The is a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions relating to Type 34 ownership and restoration. It's a great resource for novices and experts alike. If you would like to contribute to this list, or offer some additional information, please feel free to contact one of the site administrators

Where can I buy a Type 34?
How much is it worth?
Where can I find spare parts?
Which vendors stock Type 34 parts?

1. Where can I buy a Type 34?
   
   If you are looking to purchase a Type 34, the first place to check is our very own Classifieds section. You could also consider placing a 'wanted' ad there too. You could also ask our Mailing List as there are quite a few members that prefer the list for communicating.
   
   If you do not find anything there, then your next best bet is to look at the classifieds sections for the main aircooled enthusiasts websites. Depending on your locality, the following sites should be useful.
   
   USA - The Samba
   UK / Europe - VZI
   Australia - AussieVeeDubbers
   
   You might also try joining your local Karmann Ghia club.
   
   
   
2. How much should I pay?
   
   Valuing a Type 34 can be a difficult exercise. There are many factors that can effect a Type 34's value, and providing an accurate valuation without a detailed 'in-person' appraisal can be very difficult indeed, if not impossible. A Type 34 can be a costly and time consuming car to restore, parts availability is scarce for some items, and plentiful for others. For example, trim items are generally unique to the Type 34 and are not shared with other Volkswagen models of the period, as a result they are very hard to come by. Whereas mechanical items are generally shared with the rest of the Type 3 range, and are in more plentiful supply.
   
   When appraising a Type 34, things to check are items such as the exterior bright-work - the bumpers, light surrounds, screen trims, rocker (sill) trims, and on the earlier models badging. Check that all of the items are present, and in good or repairable condition. Interior trim is also unique to the Type 34, and although interior carpet, door panels and seat covers are available, the reproductions items are not perfect replicas of the originals. Other interior trim items such as the dash pads, arm rests and door cappings are not available at all, and are usually only found after a lengthy search for good used items.
   
   Location will also play a big part on the cars value. Whilst the Type 34 was never officially exported in numbers to the USA, it is there that you will find a majority of the remaining cars, many of which were exported by servicemen from Europe. For European Type 34 restorers, trading across the Atlantic is a often a consideration that needs to me made. It therefore follows that European prices are generally higher than American prices.
   
   Apart from trim availability, the next biggest factor in restoring a Type 34 is the body itself. Whilst some rust repair panels are now being produced, many are still not available. For example. it is now possible to get rocker (sill), door skin bottom sections, and wheel arch repair panels, but nose cone pressings, fenders (wings) and door skins are still not available, along with most of the rest of the car. This is a massive consideration when buying a Type 34 to restore. Whilst it is possible for a skilled metal finisher to recreate almost anything, this is obviously at a cost. 
   
   Popularity has also seen a rise in Type 34 prices in recent years. The 'ugly Ghia' was not always favored by the Volkswagen massive, and the recent rise in Type 34's appearing in the popular press, has made the Type 34 appeal to a much wider audience. This has also seen record prices achieved.
   
   So what are they worth?
   
   The following chart shows the average value of Type 34's over the past 15 years. (in US Dollars). Car condition should generally be assumed as average. 
   
   
   
   The values shown are taken from our database, and whilst they are not exhaustive, are at least some indication of the rise in value of Type 34's. An average condition car has doubled in price over this period, from $2500 to $5000.
   
   But whilst statistics may be useful to some, ultimately, a car is worth as much as someone is prepared to pay for it. If you are keen, and the price seems right, then chances are the value is correct for you. The value will no doubt be different for someone interstate, or someone on a budget, or someone with higher expectations, and to a degree the correct and actual value will be largely subjective, and depend on how much you want it.
   
   As a guide, the following values should give a very rough idea of what to expect for a complete car with all Type 34 specific parts present. This is based on known recent sales, and historical data from our database.
   
   $500 - $1,500  Condition 5 Non-roadworthy restoration project 
   $1,500 - $3,500  Condition 4 Roadworthy restoration project
   $3,500 - $7,000  Condition 3 Cosmetic restoration or well-maintained driver
   $7,000 - $10,000  Condition 2 Well-maintained low-mileage or restored car.
   $10,000 - $14,000+  Condition 1 Concourse / Exceptional
   
   As mentioned before, consideration should be made towards cars located outside the USA, these prices may not directly reflect the value of cars located overseas.
   
   
   
3. Where can I find spare parts?
   
   Our Classifieds section is a great place to check for parts, and our Mailing List too. Ebay is also a great resource for locating Type 34 parts as well. Be sure to find out the local terminology for the part you are looking for. For example, in Germany the Type 34 is largely referred to as a Typ 34. The best thing for finding Type 34 parts however, is patience.
   
   
   
4. Which vendors stock Type 34 Parts?
   
   Many VW vendors stock Type 3 parts, and there are even some specialist Type 3 outlets such as Type 3 Detectives, and Bill and Steves. Specialist Type 34 vendors are not as common. For the few that there are, stock levels can be limited, and can vary quite a bit. Generally for the rarer parts, if you need them, and they are in stock, it's usually worthwhile buying them before they are sold out.
   
   The following list should be of use to those restoring a Type 34, wherever possible we have tried to give an idea of the parts stocked by each vendor.
   
   Lars Nueffer
   Karmann Ghia Service
   Type 3 Detectives
   Bill and Steves
   KPR
   etc...