ScottieDTV has spotted another rare gem. This time he brought us a video of a 1967 Karmann Ghia at Autorama, Detroit. You may be thinking “What’s so special about a Karmann Ghia?” Honestly… to a hot rodder there is nothing special about the average Karmann Ghia. However, this one will have your jaw on the floor.

This 1967 Karmann Ghia nicknamed “Blue Mamba” is powered by a third gen Dodge Viper V-10 which produces over 650 horsepower. Who is crazy enough to drop a Viper V-10 into a Volkswagen? Dean, the man behind Deanz Rodz & Race Cars and John of the Custom Shop.

Dean began working on his Karmann Ghia four years ago. He purchased it after he spotted it sitting in the back of another shop. These cars aren’t known for being hot rods but after one glance, a light bulb flickered on above Dean’s head. At that moment, he knew this little European car had plenty of rodding potential.

The Blue Mamba’s frame was hand fabricated by Dean himself. It’s a one-off frame that contains a billet independent rear suspension that can handle up to 1000 horsepower. When’s the last time you saw a billet IRS designed handle that kind of punishment?

John widened the body, extended it by four inches in the front and moved the firewall back to make room for the engine. He then shaved the drip rails, shaved the door handles and installed a custom floor. He fabricated a set of tail lights and modified the headlights from a mini cooper to go up front.

Blue Mamba’s entire body is made of steel, it contains no fiberglass at all. The two tone paint finish was achieved by using Pro Spray brilliant charcoal pearl and ecstasy blue pearl paint. The interior features a sheet metal dash that houses electronic racing gauges. A sheet metal console with a touch screen unit sits in between the seats. This console contains buttons that work from the electrical pulse from your fingers, meaning you don’t have to push down for them to work. The interior is fully carpeted with racing seats and contains a fully integrated roll cage. The upholstery was done by Deno’s Auto Upholstery & Detailing.

Dean and John have created one wild concept. We never would of thought that a Karmann Ghia would make an amazing hot rod. To loosely quote Scottie D, “It’s amazing what possesses people, but I’m glad something does.”