Karmann Ghia
Karmann Ghia (Type 14) Italian sports car design combined with a slightly widened Beetle floorpan produced by Karmann in Osnabrück – this was the magic formula for one of the most beautiful cars of the 1950s: the Karmann Ghia (Type 14). Designer Luigi Segre (proprietor of the Italian coachbuilder Carozzeria Ghia S.p.A.), Karmann and Volkswagen wrote automobile history with the coupé presented in 1955 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. In the fall of 1957, the coupé was followed by an equally breathtaking cabriolet. For the first few years, customers had to be satisfied with 30 PS. In 1959, there was a minor facelift, followed by the Saxomat semi-automatic transmission in 1961. In 1971, the Karmann Ghia Type 14, which now had 50 PS, received wider chrome bumpers, larger rear lights and the instruments of the 411 E. Production of the “small” Karmann, which is now more coveted than ever before, only ended in 1973 (cabriolet) and 1974 (coupé).
Karmann Ghia
That's what many people must have thought in the mid-1950s when they first saw the Karmann Ghia. What shapes, what elegance! And based on the VW Beetle, really? Exactly. The Karmann Ghia combined German reliability with Italian grandeur, a magnificent pairing, whether in the original 1955 version or as the ‘big Karmann’ of 1961.
Karmann Ghia Typ 14 Coupé (1955–1974)
Another decisive improvement is the rear wheel guidance provided by a semi-trailing arm rear axle.
1969
Reinforced
The Karmann Ghia gets rectangular indicators and reinforced bumpers.
1970
Major model update
1970 is the year of the major model update: new features include the engine (1.6 litres with 50 PS), the enlarged rear lights from the VW Type 3, the dashboard, the instruments from the VW Type 4, and the four-spoke steering wheel.
1971
More angular
Like all Volkswagen models, the Karmann Ghia also gets the large, box-shaped bumpers.
1974
Farewell
After 362,601 units, production of the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupé comes to an end in Osnabrück. It is succeeded by the Scirocco, which is also built by Karmann.
Karmann Ghia Type 14 Coupé advertisements
Karmann Ghia Typ 14 Cabriolet (1957–1974)
Production of the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 14 Cabriolet comes to an end in Osnabrück.
Karmann Ghia Typ 14 Cabriolet advertisements
Karmann Ghia Typ 34 Coupé (1961–1969)
Karmann Ghia Typ 34 Coupé profile
Vehicle data
Engine versions
Karmann Ghia Typ 34 Coupé variants & highlights
Karmann Ghia Type 34 Coupé model update
1962
Exclusive extra
The optional steel sunroof is converted to electric operation this year. This exclusive extra highlights the special position of the large Karmann Coupé in the Volkswagen model range.
1963
More power
The Type 34 is fitted with the more powerful 1500 S engine with twin carburettors from the VW Type 3. This makes the performance much more in keeping with the sporty appearance. The interior is also upgraded, and the braking performance is adapted to the more powerful engine.
1964
New interior and greater stability
There is a new interior with single-colour, more subtle door and side panels.
Vehicle data Karmann Ghia Typ 14 Cabriolet profile
Karmann Ghia Typ 14 Cabriolet / Factory code: Type 14 Cabriolet
Model variants / production period: 1957–1974 1200 Cabriolet: 1957–19651300 Cabriolet: 1965–19661500 Cabriolet: 1966–19701600 Cabriolet: 1970–1974Engine:Four-cylinder boxer, air-cooledEngine position: Rear, longitudinalDrive:Rear Wheelbase (mm): 2,400Length / width / height (mm): 4,140 / 1,634 / 1,330
Engine versions Karmann Ghia Typ 34 Coupé profile
Karmann Ghia Typ 34 Coupé / Factory code: Type 34 Coupé
Type Displacement (cc) Power (kW / PS at rpm) Max. torque (Nm at rpm) 1500 1,493 33 / 45 / 3,800 106 / 2,000 1500 1,493 40 / 54 / 4,200 106 / 2,000 1600 L 1,584 40 / 54 / 4,000 110 / 2,200
Vehicle data Karmann Ghia Typ 34 Coupé profile
Karmann Ghia Typ 34 Coupé / Factory code: Type 34 Coupé
Model variants / production period: 1961–19691500 Coupé: 1961–19631500 S Coupé: 1963–19651600 L Coupé: 1965–1969 Engine: Four-cylinder boxer, air-cooled Engine position:Rear, longitudinalhinten, längsDrive:Rear Wheelbase (mm): 2,400Length / width / height (mm): 4,280 / 1,620 / 1,335