THE VW KARMANN GHIAS
Wilhelm Karmann GmbH in Osnabruck were invited by VW to build convertible versions of the Volkswagen Beetle from 1949, but saw an opportunity to include a sports-bodied car on the same running gear. There is quite a story behind this, but in summary, initial designs by Karmann were turned down by VW. Because of the popularity of the Italian design studios at that time, Karmann turned to Luigi Segre of Ghia in Turin to produce a prototype which would satisfy VW.
The project started in 1950, and the plan and body designs were finally approved by VW in 1954 when they confirmed that a supply of chassis would be made available to the Karmann factory. The press launch for this new Type 14 was held at the Kasino Hotel in Westfalen, close to Osnabruck, on 14th July 1955 and then the official launch was at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Production lasted until 1974 as both a Coupé (model 143) from the start and a Convertible (model 141) from 1957, with changes along the way usually mirroring contemporary changes to the Beetle on which it was based. Cars built from August 1955 until July 1959 are now known as Low Lights due to the positioning of the headlights, and they were all LHD. However, RHD versions of both the Coupé (the RHD cars were designated as model 144) and the Convertible (model 142) were also available from August 1959.
The cars being featured here today are not Type 14s though, but rather the bigger Type 34s with their Razor Edge styling. These were based on the Volkswagen Type 3 family rather than the Beetle, so they benefitted from a 1500cc (later 1600cc) 'suitcase' engine that was flat enough to allow a small storage space for luggage above it, plus a new balljointed front suspension with full-width torsion bars for a very smooth ride.
The Type 34 was introduced in 1961, with production running until 1969. It was sold in the UK in RHD form from 1964, and while the model was never offered as a convertible (although 12 prototypes were constructed and brochures for them prepared at launch), it did have the option of an electric sunroof from 1962. It was also offered with a fully automatic transmission option from 1968.
You can find all this information and so much more on the Karmann Ghia Owners Club (GB) website at www.kgoc.org.uk.
Membership of the club costs just £25 in the UK and Europe (plus a £5 joining fee), and you will save that many times over with access to parts, technical help and specialist knowledge, not to mention cars for sale and a whole host of social activities. If you are interested in these cars at all and wondering about taking the plunge, then joining the club is a no-brainer!