The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia From 1959

When the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia first appeared in 1959, it used the mechanicals from the Beetle to reduce the costs of the new body. With a list price of $2,395 the car quickly became one of the most popular imported vehicles in the United States. Production continued for nearly four decades and reached almost half a million cars. The new car had a long history, spanning from the early 1900s to the mid-1960s.

It was introduced in 1957, and by the end of the year, a convertible version was introduced. Its production continued until the 1970s, with a total of 389,077 units made. The Type 14's exterior changes included wider grilles and taller taillights. The headlights were relocated to a higher position and were now known as lowlights. In 1967, Sergio Sartorelli began work on the second generation of the Karmann Ghia, which was marketed as a two-seater practicality car.

The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia's body was unchanged for the entire life of its production run, with just minor updates to the exterior and interior. In 1961, the headlights were raised. Most of the car's visual changes were due to changes in safety regulations. Most of the car's mechanical changes were driven by Beetle engine modifications. In 1966, the car's displacement increased from 876 to 1300 cc, while the horsepower increased from 50 to 60. In 1970, the car's final model year, the VW engine was a 1584 CC unit with 60 horsepower.