1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia Coupe

During the early 1950s, Dr. Wilhelm Karmann was building the cabriolet variant of the Beetle when the submitted designs for a potential new coupe to Volkswagen. Volkswagen ultimately rejected these plans but Dr. Karmann remained undeterred. Next he approached Italy's Carrozzeria Ghia, whose proposals for a development of the Beetle had also been turned down. Together, they developed a new body and mounted it onto a Beetle chassis. The Ghia-crafted design study was sent to Karmann in late 1953 and Volkswagen boss Heinz Nordhoff was so impressed that the Karmann Ghia entered production in 1955 as Volkswagen's upmarket coupe. Production continued at Karmann's Osnabruck plant until 1974, with more than 364,000 coupes and cabriolet versions produced.

This example is an early 'low-light' model, so called because later versions saw the headlights relocated to a higher position to simplify production and to comply with new regulations. The original 'low-light' models had smaller front grilles, rounded front fenders, and squared taillights.

This example is finished in period-correct Trout Blue (L330) with blue interior trim and has been given a no-expense spared restoration. The work was completed in 2013 and included a mechanical rebuild of the engine, transaxle, suspension, steering, and brake systems. The entire vehicle was disassembled and all components were either replaced or restored as required. The car has been driven approximately 100 miles since work was completed.

The electrical system has been updated to a 12-volt system. It has the original Sapphire AM radio, and its original jack. Power is from a 1192cc flat four-cylinder engine fitted with a single Solex 28 PICT carburetor. There is a four-speed manual transaxle and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2014