WISSENSWERTES
TYP 34
= der große Karmann
Ghia
Letzter Stand: 01. 03. 2010
History and Information (english version)
Most
of you are well aware of the VW Type 34 Karmann Ghia, the "other"
Karmann Ghia, or as the British call it the "Razor
Edge Ghia".
Germans call it "der Grosse Karmann Ghia" (the large Karmann
Ghia), and the Americans call it the "Type 3 Ghia".
The Type 34 is a rare and unique model produced by the combined talent of three
companies; Volkswagen, Carrozzeria Ghia, and Wilhelm Karmann Coachwerks.
Here is a concise story about the Type 34.
HISTORY & BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Volkswagen began thinking about a successor to the Beetle in the mid-to-late
1950's. At the time, they were getting a great
deal of flack
from both the public and press because of the Beetles outdated basic design. VW
also knew they needed to enter
into the middle-class marketplace. By offering a series of models with more power, comfort, standard
equipment, and room than
their beloved Beetle, VW hoped to offer Beetle owners an upgrade path. Of course, an upscale car would have a
higher price as
well. So, to respond to this need, VW designers began, in '58-'59, working on a new series of cars while trying to
keep the basic
VW principles of economy, durability and functionality intact. The goal was creating a line of mid-market cars. By
relocating the
fan shroud of the Type I engine and running the fan off of the crankshaft, VW designers came up with an engine layout that
allowed
space in the rear of the car to be used for an additional luggage compartment.
This new "pancake" engine design satisfied the additional luggage
space requirement. Stylists squared off the body, allowing for
more interior
space and comfort. The marketing department also added several features to the
list of standard equipment;
features that were previously non-existent or optional extras on the Beetle and its low priced competitors.
The models that VW
proposed for this new VW 1500 series were
the basic Sedan (Notchback), station-wagon (Variant or Squareback), and a sports
coupe (Karmann Ghia). The plan for the 1500 series
included building a convertible based on both the sedan and the Karmann Ghia.
Neither of these proposals went into production because of
structural problems with reinforcing the topless body. In 1956, the
exotic was
needed. Italians styled with flair. VW chose Carrozzeria Ghia of Turin, Italy. The Ghia firm had done an excellent job
designing the first
(Type I) Karmann Ghia. Click on the engine on the left to hear the
smooth sound of a T34 engine!
How to build the car? VW knew they would not be able to handle mass production
of a relatively low volume sports coupe at the
Volkswagenwerk factory. So, VW turned to an off-site builder, Wilhelm Karmann Coachwerks
of Osnabruck, West Germany.
Karmann had an excellent
relationship with VW, since they manufactured both the Beetle Cabriolet and all
Karmann Ghia models.
Carrozzeria Ghia began working on the initial sketches for the VW 1500 Karmann
Ghia in late 1958. Sergio Sartorelli, chief Ghia designer, had
three sketches ready only days after the contract was awarded. One design was
chosen for continued work, and
Ghia took it from there.
Sartorelli had a completed drivable prototype ready by the end of 1959. VW
agreed to produce the
prototype Karmann Ghia, with only a few changes. By the September 1961, Frankfurt Auto Show, which was the premier of
the
entire VW 1500 series, Carrozzeria Ghia had the final
production model ready and on display. The show featured the prototype
Cabriolet
as well.
PRODUCTION INFO & VALUES
The VW Type 34 Karmann Ghia, the flagship of the VW 1500 series, is a notable
Volkswagen in several areas. It was the only
VW ever available
with built-in fog lamps and an electric steel-sliding sunroof (models 345/346).
Its styling is, at the very least, controversial. To many enthusiasts
and admirers, it is a beautiful and elegant design. While it was never exported
to the USA,
there are over 300 registered here today. Mass production of the Type 34 Karmann Ghia began in March 1962 at the Karmann
factory; and ceased in July 1969, after a total of 42,510
coupes were completed. The Type 34 was not a successful sales model
for VW. It
was high-priced (as much as a Porsche 356); sales weren't
boosted by access to the large American market; and the
unusual styling, say
some, cut demand. Approximately 70% of the 42,510 produced
remained in Germany (30,000) and 30% were
exported (12,500) to countries like
England, Canada, Australia/New Zealand and other European countries.
The "Type 34 KG Registry" believes that there are approximately 2500
remaining Type 34s worldwide. The high attrition rate is due
to rust caused by the salted roadways common to many countries, and to the
obsoleteness of replacement parts. The majority of
the remaining cars are in original but unrestored condition, with rust in the wheel wells and
battery areas.
Few Type 34 Ghias have been restored to original condition but far fewer of the
"other" Ghia are on the road today. That helps
make the VW
Type 34 Karmann Ghia a rare and valuable collector's item among those who know
of its rarity and history. The current
value of T34s depends on their condition & location in the world: unrestored daily-driven T34s
range from $2500-$4000, nicely
restored drivers range from
$6000 - $12,000, and the best of all, low-mileage original restored drivers (in
excellent show-quality
condition) range from $7000 - $15,000,
depending on their year and model. There are more T34s in the USA than any other
country
so their prices are a bit lower since the supply is greater. But they are usually less rusty than European T34s as well.