VW Karmann Ghia Production Changes

The Karmann Ghia received a lot of changes over its 19 years of production.  Most of which however were the same changes made to the VW Beetle of the same year.  There were however a few unique changes made to the Karmann Ghia throughout its production which you will find details on below.

1955

The first Karmann Ghia rolls off of the production line in September 1955.

1956 Karmann Ghia Coupe (Lowlight)

1956 Karmann Ghia Coupe (Lowlight)

1957

Fuel gauge fitted as standard.  Indicator switch installed with automatic return.  New steering wheel installed which included a Semi-circle horn ring.

1958 Karmann Ghia

1958 Karmann Ghia

1959

The end of the low light.  The headlights are raised 45mm and pushed further forward.  The door glass manufactured to be wider than before.  The static rear quarter windows are replaced with new pop-out versions.  Tail lights are modified.  Upper part of the dashboard is padded.

1959 Karmann Ghia Coupe (Low Light)

1959 Karmann Ghia Coupe (Low Light)

1960

30HP engine is replaced with a new 1200cc 34HP engine.

1964

Interior light is moved to the bottom of the rear view mirror.

1965

1300cc engine (40HP) is added to the range of options.

1965 Karmann Ghia

1965 Karmann Ghia Cabrio

1966

All Karmann Ghia’s are now fitted with a 1500cc engine and disc brakes on the front axle and a new dual circuit braking system.

1967

Fuel cap moved to the right front quarter panel.  All models are now 12 Volt and an automatic gearbox is now available as an optional extra.

1968

Hazard warning lights fitted as standard.

1968 Karmann Ghia

1968 Karmann Ghia

1969

Cabrio models are now fitted with a glass rear window instead of plastic.

1970

1600cc (50HP) engine now available.  Heated rear window fitted as standard to all models.

1970 Karmann Ghia Cabrio

1970 Karmann Ghia Cabrio

1971

Rubber trim added to bumpers.  Tail lights now the same as Type 3

1971 Karmann Ghia Cabrio

1971 Karmann Ghia Cabrio

1974

Production ends in July

1974 Karmann Ghia Cabrio

1974 Karmann Ghia Cabrio

Type 34 production Changes

Karmann Ghia Type 34

Karmann Ghia Type 34

1961

Production starts in September

1962

Optional electric steel sunroof (Switch was installed below the cigarette lighter on the dashboard) Changes to doors (including modified quarter vents)

1963

1500cc Coupe only available with 54HP engine.  Heater lever positioned between front seats.  Semi circle horn press removed for just normal horn ress button.  New steel wheels without holes.  Round emblem on the front instead of rectangular.  First Right Hand Drive version available.

1964

Two speed wipers.  Option extras include heated rear window, alloy beauty rings on the wheels.  Carpets replace rubber mats in the front.

1966

Locking front seat backs, Door handles changed.  Optional wood grain finish on dashboard.

1967

Seat rail anchors and Type 3 front boot latch.  Stronger wiper arms.  Automatic gearbox available.  Fuel injection available.

1968

hazard lights, modified tail lights, flatter hubcaps.

1969

Production ends in July 1969.

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