subject: Karmann Ghia- There Is No Substitute [print this page] The Karmann Ghia was essentially a VW Beetle with a different body shell involved, yet it is measured up as an elegant sports car. So what establishes a sports car? For the Karmann Ghia it was all about designing.
In the years following World War II, VW had been effectively manufacturing small and efficient automobiles like the Beetle, with a status for outstanding reliability. But as time carried on consumers began demanding vehicles with style and elegance, replicating the changing attitudes at the time. This call was answered by the Karmann Ghia.
The end result however was a car which captivated to 2 very different groups. There were persons who wanted a Porsche on a VW budget, and persons who wanted a beautiful European touring car that was durable. This was achieved because VW chose to stick to its reliable Beetle chassis, yet covered that Chassis with a shell that was hand built to perfection using methods not seen anywhere else but on the worlds finest cars. It indeed was thought of as taking a risk by the automaker, Volkswagen, but in the end it turned out just fine, and the company really did make history with not only this model but also with several others, past and present.
Then end result was a car which could not reach 100mph unlike its rivals, but this could easily be overlooked thanks to its beautiful styling and knowing it wouldnt let you down while out on the road. During its 18 year production run, around half a million people considered these points more important than thoroughbred racing performance.
It is worth noting that VW emphasized all of the above realities in its advertising. They made it a point to openly declare that it was instinctively identical to the Beetle, and had slogans such as The 1963 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. Slower, but Prettier Than Any Porsche!. This was an honest advertising campaign, and captured the attention of the public. Regrettably due to high import responsibilities at the time relatively few made it over to the UK, but this didnt stop the car being a huge success at the time and going on to become a classic car.
In looking back take some time and check out some more facts about this revolutionary car and some of the histories that surround it. You will get a feel for what it represents in the automotive world and what collectors all over say about their prized car. The Karmann Ghia will be a timeless classic for years to come.
