Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
Italian elegance meets German reliability in one of the most beautiful Volkswagens ever made.
- Power
- 40 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 22.0 s
- Top speed
- 80 mph
- Est. value
- $15k–$55k
About the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 14 is a masterclass in coachbuilt style, featuring a hand-finished body designed by Italy's Carrozzeria Ghia and manufactured by Karmann in Osnabrück. While it shares its chassis and air-cooled mechanicals with the humble Beetle, the Ghia was significantly more expensive due to its labor-intensive butt-welded body panels. The 1965 model year is a pivotal one, marking the introduction of the 1300 engine which provided a much-needed boost in power over the earlier 1200 units. Though never a fast car, its low center of gravity and front anti-roll bar offer a more composed driving experience than the contemporary Beetle, making it a highly desirable entry-level classic today.
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia specs
The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia produces 40 bhp (30 kW) and 87 Nm (64 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 22.0 seconds and has a top speed of 80 mph (128 km/h).
| Make | Volkswagen |
|---|---|
| Model | Karmann Ghia |
| Trim | Karmann Ghia Type 14 Coupé |
| Years | 1955–1974 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | Germany |
| Original price | About $2,300 when new |
| Engine | 1.3-litre air-cooled flat-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,285 cc (1.3 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 40 bhp (30 kW) at 4,000 rpm |
| Torque | 87 Nm (64 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 4,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 22.0 s |
| Top speed | 80 mph (128 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 830 kg (1,830 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 48 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Volkswagen Karmann Ghia worth?
A typical Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is estimated to be worth $15,000 – $55,000 (about £11,000 – £41,000).
Its original price when new was about $2,300.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia rarity in CarSpot
The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 30 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia fun facts
- The Karmann Ghia's body was so complex that it required extensive hand-shaping and lead-loading, a process usually reserved for high-end luxury cars.
- Despite its sporty appearance, the original 1955 model produced just 30 hp, leading some contemporary critics to call it a 'parody of a fast car'.
- The 1965 model year saw the introduction of the 1.3-litre engine, but this was a short-lived transition as the 1.5-litre engine arrived just one year later in 1966.
