2006-11-14 06:59:22 · 8 answers · asked by wim a 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Volkswagen
Check out this link for a basic history:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VW_Karmann_Ghia
Basically it's just a Beetle with a different body. There was a demand by the late 50's for sporty looking and cheap (price not make) euro cars, so this was Volkswagens answer to that demand. As well it fit that market very well and was a very popular car. Now someone else above talked about the TYPE 3 Ghia (TYPE 34 true name), now the thing to keep in mind is that the goal for that car was not the same as the Karmann Ghia. VW wanted to get in the higher cost sport market of cars like Porsche; problem is that most buyers at the time couldn't get past the name (VW) and their image as a budget car (not the image the Porsche buyer is usually going for). So, the car was basically an over priced flop for them. Personally, I love the Type 34, but it's not for everyone.
As far as the rust issues, Karmann is a very well respected German coach builder, so it wasn’t due to cheap steel, or poor quality control. From what I understand they were not able to make the cars in huge panels like other VW models, which lead to more panels, seams, etc and in this is the root cause of rust problems. Even with rust problems, they where much less than other euro auto companies of the same era. Some of the British cars from back then where known to rust on the car lot, since the metal quality was so bad.
Really not my favorite VW by any means, but it’s just a Beetle with flashy body. So, if your looking at one just keep that in mind.
2006-11-14 16:01:40 · answer #1 · answered by Patrick M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
VW stopped making them in 1973. I tried to buy a new one in 1974. The dealer I went to found a new 1973 convertable still sitting in some dealers show room. I purchased it for 3,250 dollars. I never had a problem with it. I sold it in 1985 for 5,000. There are not too many around any more . If you want a decent one with no rust , somewhere on the west coast would be your best bet. Good Luck!!
2006-11-14 13:08:57 · answer #2 · answered by dewhatulike 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Type 1 a classic. Type 3 an ugly duckling. Quality sucked and they VW running gear was notoriously unreliable. But they became a cult classic. What few west coast cars still exist get a good price at sale.
2006-11-14 07:08:27 · answer #3 · answered by yes_its_me 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very awesome cars, (AKA the poor man's Porshe). I have a 1969 convertible ghia... :)
2006-11-14 07:11:17 · answer #4 · answered by little_ms_scareall 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Chick Car.
Very cool though.
2006-11-14 07:04:11 · answer #5 · answered by Dan G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they haven't made them in about 30 years :)
2006-11-14 07:25:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
notorious for rust - I think they all disintegrated years ago
2006-11-14 07:01:39 · answer #7 · answered by Norman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a really nice car.
2006-11-14 07:00:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋