The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia was a sporty coupe produced by the Wolfsburg, West Germany-based Volkswagen over a 19-year space. Its sports automobile looks gave it a low slung profile and oppose style that took styling cues from other European sports van makers. Much under the skin the Karmann Ghia was practically Equal to the VW Beetle's mechanical components.
History
The Volkswagen Beetle, which had hit North American shores in 1949, was already growing in popularity for its far out styling and economical performance by the bout the Karmann Ghia Type 14 debuted in 1955. The Industry of the Karmann Ghia was a collaboration between Volkswagen, the German coachbuilder Karmann and the Italian automotive master certain Ghia. Karmann was contracted by VW to fabricate the automobile and Karmann turned to Ghia for the styling. Ghia in turned retrieved designs it had initiated for Chrysler's styling Manager Virgil Exner who wanted a sports machine in 1952, nevertheless someday rejected it. The Karmann Ghia styling remained practically unchanged until it ceased Industry in 1974, according to VW Trends.
Coupes numbered about 364,000. About 80,000 convertibles were manufactured. Production figures do not include the Type 34 "Razor Edge" version that was never imported to the USA. About 42,000 Type 34s were produced.
The 1970 Karmann Ghia, which typified the specifications and styling of all consequent produced models, featured the 53-horsepower horizontally opposed 4-cylinder 1600cc (1.6 litres or 96.6 cubic inches) engine. Its Muzzle was 3.37 inches and the stroke was 2.72 inches. Torque, the twisting pressure that gives the vehivle its acceleration from a dead cutoff, was no expanded than 78 foot-pounds. Fuel was fed wound up a unmarried barrel Bosch carburettor.
Size
The 1970 Karmann Ghia sat on the corresponding wheelbase as the Beetle at 94.5 inches. The Ghia measured 163 inches elongated, 64.2 inches Broad, 52 inches lofty and had a ground clearance of a minimal 6.3 inches. The Ghia's curb weight was rated at a flare 1,918 lbs. Its fuel container held 10.6 gallons.
Performance
The air-cooled Karmann Ghia was never intended to be a performance automobile, nevertheless a stylish alternative to the homely Beetle. When it debuted in the North American bazaar in 1956, it achieved 0 to 60 mph in a leisurely 34.2 seconds. At its crest of engine capacity, the 1970 pattern could distance a top rush of 86 mph. Handling on curves was not dissimilar to the Beetle, which is to speak it was responsive to a flare touch. Engine clamor inside the cabin, like the Beetle, was problematic during long-distance driving. Yet performance remained a secondary consideration to the visual appeal.
Production and Price
The 1956 Karmann Ghia sold for $2,395 ($18,694.45 in 2009 dollars) and $3,475 ($14,949.51 in 2009 dollars) in 1974. A total of about 444,300 Karmann Ghias were produced.
