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History of the Karmann Ghia
The VW Karmann Ghia was born through the desire of W. Karmann GmbH to produce a sports bodied car upon a reliable and tested chassis. Type 1 Karmann Ghia The plan and body designs were approved by VW in 1954 when they confirmed that a supply of chassis would be made available. The first models went on show at European Motor Shows at the beginning of 1955. The design work was carried out by Luigi Segre of Ghia in Turin to whom Karmann had turned to in view of the popularity of the Italian design studios at that time. The car continued in series production from 1955 to 1974 undergoing, in typical VW fashion, many year by year improvements. Built by: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH - Osnabruck, Germany For: Volkswagen AG, Wolfsburg, Germany Designed by: Luigi Segre of Carrozzeria Ghia of Turin, Italy Based upon: Amended chassis and standard mechanicals of the VW Beetle. Production began: 1955 Production ended: 1974 Total Production: 444,300 Model Types LHD Coupe introduced May 1955 as model 143 LHD Convertible introduced August 1957 as model 141 RHD Coupe introduced August 1959 as model 144 RHD Convertible introduced August 1959 as model 142 Type 34 Karmann Ghia (or Razor Edge) This was planned as a replacement for the Type 14 Karmann Ghia, but it's radical angular styling had limited popularity and the high cost of production led to it's short life and "second place" to the original model, which continued to be produced after the Type 34 had ceased production. The car was very advanced, with a new "pancake" or "suitcase" engine, initially of 1500cc and later 1600cc, which being very flat enabled a small boot space above it. The new ball joint front suspension with full width torsion bars gave a very smooth ride. The car was never produced as a convertible, although several prototypes were build, but an electric sunroof version (one of the first production cars with such a fitment, along with BMW 2002 and Porsche 356) was introduced in 1962. Built by: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH - Osnabruck, Germany For: Volkswagen AG, Wolfsburg, Germany Designed by: Segio Sartorelli of Ghia of Turin, Italy Based upon: Chassis and standard mechanicals of the VW Type 3 range. Production began: 1961 Production ended: 1969 Total Production: 42,498 Model Types LHD Coupe introduced September 1961 as model 343 LHD Coupe with electric sunroof introduced July 1962 as model 345 RHD Coupe introduced January 1964 as model 344 RHD Coupe with electric sunroof introduced February 1964 as model 346 LHD Convertible produced as prototype only in 1961 as model 341 | |
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