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.
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| Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 14 (based on the Beetle chassis) |
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| Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 34 Prototype Back circa 1959 |
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| Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 34 Prototype Front circa 1959 |
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| Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 34 Sergio Sartorelli Prototype circa 1960 |
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| Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 34 Front Study |
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| Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 34 Front Study |
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| 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.
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| Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 34 Cabrio Prototype (1961) |
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| 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.
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| Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 34 Press Photo (1961) |
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| 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.
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| Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 34 with Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 14 in the background |
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| 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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