VW Karmann Ghia

The VW Karmann Ghia Type 14 was produced from 1955 to 1974. Karmann began meetings with Volkswagen at the begging of 1950 to discuss the design and production of a brand new sports car based around the already successful VW Beetle.

Karmann would take care of production and final assembly while VW would handle the engineering and distribution.

Your model

Engine Codes Engine codes for all years, 25hp - 1600cc

Gearbox Codes Gearbox codes for 1200cc - 1600cc models

VW Karmann Ghia Chassis Codes Chassis codes from 1956 - 1969

Production Changes Karmann Ghia Production Changes 1955 - 1969

With a brand new body design the Karmann Ghia only needed minor modifications to the Beetle chassis. Modifications included widening the floor pan by 80mm on each side and lowering the steering column and gear stick. This was due to the seating position being a little lower than the Beetle.

The final design was introduced to the press on July 14, 1955. And in September the same year the car was launched to the public at the International car show in Frankfurt.

500 cars were built in 1955 followed by a further 10,000 in 1956.

All Karmann Ghia’s produced up until September 1957 were Coupe models. In 1957 Karmann released into production the Cabriolet model which would run alongside the Coupe model until the end of production in 1974. During this time 442,000 Karmann Ghia’s had come off the production line of which 82,000 of them were Cabriolets.

Karmann Ghia

Just a quick note of thanks to the Cool Air team, again you have been amazingly helpful and swift as always. Parts arrived this morning ready to fit after a quick cup of tea.
Greg - November 2024