Who would have thought that something as simple as putting an Italian body on a VW would be so successful? The answer is that the people in charge at Volkswagen in the 1950s did, that's who.
Originally produced in 1955, the VW Karmann Ghia quickly became one of the most sought-after cars of the decade. It lives long in the memory of car lovers too as even today, people scramble to get their hands on these iconic German-Italian cars. Sold as a sports car, this stylish and affordable automobile became an instant hit.
That Italian styling combined with German engineering was just too tempting to ignore for many drivers. It proved to be a charming car both at the time of production and many years later.
Thanks to many Karmann Ghias being imported to the Sun Belt, there are lots of these plucky little cars around that are still in almost perfect condition. Plus, at one stage, the Ghia was the most imported car in the United States, so it's easier to get your hands on one than you might think.
Let's now a look at how much a first-generation Volkswagen Karmann Ghia costs in 2021.
What Did The VW Karmann Ghia Originally Cost?
Production doubled soon after the Karmann Ghia's introduction, making it a must-have for car enthusiasts. Originally, the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia would have set owners back $2,245.
Adjusted for inflation, the VW Karmann Ghia would cost around $22,550 in today's money. That's not all that bad, considering the style and build quality you get from this vintage collectible. Of course, we'd probably want a bit more power from a modern-day sports car, especially if we were looking to keep up with traffic on the freeway.
The original retail price of $2,245 might have been a little higher than the average VW back in the '50s, but many buyers felt it was worth it. If they hadn't, then the Karmann Ghia wouldn't have become as popular as it did.
How Much Does A 1st Generation VW Karmann Ghia Cost Today?
Today, collectible cars can fetch prices in the millions. However, for the understated but stylish VW Karmann Ghia, such a problem doesn't apply. A first-generation 1950s VW Karmann Ghia would set you back approximately $60,000, if in pristine condition.
However, later models come at much more reasonable prices, and collectors could expect to pay between $25,000 and $30,000 for 1970s models in good condition.
When it comes to getting your hands on a collectible car, the Karmann Ghia is practically chump change. It really is a super affordable car that guarantees you will be turning heads at any car meet.
Of course, because it's so affordable and commonly found, you might not be the only Ghia collector at the event. In that case, you can just go ahead and introduce yourself to your new collector buddy and swap stories about this lovely little car.
1st Generation VW Karmann Ghia: Specs
Mechanically and electronically speaking, the Karmann Ghia and VW Bug from 1956 to 1974 are identical. However, just by looking at the Ghia, it's clear to see it is a world apart from the VW Bug. That is mostly down to the styling of Italy's famous studio, Ghia.
Primarily, Ghia worked on exotic Italian sports cars, and it brought that design ethos to the VW Karmann. Drivers could get their hands on two types of Ghia; a coup or cabriolet convertible.
Although marketed as a 2+2 sports car, it's fair to say speed wasn't really the principal attraction to the Ghia. As it was a Bug at heart, the Karmann Ghia produced just 36 BHP from its 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine. Its core may have been the Bug, but the Ghia was three inches longer and seven inches lower than its alter ego.
Thanks to its much lighter weight, the Ghia was also significantly faster than the Bug. This meant that the acceleration was acceptable for a sports car despite the Ghia's apparent lack of power. The aerodynamic body on the Ghia also helped to increase the overall top speed. Those behind the wheel could expect their Ghia to reach 80 MPH.
Karmann Ghia's Production Figures
Sales of the Volkswagen Ghia remained impressive throughout its lifetime. In total, Volkswagen's German factory built 445,238 Karmann Ghias. The Karmann Ghia could arguably have continued in production for several more years before Volkswagen pulled the plug on it.
However, the German manufacturer needed to make room in its factories for the Scirocco coupe production, so the Ghia got the boot. Improvements to the car's performance increased throughout its production run, with the horsepower eventually increasing to 60 HP. That increase in power came with a larger 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a faster top speed of 90 MPH.
The main attraction for the Karmann Ghia, however, remained its style and build quality. Despite its slower-than-average speed, the Ghia is still a big hit with car collectors up and down the country.