A Match Made in Automotive Heaven: The History of the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 14 in the USA
The 1950s were a decade of post-war optimism and a burgeoning love affair with the automobile. In the United States, chrome gleamed, fins flared, and tailfins reached for the sky. Yet, amidst the extravagance, a little German car with a quirky charm began to capture hearts. This was the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 14, a car that would leave an indelible mark on American automotive culture.The story of the Karmann Ghia Type 14 begins not in Germany, but in Italy. Volkswagen, fresh off the success of the utilitarian Beetle, craved a sportier offering. They approached Luigi Segre of Carrozzeria Ghia, a renowned Italian design house, with a simple request: clothe the Beetle's mechanicals in a stylish new body. Segre's design was a masterpiece of elegant simplicity. The bulbous Beetle shape was transformed into a sleek coupe, featuring a flowing roofline, a split windshield, and a hint of a tailfin. The result was a car that looked fast even when standing still.
However, beauty alone wouldn't suffice. Production fell to Wilhelm Karmann, a German coachbuilder known for their craftsmanship. Unlike the mass-produced Beetle, the Karmann Ghia was lovingly built by hand. This meticulous process added to the car's allure and positioned it as a premium offering compared to the everyman's Beetle.
The Karmann Ghia Type 14 debuted at the 1955 Frankfurt Auto Show, turning heads and igniting a frenzy. American audiences, accustomed to flamboyant designs, were initially taken aback by the Ghia's understated elegance. However, the car's European flair and undeniable charm soon won them over. The Ghia offered a unique driving experience – it wasn't as powerful as American muscle cars, but its nimble handling and air-cooled engine made it a joy to zip around in.
Early models came equipped with the same 36 horsepower engine found in the Beetle. While not exactly a speed demon, it provided enough oomph for cruising California boulevards or weaving through bustling New York City streets. The Ghia's appeal transcended performance. It was a car for the stylish set, for those who appreciated European sophistication and a touch of exclusivity.
Throughout its production life, the Karmann Ghia Type 14 received several upgrades to keep pace with evolving tastes. The engine grew in size and power, reaching 65 horsepower by the late 1960s. The iconic "twin-eye" headlights were introduced in 1967, adding a touch of whimsy and further differentiating the Ghia from the Beetle.
The Karmann Ghia wasn't just a pretty face; it became a cultural icon. It found its way onto movie screens, appearing in films like "Herbie Goes Bananas" and "The Love Bug." Celebrities like Elvis Presley and Beach Boys frontman Brian Wilson cruised around in Ghias, adding to the car's mystique.
The Ghia's association with California surf culture was particularly strong. Its sleek lines and convertible option made it a perfect companion for hitting the beach. Countless California dreamers cruised the Pacific Coast Highway with the wind in their hair and the sun on their faces, the Ghia the embodiment of a carefree lifestyle.
However, the Karmann Ghia Type 14's journey wouldn't last forever. As safety regulations tightened and muscle cars continued to dominate the American market, the Ghia's sales began to decline. Production in Germany ceased in 1974, marking the end of an era.
Even today, the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 14 holds a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts. Owning a Ghia isn't just about having a car; it's about owning a piece of automotive history. It's a testament to a time when design dared to be different, when a car could be both practical and stylish, and when a little German coupe could capture the imagination of a nation.
The Karmann Ghia Type 14's legacy extends far beyond its sales figures. It proved that a car could be more than just transportation; it could be a statement, a reflection of one's personality, and a symbol of a particular way of life. The next time you see a gleaming Karmann Ghia cruising down the street, take a moment to appreciate this timeless classic, a car that forever changed the automotive landscape.
Here's very nice example to enjoy!
1963 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type14-1200cc 34 HP, Original Restore
Karmann Ghia Type 14 CabrioChassis nr : 5042251
First registration :9/63
This is a real gem. The car doesn't get more original than this. Hard bottem, no rust, interior in perfect state, engine runs like a clock.
You can see it as a collectors item, an investment but above all it has been great fun to just drive it
The hood is new and handmade and fits perfectly as do the doors (which is exceptional for this type car)
Difficult to find and an excellent investment object
1963 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Convertible, Imported from California in 2002
Exterior color : L469 Graphite beige
Interior color : 78 True red simili leather with cream piping and cream insets
Hood : New fitted hood in Sonnenland Dark Beige and Cream interior/ incl insulation
American bumpers
As original as it gets : complete Chrome molding strips, Volkswagen seat belts rear and front, gear lock, original Blaupunkt radio, white wheel walls.
by Willy De Beucker