features on that ghia plus who designed it is very fascinating !

[@peterantonopoulos2572]

Morning Steve.... buddy of mine had one of these, had transplanted a porche power train into it. What a cool little rocket it was.

[@mikeholland1031]

Common swap

[@SteveMagnante]

Was his name Paul Newman? Thanks for watching and writing. -Steve Magnante

[@moone924]

very rare actually, most are just high-power VW engines people assume are Porsche

[@galaxieman1964]

Had a friend in the 80s with one of these. (not the convertible) He was an expert with VW engines, and that thing would throw your head back and fly. For the 80s anyway. We would cruise up and down Academy Blvd, in Colorado Springs, and pick on the muscle cars of the day. Tons of memories of surprised guys and lots of fun driving.

[@mikep.5517]

Today so much emphasis is placed on sub-4-sec 0-60 times, DSG-style gearboxes and tire, brake and suspension voodoo to allow weighty "sports" cars to handle and stop. Gotta say though: A pure, stylish, simple and truly compact lightweight little droptop like this seems so enticing to this 56yo in spite of its 0-60 time being measured with a sundial.

[@debbiebermudez5890]

Mr. B. Here ! I love ❤️ to drive , long trips ( driving ) I live for ! Vehicles 🚗 that let you feel the road is something a system that takes away your ability to drive . I have owned vehicles with these systems for me they ( such ) and the cost to maintain is a joke . I know ( but they make vehicles safe , more BS ! The mind set you need to be safe 24 - 7 is unreal ! Am 70 old baby Boomer am here and many Boomers vehicles of our past did not have all this stuff , my dad toll me to own a car 🚗 it was a responsibility to maintain and respect fellow mortises. If not take a 🚎 . Driving is in the heart ! ☕️☕️

[@ralphbillick1210]

They were a great looking car for the time and a lot of fun to drive, easy on the pocketbook ❗️🇺🇸

[@scottiemyman52]

Good narrative and great delivery - authentic!

[@chrisscearce]

Hi Steve great video on this Karmann Ghia Cabriolet. I do believe the engine on the Ghia and Fastbacks the engine did have to come out from underneath. My 67 bus the cross panel unbolts, allowing you to pull the engine straight out. I'm no VW expert and don't know about the other models if they unbolt or not. When I was stupid young or young and stupid, I wanted a convertible. I had my Ford Van but needed a small car too. I had a couple big Detroit iron pieces already 59 Ford and my 55 Merc but $ wasn't my friend at the time. So I had narrowed it down to a couple of options I had available. 1 was 70ish Ghia or a 71 TR6 with twin carbs. Well I liked the Ghia but it gave me flashbacks from owning a nightmare VW bus. The Ghia did handle better than the bus. The bus handled like a covered wagon in a prairie storm. But once I got in the TR6 I was sold. The fellow who owned had changed the jets in the carburators to a more desirable European setup. Apparently, the US cars were de-tuned or something. I couldn't find a fuel injected model that I could afford. Had a lot of fun in that car. The guys liked driving it, and the skirts loved ridin. 👀 I sold the car a few yrs later for what I paid for it. There was a boattail Riviera I was in love with that came up for sale. 30yrs later I still have that one parked in the corner. Have a blessed day everyone 🤙🏼 Namaste 🙏🏼

[@rupe53]

the early bus was the only VW where the engine came out the back.... if you didn't have rusty bumper bolts. All others of this vintage came out the bottom.

[@SteveMagnante]

Hi Chris, you are like me, one car pretty much "pays" for the next one. In my case, the funds just weren't there to keep them all! I've had a BUNCH of interesting old Mopars but don't really lament the loss of each one as the next one took its place. Hind sight is 20/20 but at least we had the pleasure of enjoying all of these great old cars for the brief time we had them. Thanks AS ALWAYS for watching and writing. -Steve Magnante

[@robertmoffett3486]

All the TRs were great for the money years ago. I don't see any around here (NYC) anymore. My friend is on his 4th 71 GT6+, but he has a clean body waiting for #4 to rot some more, and a fresh engine etc. It's an expensive hobby in the Northeast

[@chrisscearce]

@@robertmoffett3486 Hi Robert I really wish I could find a really nice GT6+ for sale. But I'm really picky about stuff. The 1st check is the colour. It has to be White, Blue or Yellow before can even consider looking. My TR was Yellow black top tan or camel interior. It had the European style bumpers. I'm not sure what yrs the US made them put a monster truck tire as bumpers. But as a kid a neighbor had one and I thought he was the coolest dude around. He was Wise Chip salesman smoked those slim cigars light brown leather jacket and leather hat to match. He always looked like he was stepping out to the discos. Roger was his name. Good dude kept in touch until he died from cancer a few yrs back. Thanks for commenting 🤙🏼Have blessed day, Namaste 🙏🏼

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

We're all pulling for you Steve. Hope to see you soon

[@Barry101er]

I grew up in Braintree MA, and the widow across the road always had a new Karman Ghia, always dark green. Quite exotic in a sea of Chevy’s and Chryslers.

[@MrJayrock620]

My boss said his Beetle had an optional gas heater in it. He said it worked ok as long as you didn’t mind the risk of catching fire.

[@corey6393]

That air cleaner setup on this car is virtually identical to those used in buses from 1968 through 1971, with a few minor incremental changes.

[@charliekrajewski3646]

Back in the days when used cars were advertised by phoning them into the Classified department I saw an advert for "Volkswagen Common Gear"

[@WildBillFlysRC]

A Maxwell Smart car! personally, I liked the Sunbeam Tiger better on Get Smart. Cheers Steve M!

[@chipper442]

Thanks Steve, another great lesson. I’d also like to say, I’m glad you are embracing the natural progression of your hair color, it adds a touch of official-ness to your videos. Please keep them coming.

[@BCaldwell]

Good morning Mags......✌️

[@debbiebermudez5890]

Mr. B. ! ☕️☕️☕️🥐🥐🥐 Very informative Steve, thank you !

[@tomwesley7884]

Morning

[@debbiebermudez5890]

@@tomwesley7884 👍☕️☕️

[@SuperOperator4]

Now that song is stuck in my head, thanks.

[@SteveMagnante]

Do You Really Want To Hurt Me? Thanks for watching and writing. -Steve Magnante

[@SuperOperator4]

@@SteveMagnante NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

I learned to drive on a beetle way back in 1978! My older brother had one and my sister. Those where everywhere back then! I knew a guy who owned a beetle, a karman ghia coupe and a convertible like that one.

[@claytonhubbard8909]

You’re a legend Steve

[@johngranato2673]

Very interesting, Mr. M. Thanks for the work that you do.

[@mymoparstoo]

Great looking cars.

[@danielbrealey2924]

These things look so much better as a coupe... And Steve, I got told as a 1st year apprentice mechanic that if I couldn't drop this particular Beetle driveline I was working on in 1/2 an hour that I wouldn't have a job by the end of the day. In all honesty, I had it out in about 20 mins, sitting on the trolley jack in the floor. This didn't include the time to set it up on the hoist, mind you...

[@davidp2888]

Those must have been fun to ride in.

[@rixkafer56]

Cool stuff Steve ! Being a vw dude ive owned a 66 vert ghia 68 coupe ghia and a 74 Coupe ghia... no biggie but that is a 72 to 74 for shizzal ... highest hp type 1 engine was 71 @ 60 hp... and the heaters in fine working condition would burn the hair off your leg if your sitting in the right position lol.. thanks for sharing buddy !!! 😁👍🍕✌️

[@SteveMagnante]

Hello rixkafer56, THANKS for watching and writing and thanks for the word on this one being a '72-or newer. I some times have to work with what clues are present when I make these videos and I used the "1970" markings on the plastic lamp lenses to "sort of" nail down the year. Then when i DOD NOT see an alternator, I figured pre-'73, ASS-uming that the Beetle's 1973-up adoption of alternators instead of generators also applies to Karman-Ghias....and I know what happens when we ASS-U-ME (as my old English teacher would say: "we make and ASS out of U and ME"). A major factor / hassle for me is that I'm bred on American machinery wherein the blessed / cursed "planned obsolescence" of annual body and trim re-styling makes it pretty easy to determine exact model year. Not so much in Foreign Car Land! Anyhoo, THANKS again for watching and writing. -Steve Magnante

[@rixkafer56]

@SteveMagnante hi Steve ! i learned that as a way to spell, assume, and like you explained, not to ASS U ME from my mom. A smart woman who always wanted me to stay in school, but my attention span had different ideas after high school. Anyway, if you looked at the front turn signals, you were not wrong because those started in 70. The rear tail lights and bumpers started in 72... and yes, 73 for the alternators. I respect your knowledge and opinion on everything ! your show is superb 👌. I've always fiddled with VW since i was able to drive and worked at two different shops, one twice. Still hear stuff about aircooled vdubs i didn't know .

[@bradleyspear167]

The steering wheel is another give away that it's a 1972 to 1974. They went to the four spoke one after the two spoke with a half horn ring as on my 1971.

[@Jupitermustangmike]

Boy they come and go

[@Chrisb8s]

My uncle completely re built a beautiful ghia with no rust or dents, it was basically set up as a Porsche, new interior, new convertible roof and headliner, and he just had it painted and was waiting for the chrome.. he took it out for a drive and someone did a U-turn and sideswiped the car, wrecking the front and back fenders... he was so despondent that he just parked it in the back yard and never completed it. it sat under a tarp, in Arizona, just rotting away until he finally parted it out. So sad. I got one ride in that rocket. It was amazing. So my uncle got a 23 window bus, a guy in on a motorcycle went off the road and head first into the side.. he fixed that, but then one day he was sitting at a light and someone drifted through the intersection and head on collision! he flew through the front window and over the car that hit him.. luckily he didn't have seat belts or he would have been crushed. That was the end of the VW days and he bought a Ford F250

[@ddellwo]

I can’t determine if your uncle was the “Unluckiest Man In The World” or the “Luckiest Man In The World”……..??? 🤔

[@SteveMagnante]

Jeeez! Is your uncle's nick name "LUCKY"? Sad stories for his cars but GOOD for him and his health. Thanks for watching and writing. -Steve Magnante

[@googleusergp]

Another "commode" VW. I was never a fan of these and they looked like a Kohler commode. I'd rather have a Beetle convertible. No VIN, can't win, but would be something like 14 for Karman Ghia, 0 for 1970 model year and the rest is the production sequence, starting with 2000 001 for the 1970 model year. Not the hood, but the "frunk". LOL. Correct, the Scirocco replaced the Karman Ghia in the VW line. As others stated, it might be newer than 1970 due to the bumper style. It's always worth it to show the VIN and trim tag to verify things like this. Looks like code L52E Pastel Blue exterior paint.

[@Bbbuddy]

Great video. Interesting 20-year history of these cars. Didn’t know VW ever supplied rubber ducks

[@colinvos4443]

Was this also known as the 'Poor Man's Porsche'. That's what we called it.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Steve, As the song says, Karman Chameleons may come and go but that white Olds deserves our permanent attention. 😉

[@SteveMagnante]

Thanks for "getting" the title. I almost named this video "C'Mon Ghia" as in, Virgil Exner actually designed the basic body lines. Not to harp on this but one look at the 1953 Chrysler D'Elegance sports car (a dozen or so built) makes it clear that the Karman Ghia is a 7-10ths scale baby D'Elegance (minus the 331 Firepower Hemi V8)! Virgil Exner even got the first Karman Ghia imported to Michigan - direct from Ghia - as a tip of the hat on his stylistic input! Virgil had the class - and pre-existing Chrysler-Ghia collaboration contracts - not to pursue any sort of legal action. This is all documented. Credit it where credit is due, and all that. Anyhoo, THANKS for watching and writing. -Steve Magnante

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@SteveMagnante We are the same age, if I don't get your references, then nobody will 😁

[@santaclause2875]

Another great show, Steve. Thanks!!!!!!

[@savedin87ify]

Always loved them. And wanted one. Had a neighbor who had one. It was also blue.

[@1223jamez]

My father had ‘68 Karman Ghia coup, bought it brand new and gave it to my brother by 1974.

[@robbchastain3036]

As far as the origin of its styling for the sales brochure, Italy sounds a lot more exotic than 'Virgil's basement in Detroit." 😀

[@christianmccollum1028]

Loved my Ghia. It was my first car.

[@joedepoto]

That Karman-Ghia looks like a 1972-1974 model with the four-spoke steering wheel and the diagnostic plug on in the engine bay.🤔

[@ianfairbanks1318]

looking good steve

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

My '71 Fastback had the same tail lights.

[@Hyrev1]

Interesting video Steve! 👍👍💯🇺🇸

[@bruceprentice6441]

Light and stylish body, would make a good candidate for a electric conversion car

[@jimc3688]

The one exception to the rule and this gets my “kneeded” vote for the shredder.

[@matthewpiper1421]

my buddy had one in high school, had a 2110 cc with dual weber carbs, it was fast.

[@iplaymytele]

I have a 1971 Karmann Ghia, that is my daily driver…👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️

[@adailyllama4786]

Really enjoy this series!

[@robsomerton7390]

Unfortunately... I heard NO mention of the 'square body' Euro-Ghia of the same era. Perhaps Steve will find one out there to cover some day.

[@moone924]

Type 34 Razor-edge Ghia that the corvair looks remarkably like

[@danielbrealey2924]

Such beautiful cars! My mother owned a '62 survivor, factory two tone cream over deep red- with the beautiful slim line bumpers. But man, that old 1200 or 1300cc motor was SO DAMN SLOW! I always wanted to fit a 2L Kombi motor, stroked to 3L. I used to see these big bore/stroker kits for sale in VW magazines back in the mid 90's- thought a 3L motor with some trick heads and twin 45mm Webbers would have made it get up and go... These days, let's be honest- you could probably make more power with a decent turbo set up on that 1200cc motor, not that anyone would build such a small motor for one if you wanted to go fast. A 2300cc turbo set up would be sweet, or just drop an EJ20/25 in the rear. Guys used to put 13B Rotary's in them back in the 90's in Australia- the conversion was banned back in the 90's for street VW's back in the mid 90's... It's a shame, a rotary would be a really good swap for a Beetle or a Karmen Ghia- either as a built N/A screamer or a turbo motor

[@king0cans]

That car is good to make a hardtop into a convertible.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

Rust in the rockers was the death of them, circa late 80s-90s. Not sure if the aftermarket has stepped up with reproduction metal or not.

[@ob1vw]

It's a 1972 Ghia. 1970-71 has smaller rear lights and different dash. I cut the rear quarter panel off this one many years ago

[@phillipsrundripbubblecompa9232]

Good morning

[@timbylander7015]

Again I am amazed the engine is still there.

[@hooville9059]

Mags, Karmann was very instrumental to Porsche's growth in the early sixties, Reutter coach builder was unable to meet production and Karmann manufactured a number of coupe bodies for Porsche. Starting with the 901 precursor to the 911 Porsche purchased Reutter coach builder and they continued as a separate company we know today as Recaro the seat manufacture. The debate continues which Porsche 356 coupe is more desirable the Karmann or Reutter, many will pick the Reutter but both were quality coach builders supplying them. Keep em coming.

[@johnwalsh7256]

Interesting video Steve.

[@Tmrfe0962]

Thanks Steve. Keep ‘em coming

[@steveib724]

Use to rebuild these guys lol

[@grizzleypeak]

Ghias were rust prone in the best of circumstances, especially convertibles, unfortunately. They may have been the worlds slowest sports car, but they really wete an attractive car, and very well made compared to other imports of that era.

[@oldsledpurgatory3595]

A long time ago a friend of mine had a Beetle that would spew exhaust into the cab through the vents every time he started it.

[@galencurrington8704]

Very cool 😎 I have a 62 ghia vert very rare.

[@jasonz7788]

Awesome thanks Steve great work

[@martymiller4300]

Hi Steve keep up the great work. I don’t mean to nitpick or criticize but……the front disc/4 lug thing got my mind spinning. I had a really good ‘67 Ghia coupe (traded it and $ for the world’s rustiest Porsche 356) which had front disc brakes and 4 lug wheels. All beetles and Ghias got wider swing axles in the back in ‘67 and ‘68. The Ghia got 4 lugs and discs in ‘67. Between the wider wheel span and the low center of gravity the ‘67 Ghia was a corner carver and with a healthy stock cam and bore engine mine would out climb a lot of the smogged up American junk in the mid seventies. While picking my own nits I’ll clarify that ‘68 beetles got the real deal IRS in ‘68 if they were auto-sticks….yecch.

[@edshedrestorations]

And you missed the aston Martin DB5 number plate light plinth.

[@jimstelljes2915]

Great haircut and gray hair.

[@junkmannythewitch7295]

The pan is NOT the same as a Beetle, it is the same as a "Thing" ( type 181). The pan is wider and has more reinforcements. Convertibles are really hard to restore and don't have the proper re-enforcements like the Beetle convertibles.

[@rupe53]

Having worked on a few of these (way back when) I can say the bug and the Gia suspension are almost identical. If you wanted disc brakes on your bug you only needed to change the spindles and the tie-rod ends to make them fit. You also needed to yank the check valve out of the MC, which was located directly inboard of the front brake line fitting. I just used a screw and a pair of pliers to do the deed. That said... if you wanted BIG front brakes, the type 3 calipers will bolt to the Gia spindles. (about 40% more pad) BTW, 4 bolt type 3 wheels were almost an inch wider so now you could add bigger tires too. All of this using "stock" parts!

[@SteveMagnante]

Hot Rodding comes in an infinite variety of forms! Thanks for watching and writing. -Steve Magnante

[@u121921]

When the spare is missing you have no windshield washer . VW used the air from the tire to put pressure on the washer fluid to spray the glass . Had a low pressure limiter in the line but usually the spare went flat any way . Seems more complex than a switch and pump or the foot operated pump used by Ford on their unibody cars of the 60s

[@nedhed4261]

Karman chameleon nice reference 😏🦎

[@stuarthirsch]

Good for engine transaxle and some body parts. With some other Gia parts could make a like new Gia. Love to have one. Would update it with modern 4 wheel disk brakes, throttle body fuel injection, and electronic ignition.

[@jfu5222]

The VW engine is also inexpensive to rebuild and if you would like more than 65hp, the possibilities are ridiculous. Long stroke and big bore kits, turbos and superchargers, it's all been done many times.

[@oops1952]

In high school someone with a bug would dump the clutch at a light and take just about anything across an intersection.....of course the fun was over awfully quick but the guy in the next lane got a surprise.....and then a laugh

[@rupe53]

back then a bug would take anything away from a stop light.... 0-15 mph. If you pushed hard you could squeeze about 22 mph before floating the valves in first gear.

[@bradleyspear167]

The bumpers and steering wheel show that this one is in the 1972 to 1974 range, not 1970.

[@richs7362]

Great video! Always liked Ghia's. Have a hard time considering 81,000 rare though.

[@mikegreer9041]

I had a Karmin gia front end on my berrian sand rail. The torsion springs were a lot more stuff than a regular beetle, I had to cut some of the torsion leafs to get it to ride decently. I think they were trying to build a sports car.

[@rupe53]

that front suspension is identical to the bug. The issue is the front of the Gia is lighter than the bug.

[@garfixit]

Good video as always

[@jordanfalkowski6924]

Growin up seeing james bond films always thought those would be like the exhaust machine guns. I dk much about junkyard slicks and tire pressu|r dzr

[@Chopski64]

0-60 in 21 seconds. You can't make that "fun". Lol. Good for the ladies back in the day.

[@Jupitermustangmike]

Mark Boyle got a brand new bumble bee drop top 1976 for his graduation gift and we skipped a class and he rolled it over with me and Tom mutz and Jan Gower holding the bong

[@SteveMagnante]

Oh no...did the smelly bong water add insult to injury when the police arrived? Thanks for watching and writing. -Steve Magnante

[@-byko-8423]

0 to 60 in 21 seconds? ..I would wager that the drivers of these heard the "angry horn" from other motorists quite often 😅

[@ronniethode8036]

The gear you're looking at is either a 197 4 or 73 or 72 model it has the large bumper

[@Cstoreri]

They come and go🎵🎼they come and go🎤

[@fishgeralding9224]

When I was a teen in south Florida I came across an accident scene between a Carmen Ghia (couldn't tell what it was at the time) and a GMC step van. Still makes me shudder. I'll spare the details and just say, the driver didn't stand a chance. After trying to figure out what to do for a living, I found I had a knack for paint and autobody (collision repair/refinishing), go figure! I finished my career teaching it before retirement. Maybe that's why I stressed safety so much with my students. Here's comes the teacher in me. Lol Pop quiz: What do the letters SRS designate, that you see on an airbag? Most of my students would reply "Safety Restraint System". Answer: Supplemental Restraint System. In another words, works in conjunction with something else. Something else would be the seat belt, it assists in keeping the airbag from causing internal decapitation. That's today's "food for thought", stay safe and buckle up.

[@SteveMagnante]

Hello fishgeralding, Thanks for watching and writing. Sorry you had to witness that Florida accident scene. I've encountered a few where there are WAY TOO MANY emergency vehicles for a typical crash and I look away. Don't want to see something I might not want to remember! This is especially true if one of the emergency vehicles has the "CORONER'S OFFICE" logo... About safety belts - and SRS devices, you'll enjoy tomorrow's Junkyard Crawl video that depicts one of the auto industry's awkward "baby steps" in the SRS journey. Hint...its a 1989 car. I'm a big proponent of seat belts. I have a stack of "Highway Patrolman" magazines (the official publication of the California Highway Patrol) and they always have crash scene photos. Yeesh! The word "eject" isn't just for cassette tapes! Have a safe day and THANKS AGAIN for watching and writing. -Steve Magnante

[@kb1kos]

Maxwell Smart drove one in the opening of some of the shows.

[@lelandcarlson1668]

I have to disagree about the heater being weak. I had a 1970 Ghia and the heater would run you out of the car. The key was making sure the ducting from the fan to the heat exchangers, and from the heat exchangers to the body were in good shape and sealed properly.

[@moone924]

1967 model year was the first year for disc brakes. Also the talk about the bus getting disc brakes, yes it did but a small five lug pattern wheel. 5X112mm. Not 4X130mm like the Ghia.