Monday 29 December 2014

1961, Cars: Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 34

In September 1961 Volkswagen introduces at the Frankfurt Auto Show the new VW 1500 Karmann Ghia, internally coded as the Type 34. The car is based on the new Type 3 platform with the new 1500cc engine, and styling by Italian designer Sergio Sartorelli at Ghia.

There are some similar styling influences between the Karmann Ghia Type 14 and Type 34, the main difference is the chassis between the cars; the Type 14 shares its chassis with the Beetle (Type 1), whereas the Type 34 body is mounted on the Type 3 chassis. The Type 34 Karmann Ghia has four lights in front with a sweeping frontal line that wrapped along the sides toward the rear. The rear has round taillights and a flat vertical panel.
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 14 (based on the Beetle chassis)
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 34 Prototype Back circa 1959
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 34 Prototype Front circa 1959
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 34 Sergio Sartorelli Prototype circa 1960
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 34 Front Study
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 34 Front Study
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 34 Front Study
At the time the Type 34 was the flagship model of the entire VW line, it was the most expensive, the fastest, and the most luxurious. The Type 34 was fitted standard with fog lights, cigar lighter, electric clock, locking steering column, front & rear vent windows, variable wiper controls, and luxurious interior accommodations. It was the only VW with the option of an electrically operated steel sliding sunroof.
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 34 Cabrio Prototype (1961)
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 34 Fastback Prototype (1965)
A Type 34 cabriolet was designed and ready for mass production but Karmann could not produce the Cabriolets at a cost that would be competitive with the market. There were structural problems that required extensive modifications, which would increase the selling price dramatically. VW decided to shelve the cabriolet in 1962.
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 34 Press Photo (1961)
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 34 Press Photo (1961)
During its production some changes were made. All 1962 - 1963 models had a 1500cc engine and a single side draft carburetor. The 1964 - 1965 models had the same 1500cc engine but with a dual carburator and dome topped pistons ("1500 S" models). Models for 1966 were fitted with the new 1600cc dual carburetor engine. From 1967 to 1969 all models featured the new 12 Volt electrical system with the 1600cc dual carb engine.
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 34 with Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 14 in the background
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 34 with successor VW-Porsche 914
The Type 34 was built from September 1961 through July 1969. There were a total of 42,505 Coupes built, all at the Karmann factory in Osnabruck, Germany. It was replaced by the VW-Porsche 914 in 1969.


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