The Karmann Ghia! Possibly the sexiest Volkswagen ever built! "Aesthetically breathtaking" was the verdict of Malcolm Bobbitt in his Karmann Ghia publication. But despite the good looks, not many numbers were produced compared to its older brother, the Beetle. Over 443,478 Karmann Ghia coupés and convertibles were produced between 1955 and 1974 at Osnabrück, Germany, with more than 40 per cent of those being shipped to America. True, 440,000-plus cars is still a large number, and can still be classed a success, but in comparison to the Beetle's millions, it accounts for less than a quarter of the sales. This might have been down to the price tag, but more likely it was down to the complete lack of marketing on Volkswagen's part. The arrival of the Ghia passed almost unnoticed. Many believe, though, considering this was to be known as VWs sporty number, the car's lack of power had something to do with it. While visibly it shared a greater kinship with Porsche, it was basically a full-blooded Volkswagen. The chassis was based on the Beetle and shared the same running gear. It even had the same style engine with the 1200cc being used in the early years and the 1500 and 1600 being used later on. It was surprising that the Americans imported such a high percentage of the Karmann Ghia despite its lack of power, as they had their own sports cars available packing V8 muscle (which is probably why in the US the Corvette outsold the Ghia every year except for 1970 and '71). But for those who bought one, engine size and power were of no importance - the car's curves and superb looks won the day.
It was the shape of the Karmann Ghia that led Michael Herwig, from Leipzig, Germany, to admire them so. And admire them he did until one day, back in 2005, he bought one for himself - a 1968 1500 Export model in Lotus White!

For the full story check out the June 2008 issue of VolksWorld magazine. On sale on 18 April and then available through back issues.

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