Imagine going back into time, even for a day. Say, back to the mid-'50s or -'60s. Think of the possibilities. Most of us would run to the nearest Volkswagen dealer and drive out with a shiny new VW, perhaps a Split-Window Bug, 21-Window Bus or Karmann Ghia or perhaps all three. Keep in mind, in 1951, a new Split-Window had a sticker price of only $1,480, so why not? Me, I would buy a couple Highroof Buses, drive to Riverside, Calif., (which is located 35 miles from the VW Trends office and coincidentally my hometown) and fill both of them with as much Empi items as possible and then seal everything in storage for 40 years. If this sounds like a pipe dream, well, it is. However, for one lucky individual, it's come true. Though he didn't go back in time, vintage automobile collector and VW enthusiast Jeff Meier landed a genuine blast from the past, an all original, unrestored 1968 Karmann Ghia.

When purchased from another private collector, the Ghia featured only 5,000 miles on the odometer and all of the original paper work.

A native to California (Woodland Hills to be specific), Meier sort of grew up around Volkswagens, as his father Carl owned and operated a VW repair shop. Today, the 39-year-old automotive consultant has accumulated quite an impressive collection of Volkswagens (more than 25 at various times). While most vehicles in the collection are exotic and/or low mileage, none compare with his prized 100 percent stock Karmann Ghia. The Cherry Red Coupe looks as though it just left the showroom floor.

Each exterior panel shines with intense radiance, which is quite impressive for 33-year-old paint. As well, exterior items such as the bumpers, grilles, chrome trim and hubcaps equally gleam.

While the Ghia's extraordinary low miles make it extremely collectable, Volkswagen first introduced various features in '68 as well. One such change is the driver's-door-mounted rectangular side mirror, which replaced the early-style and smaller "cats eye" model. Additionally, the '68 offered the convenient exterior fuel filler flap (as opposed to the under hood model) and new exterior door handles, which incorporated the "Bug-style" finger trigger, as opposed to the older thumb-push mechanism. Incidentally, the doors open and swing with ease and close with an airtight thump. Nice!

Equally impressive is what's found inside the door. The Ghia's interior is unbelievably immaculate and appears so new that it's hard to imagine its actual age. Thanks to the car's excellent preservation, something this old looks this new.

Volkswagen introduced many first model changes in the '68's cockpit as well. Most obvious are the high back front seats, which are integral with the headrests. Other firsts for '68 include a truly padded foam dash (both upper and lower portion) with a built-in grab handle, steering-column-mounted ignition (as opposed to dash mounted), three-point seat belts (with shoulder harness) and a hidden glove box hood release (formerly located at left of steering column).

Try if you must, but it's very doubtful any signs of wear and tear will be found. Its black front and rear vinyl seats shine brilliantly, as do the matching stock door panels. Every part of the interior, from the headliner to the carpet is virtually spotless.

In addition to the dual pads on the dash, its light wood grain face features a VDO 90mph speedometer, fuel gauge, clock and a Safire AM radio. Remaining dash components include lights, wiper and hazard knobs and a brake system warning light. A chrome Karmann Ghia badge also sits attractively above the radio.

Even the Ghia's engine compartment remains untouched. Aside from an oil change and a plug or two, the original Type I 1500cc engine (1493cc to be accurate) is exactly the way it was when shipped from the factory. The 12-volt, four-cylinder motor features an 83x69mm bore and stroke with 7.5:1 compression. An oil bath air cleaner (shared with Type II for clearance) sits atop a 30 PICT carburetor.

Turning the engine over, its stock muffler and dual chrome tips resonate a familiar sound that couldn't have ever sounded better. Our guess is the engine is still good for every bit of its estimated 53 bhp (at 4200rpm). According to Volkswagen, the engine's 78.1 lbs-ft torque (at 2600rpm) provided the car with enough power for a max speed of 82mph. Its four-speed manual Type I swingaxle trans (last year before adopting IRS), features stock gear ratios of 3.8:1 first, 2.06:1 second, 1.26: third and 0.89:1 fourth.

The remaining running gear is also stock down to the front disc brakes. Even the Continental 5.60x15 whitewall tires are original. Moreover, the whitewall portion of the spare still has a thin coat of blue soap, originally applied by the manufacturer.

While Meier has owned the Ghia for a few years, he has only shown it a couple of times at local shows, including the VW Classic, where it won Best Overall Original VW.

"I've never seen a better unrestored Karmann Ghia, period. It's incredibly clean and really caught my eye," said Scott "The Ghia Guy" Dempster of Karmann Ghia Parts & Restoration [(800) 927-2787]. "You have to be pretty happy to own something this top notch with so few miles. There may not be another Ghia like it in the world."

Currently with approximately 7,500 miles on the odometer, Meier has proven that he's not afraid of driving his crowned jewel. "It's almost like driving a new car, but much more fun, like being in a time warp."