Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia Flat four 1957
General description :
1957 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
Marvelous condition with full show quality correct restoration, paint and mechanicals!
Beautiful early variant LowlightKarmann Ghia
Volkswagens original halo car
Trout Blue exterior with light and dark blue interior with white trim
1192 cc flat four-cylinder engine
Four-speed manual transmission
Hydraulic Front and Rear Drum Brakes
Original six-volt electrical system
Wide whitewall tires
Torsion bar suspension with stabilizer bars
Sapphire I AM radio
Very tidy undercarriage
The Lowlight is a very rare and early variant of the VW Karmann Ghia, built between 1955 and 1959 and recognizable at the little extra taillights and the little air inlets at the front. MotoeXotica Classic Cars is pleased to present this rarely seen 1957 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia that is finished in very sought after Trout Blue exterior.
With a seating position lower than that of a standard Beetle, Ghias were nicknamed Lowlights. The Type 14 debuted at the October 1953 Paris Auto Show as a styling concept created for Ghia by stylistLuigi Segre.
This VW is equipped with an air-cooled 1192cc flat four-cylinder engine (#1304869) with a single Solex 28 PICT Carburetorbacked by a four-speed manual transmission. The engine bay is nicely detailed and the car is still powered by an original six-volt electrical system. This Ghias ride is steadied by independent torsion-bar suspension on all four wheels and stabilizer bars and hydraulic Front and Rear Drum Brakes.
The exterior is painted in Trout Blue and accented by beautiful wide whitewall tires, VW moon wheel covers, chrome bumpers, moldings, emblems and center caps all of which are in excellent condition. The cars windows are clear, crack-free and pristine. All of the body panels are solid and straight and are gorgeous.
Fitted with a Sapphire I AM radio, the interior is finished in blue and white on the door panels, with dark and light blue sporty front contoured bucket seats that are adjustable to give the driver full stretch and a rear bench seat that folds down for more space. Theres a white, two-spoke steering wheel for the driver and the Trout Blue metal instrument panel, complete with passenger grab bar, looks new. Theres also a wire utility basket between the front buckets with dual cupholders and space for small item storage.
In the early 1950s, Volkswagen was producing itseconomy car, the Type 1 (Beetle). With an increase in post-war standards of living, executives at Volkswagen proposed adding ahalo carto its model range, contracting with German coachbuilder Karmann for its manufacture. Karmann, in turn, contracted the Italian firm Ghia, who adapted styling themes previously explored forChryslerandStudebakerto a Beetlefloorpanwidened by 12inches.
In contrast to the Beetle’s machine-welded body with bolt-on fenders, the Karmann Ghia’s body panels werebutt-welded, hand-shaped, and smoothed withEnglish pewterin a time-consuming process commensurate with higher-end manufacturers, resulting in the Karmann Ghia’s higher price.
The design and prototype were well received by Volkswagen executives, and in August 1955the first Type 14 was manufactured inOsnabrück, Germany. Public reaction to the Type 14 exceeded expectations and very few nice examples exist today.
The Type 14 was marketed as a practical and stylish2+2rather than as a truesports car. As they shared engines, the Type 14’s engine displacement grew concurrently with the Type 1 (Beetle), ultimately arriving at a displacement of 1584cc, producing 60horsepower. In August 1957, Volkswagen introduced aconvertibleversion of the Karmann Ghia.
This car is currently located at our facility in St. Louis, Missouri. Current mileage on the odometer shows 71,811 miles. It is sold as is, where is, on a clean and clear, exempt mileage title. GET OUT AND DRIVE!!!
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VIN: 1472693 EIN: 1304869
http://www.motoexotica.com/inventory/listing/1957-volkswagen-karmann-ghia/
1957 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia Flat four is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Fenton (St. Louis) by for Not priced.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Volkswagen Model : Karmann-Ghia Model Version : Flat four Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1957 Sub type : Coupé Location : Fenton (St. Louis)
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About Volkswagen
The Volkswagen story is indeed an intriguing tale of innovation, resilience, and post-war revival, marked by various models that have become iconic in automotive history.The People's Car (Volkswagen): Initially envisioned by Adolf Hitler in the 1930s as a "people's car" or "Volkswagen" in German, the idea was to create an affordable and practical vehicle for the German people. This concept led to the development of the Volkswagen Beetle (or the Type 1), designed by Ferdinand Porsche.
Post-War Challenges: After World War II, Volkswagen faced significant challenges. The factory was heavily damaged, and the brand's association with the Nazi regime led to a lack of interest in the car in some regions.
British Intervention - The British Army & Ivan Hirst: The British Army took control of the factory in the immediate post-war period. Major Ivan Hirst, a British Army officer, played a crucial role in reviving Volkswagen. He recognized the potential of the Beetle and advocated for its production, convincing the British military to order several thousand cars. This decision helped jumpstart the brand's revival.
Export Success and the Beetle's Global Appeal: The Beetle gained popularity not only in Germany but also globally, becoming an icon of affordable motoring. Its simple, reliable design and unique appearance made it a favorite among consumers worldwide.
Model Evolution: Over the years, Volkswagen introduced various models alongside the Beetle, each contributing to the brand's growth:
Type 2 (VW Bus or Transporter): Introduced in the 1950s, it became an iconic symbol of the hippie movement in the 1960s, loved for its spaciousness and versatility.
Golf (Rabbit in the U.S.): Launched in the mid-1970s, the Golf (or Rabbit in the U.S.) marked a shift towards front-wheel-drive, modern design, and hatchback practicality, becoming a cornerstone of the brand's success.
Passat, Jetta, and Other Models: Volkswagen expanded its lineup with models like the Passat and Jetta, catering to different market segments.
Challenges and Innovations: Despite success, Volkswagen faced challenges, including quality issues in the 1970s. However, the brand continued to innovate and develop new models and technologies.
Rise of the GTI and Global Expansion: The 1980s saw the rise of the iconic Golf GTI, a high-performance version that sparked the hot hatch trend. Volkswagen also expanded its global presence during this period.
The British intervention in reviving Volkswagen after World War II played a pivotal role in the brand's resurgence. While there might have been some tensions or competition among automotive companies in the 1950s and 1960s due to Volkswagen's post-war success, the brand's ability to produce innovative and popular models solidified its place in automotive history.