1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia Coupe

The Type 34 Karmann Ghia was the result of the combined talents of three companies including Volkswagen, Carrozzeria Ghia, and Wilhelm Karmann Coachwerks. In the late fifties, Volkswagen designers worked on a vehicle that would offer more power, standard equipment, comfort, and room than the Beetle. They selected Carrozzeria Ghia of Turin, Italy to create an exotic and elegant design. Sergio Sartorelli, chief Ghia designer, had a drivable prototype completed by the end of 1959.

The new car made its debut in 1961 at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Mass production began at Karmann Coachwerks in March 1962 and ended in July 1969. It was not a high volume sales model Volkswagen, perhaps due to its price which cost as much as a Porsche 356.

Approximately 1,500 to 2,000 of these vehicles remain worldwide.

This particular example is finished in a blue exterior with a white interior. It was purchased new in San Francisco and has remained in California its entire life.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2018