hypothetical ? - Karmann Ghia vs Opel GT

[rfuerst911sc]

Ok I am bored and have been sniffing around on CL and came across a 1969 Karmann Ghia needing an engine and a 1969 Opel GT complete but not running . The VW has a good looking body with minimal rust . The Opel also has minimal rust and is a one owner car the guy bought it when he was a youngin . Which would you prefer and why to purchase and fix up to play with .

[Chocaholic]

Two completely different cars. Easy decision though. After years of expense, frustration and more expense and frustration, you will eventually have a finished project. Which one would you be more likely to keep, drive and enjoy?

For me it would be the VW. Never cared for the oddly designed Opel.

[Geronimo '74]

Karmann, all day long

[Tobra]

I think you are going to get a lot of votes for the Ghia, running 100% so far

[rfuerst911sc]

Interesting feedback . I agree they are completely different but that's ok . The VW love is strong for many myself included but the Opel GT is quirky enough to be intriguing . Heck I asked about a 240Z two weeks ago so I am all over the board 😁

[Seahawk]

Hobson's Choice (no choice at all), Morton's Fork (false dilemma), perhaps Sophie's Choice?

Nope.

I really like both cars from an aesthetic. cool standpoint.. I have never owned an Opel GT but knew a guy who knew a guy.

Pretty good video here once you get past the Valley talk:



I have owned Ghia's, one convertible and one coupe, but the knowledge base on those cars is so vast I can't really comment.

it really comes down to your preference. Depending on condition, I'd own either one.

[KFC911]

Neither ....

You probably knew...but someone mentioned on some thread that the Mercury Capris were German made....who knew?

Your search for a 6 cyl version should begin now....a red one !

[pitargue]

Parts are probably much easier to get for the ghia; Even complete replacement floor pans. Might be a consideration on how extensive the repair needs to be on both vehicles.

And there's no water/rad fluid needed for the ghia. However, muffler bearings are definitely a replace item. :-)

[wdfifteen]

The Ghia is going to provide more smiles per dollar. It's easy to work on, parts are readily available and relatively cheap. I like the look of the Opel, but that's about all I like about it.

Is the engine completely gone or just shot?

Complete stock engine for the Ghia is $4700.

https://www.mamotorworks.com/vw/category/complete-turn-key-crate-engines-1363

Or go on The Samba and buy a core and build a hot rod.

[GH85Carrera]

It all comes down to the overall condition of the car. Both are cool in their own ways. I think the Opel is better looking and a LOT more rare. If you want people to ask about your car, go for the Opel.

It will all depend on you budget to make them a drive-able car in the 2020s. Disk brake upgrades, some HP upgrades to go fast enough to not get run over by the millions of overgrown giant SUVs on the road.

I do remember the first Opel I saw "in the wild" caused a lot of looking from me. The Giha was common enough to be just another car.

Just remember they are 51 year old cars. The very finest and best cars of 1969 are pitiful in performance compared to the cheapest low end 2020 model car.

[IROC]

I owned an Opel GT in college. Neat car, but crude by today's standards. It had lots of character, though. Very high in the "soul" category. Two-seater and a small car, obviously, but lots of room inside. I'm 6' 3" and fit fine. The mechanicals are almost all based on the Opel Manta and are pretty pedestrian, but robust.

I would love to find another one.

[tcar]

Originally Posted by KC911

Neither ....

You probably knew...but someone mentioned on some thread that the Mercury Capris were German made....who knew?
!

Pretty much everyone knew it was imported at the time... was called the 'European Mustang' pretty commonly. (Was the Ford Capri in Europe.)

[tcar]

Originally Posted by IROC

....mechanicals are almost all based on the Opel Manta and are pretty pedestrian....

No, actually, it is based on the little economy Opel Kadett, not the very nice Manta.

And the car, except for the drivetrain, was made in France by a company that made the bodies for the Paris subway cars.

And yes, they did use the Corvette as a model.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by tcar

Pretty much everyone knew it was imported at the time... was called the 'European Mustang' pretty commonly. (Was the Ford Capri in Europe.)

I knew they were imported...just not from Germany. Two college buds had 'em....

I also peel bananas wrong....and don't get me started on TNTDODD....and all the people were singing

There was a Ford version...dayum

I learn more here than I did in college...LOL

[Dantilla]

Originally Posted by tcar

And yes, they did use the Corvette as a model.

This shouldn't surprise me
When in our early 20's, I had a '69 Corvette, and a friend had an Opel GT.
Many styling details were identical.

Parts availability would be easier for the Ghia, but I'd rather have the Opel.

[flipper35]

Most of the reviews say the Manta is a better handling car as well. The GT is a nice looking car to me though. Modern engine and manual would be a hoot.

[GH85Carrera]

I would bet that a LS transplant and suspension upgrades would make the Opel pretty wild and fun.

[rfuerst911sc]

The Ghia the engine is missing if I were to go that route I might work with Jake Raby on a killer big IV . The GT the guy said he had it bored from a 1.9 to a 2.1 said his dad ran a machine I back in the day . The engine has 14,000 miles on it since the work.

To be honest I miss my 914 GT clone and I " think " I want another air cooled to go with my Boxster . Being retired I have too much time to think 😁 and that gets me in trouble every time .

[Rodsrsr]

I owned several Opels in the past. 2 Kadetts, (one a Rally) a Manta, and a GT. They are surprisingly durable little cars if sorted. They pretty much run forever.

[stevej37]

Rather have the Ghia....a classic look that still is attractive.
Just wish they had more power. The Beetle had more guts.