Ghia Specifications

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Though there were never any "marks" of Karmann Ghia (nor any Volkswagen, for that matter), the models received continual improvements and refinements throughout its 19-year lifespan. Major changes to the body never occurred, though subtle changes sometimes radically changed it's appearance. The Ghias lamps and bumpers were probably the most notable of these. Lamps were changed in 1959 and more notably in 1971 and 1972

Years* Built Engine Size (cc) Power (BHP) Max MPH Notes

1955-1959 1192 (1200) 30 75

Cabriolet introduced 1957

Interior updated 1957

'Rollerball' accelerator pedal replaced with flat, conventional one 1957

1960-1964 1192 (1200) 34 76

Right-hand drive available

Headlamps raised

Rear lamps enlarged

Larger 3-slot "nostrils"

All-synchromesh gearbox1

1965-1966 1285 (1300) 40 78

Flat wheel hubcaps

Ventilated wheels

1967-1970 1493 (1500) 53 82

12-volt electrical system adopted

Front disc brakes

Semi-automatic gearbox offered

1971-1974 1584 (1600) 60 94

Glass rear window on cabriolet

Dual-port engine

Wrap-around glass indicators

Larger 10" tail lights

Huge 14" tail lights and "Europa" bumpers from 1972

* Note that each new model year began in August of the preceding year. So, a Ghia manufactured in August 1970 was actually termed a 1971 model, whilst the car produced in July 1970 was a 1970 car.

Get the info direct from those that ought to know - Karmann Gmbh's definitive guide to all Karmann Ghias

1955-1959, Generally the most sought-after and more 'classic' styling. Tiny rear lamps and low front lamps on early models.

1960-1970, Larger tail lights and regular improvements to the engine, which increased from 1192 thru 1300 to 1500cc's. "Skeleton" bumpers appeared with tubular over-riders.

1971-1972, yet larger tail lights with most powerful 1600cc engine. Other refinements of note included a heated, glass rear window on the cabriolet.

1972-1974, Final changes included 14" tail lights and large, box-sectioned bumpers. These bumpers though meeting new US legislation, designed not to deform under a low-impact collision, were actually welded to the chassis by large metal bars. The result was that the bumpers remained intact, but the chassis could be a write-off!

At first glance, these two cars appear almost identical. The one on the left is a 1971-72 model, the one on the right being a later '72-'74 model with larger tail lights and bumpers.

* Note that each new model year began in August of the preceding year. So, a Ghia manufactured in August 1970 was actually termed a 1971 model, whilst the car produced in July 1970 was a 1970 car.
Get the info direct from those that ought to know - Karmann Gmbh's definitive guide to all Karmann Ghias
	1955-1959, Generally the most sought-after and more 'classic' styling. Tiny rear lamps and low front lamps on early models.
	1960-1970, Larger tail lights and regular improvements to the engine, which increased from 1192 thru 1300 to 1500cc's. "Skeleton" bumpers appeared with tubular over-riders.
	1971-1972, yet larger tail lights with most powerful 1600cc engine. Other refinements of note included a heated, glass rear window on the cabriolet.
	1972-1974, Final changes included 14" tail lights and large, box-sectioned bumpers. These bumpers though meeting new US legislation, designed not to deform under a low-impact collision, were actually welded to the chassis by large metal bars. The result was that the bumpers remained intact, but the chassis could be a write-off!

	At first glance, these two cars appear almost identical. The one on the left is a 1971-72 model, the one on the right being a later '72-'74 model with larger tail lights and bumpers.