1971 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Cabriolet

Description

The Karmann Ghia was a true exercise in automotive synergy, involving Volkswagen, Carrozzeria Ghia and coachbuilder Karmann. The latter was already manufacturing Volkswagen cabriolets and was keen to expand its connection with the Wolfsburg firm, while Luigi Segre was determined to expand the international standing of his design house. The brainchild of Wilhelm Karmann, the Beetle-based Type 14 (the later 1961 Type 34 was Type 3-based) debuted at the 1953 Paris Salon as a Ghia styling concept and went into production in August 1955 with more than 10,000 sold in the first year. The Karmann Ghia had a higher top speed than the Beetle thanks to the slippery shape, and handling was similarly improved thanks to the lower centre of gravity. Inside, the cabin seemed more special thanks to some upgrades including a large centrally mounted clock, with usable rear seats and plenty of space. The cabriolet version followed in August 1957 with higher-mounted headlights which led to all previous versions subsequently being referred to as ‘lowlights’. In 1970, reversing lights were integrated into enlarged rear lights. The Karmann Ghia has earned a significant place in automotive history as a superbly built bespoke version of an economy car and is regarded as one of the most beautiful automotive designs of the 1950s.