The sporty, zippy little Volkswagen Karmann Ghia has disappeared from the auto production landscape, but there are still many residing in the hands of diehard aficionados around the world. Offered in either a 2+2 hardtop or convertible and built on the tough VW Beetle chassis, the Karmann Ghia was the icon of ‘50s and ‘60s cool". While the undercarriage and mechanics were pure Volkswagen, the second portion of the name derived from the design work of Italian stylist Luigi Segre at the carrozeria Ghia, or Ghia coachmaker, while the body was handmade by German carmaker Karmann.
Assembled variously in Osnabruck, Germany, and Sao Bernardo de Campo, Brazil, the Karmann Ghia started its life with a 1.5-liter F4 engine, subsequently upgraded to a 1.6-liter version with variations on the basic power plant. The top speed of the first generation was 75 mph and increased eventually to a whopping 93 mph. It looked like a sleek sports car but always performed and handled like a VW Beetle. Buyers had a choice of a four-speed manual transmission or a four-speed manual... View more transmission. Body paint options were just as stunningly extensive.
The Karmann Ghia was produced from 1954 to 1974. The base Beetle had already gained huge popularity when it commenced production after World War Two. The Karmann Ghia's styling was so slick and sweet, it was the only possible improvement on a good thing at the time. The Type 14, introduced in 1961, received its stylish update at the hands of designer Sergio Sartorelli. The last major redesign occurred in 1970 when visibility was improved and brake lights and turn signals were reworked for safety reasons. The year 1973 saw the addition of more robust bumpers in the American version because of National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration requirements.
The exterior styling really changed very little during the course of the Karmann Ghia's production run. Modifications were quite minimal and were generally limited to tweaking lights and chrome to remain competitive with other automobile makes of the period. While the model is still beloved by devoted and more casual fans alike, the convertible Cabriolet is the most coveted by collectors.
Underpowered with limited options, the Karmann Ghia still brings a smile to the face of anyone who loves cars from the ‘50s and ‘60s. Much sexier than a Corvair or Beetle from the same period, the Karmann Ghia ranks among the top ten classic cars on several lists. Incidentally, the iconic Karmann Ghia profile was adapted from drawing-board designs contemplated by both Chrysler and Studebaker. Without the input of Volkswagen and Karmann, this car would have still existed but in a much different configuration. View less
