Modern Classic: Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

To qualify as a "modern classic," we choose vehicles, which are comparatively affordable now and that we think will increase in value over time. These are cars many people would love to have: head-turners, trend-setters in their time, cars people see that still make them smile, cars that were definitive in their own right, stylish and fun to drive. Our focus is on cars at least 25 years old, so they can be registered and insured cheaply and aren't subject to annual inspections. Tastes may vary, as may peoples' own definitions of "affordable." Our theoretical limit is $50,000 for a car in good to excellent condition, which rules out many of the traditional exotics. This month's selection is the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia.

History
Volkswagen's sleek Karmann Ghia was nearly called Ascona, San Remo or Corona. Cooler heads prevailed. Actually the second Karmann-bodied VW (the first was the VW Beetle Convertible from 1950 onwards) was named for its builder, Karmann G.m.b.H. of Osnabruck, Germany, and design firm, Carrozzeria Ghia. Sources differ but the Karmann Ghia is considered to be a scaled-down adaptation of Virgil Exner's Chrysler d'Elegance show car designed by Ghia's Luigi Segre.


The Karmann-Ghia first appeared in 1955 in 2+2 coupe guise. U.S. deliveries began in 1956 and grew steadily until 1970. Its price was $2,395, about $870 more than the Beetle. Mandatory options, a radio and whitewalls, added another $100 (about $500 more than the convertible Beetle. Basically, the stock VW platform was retained and topped with Karmann's curvaceous coachwork. The only chassis change was a rear anti-roll bar. Volkswagen recommended a 3-psi increase in rear tire pressure to aid cornering. The engine remained VW's 1192cc, air-cooled four, so the K-G coupe's added 200 pounds made its performance even more lethargic than the plodding Beetle's.


Writing in Sports Cars Illustrated, just after the K-G's U.S. introduction, Karl Ludvigsen said it had "the looks and handling qualities of a sports car, but not the top speed nor the acceleration." Real sports car fans could buy an MGA or a TR2; the only sporty 2+2 competitor was the short-lived Sunbeam Rapier. Although it was often judged as such, the Karmann Ghia never pretended to be a sports car. It was simply an attractively bodied Volkswagen with all the benefits of custom coachwork in an era when many people replaced VW bodies with something they thought was more attractive. A largely hand-built car, its quality was equal to Porsches and Benzes of the period.


As Volkswagens evolved, Karmann Ghias benefited from most improvements, although the Super Beetle's MacPherson front suspension was not adaptable. Visible and interior changes were subtle over the years. A convertible with a padded top appeared in 1957. Fenders and headlights were raised in 1958 (making earlier models rarer and more valuable). In 1960, a dished steering wheel, a steering damper and an optional vacuum-operated clutch were offered.