Hi guys.
Does anyone know how much a Karmann ghia costs? I know they'll vary In price but what do you expect to pay for one in ok condition. Little rust (obviously they're old so some rust is expected), running order, rhd, paint looks decent? Please share your opinion.

Even when they were nearly new they rusted, its not because they are old

Mine has ZERO rust -- just got to come to Cali (Ok AZ) and buy a used race car that has never seen the rain LOL

Hi guys. I'm a newbie. Been offered a Karmann ghia for $23K Aus. A few rust bubbles. Engine looks ok. 1970 so no tear tear lights but better than the 1972 model. Paint work otherwise ok, original white. Is that an ok deal?

Any rust bubbles means the rust has come from the inside and eaten 100% of the metal away in that area. Anywhere near any bubble is going to be almost rusted through also.

If you can get the car on the road in your name with a roadworthy certificate with no more to pay, it may work out well for you. Be prepared to get an independant professional appraisal if you are not sure though.

No idea without looking at it, but some general comments on Ghias. I have owned three, and am currently restoring a '63.

Mechanically they are the same as a beetle, so don't fuss too much about that.

Rust wise, they rust from the inside out, particularly on the sills. If you are seeing bubbles externally it will only be worse underneath.

A 1970 model will be a US import most likely, originally LHD. Nothing wrong with that, but in terms of its value a factory RHD is worth more. In saying that, a rust free LHD car is better than a RHD rusty hulk.

Similar to beetles, in general the older ones are more desirable, the 'square bumper' versions are generally less sought after. They are all old now, youngest Ghia is 41 years old!

There are many suppliers of repro parts, the biggest variable between cars is the bodywork required.

Good luck, have a look on thesamba.com, there are many posts on there about different restorations including mine. Will give you an idea of what is in store. There aren't many in oz, about 2/3 total Ghias went to the USA, so many more being restored there. There are about four current Resto threads on thesamba about Aussie Ghias.
Good luck!

For $23k i would be expecting a better deal

You could afford to ship and convert to LHD at these prices

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/ssd/cto/5161553101.html 

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/5216210017.html 

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/cto/5238510217.html 

One more -- a low light

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/5188932515.html 

This is it guys. Still negotiating. I got a mechanic to have a look at it. Its never been bumped before. No stretch marks at the front or back. Had the passenger floor pan replaced due to rust, mechanic said it was a good job. Interior is quite poor. The window (rear passenger side) has a rust bubble. The bumpers are rusted out so they need rechroming. Is this ok for $23K? The body has been checked and its in pretty good condition.