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1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: A Timeless Fusion of Style and Simplicity

The 1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is not merely a car; it's a rolling sculpture that embodies the spirit of its era. Born from a collaboration between the German automaker Volkswagen, the Italian design house Ghia, and the German coachbuilder Karmann, this vehicle stands as a testament to international cooperation and timeless design. Its sleek lines and elegant form broke the mold of traditional automotive aesthetics, making it an instant classic upon its debut in 1955. By 1959, the Karmann Ghia had already captured hearts with its unique blend of reliable VW mechanics and Italian flair.

Design and Innovation

The exterior of the Karmann Ghia is characterized by its long, flowing hood, curvaceous fenders, and a sporty fastback rear end that exudes elegance. The car's low-slung silhouette and absence of extraneous ornamentation were a departure from the tailfin-laden designs of the time. Inside, occupants were greeted with a simple yet refined cabin featuring high-quality materials for its class, including a stylish metal dashboard adorned with minimalist instrumentation and a slender steering wheel that provided an unobstructed view of the road ahead.

Technologically, the Karmann Ghia was more about refinement than revolution, utilizing tried-and-true VW components. Color options ranged from vibrant hues to more subdued tones, with choices like Sea Blue and Ruby Red being among the popular picks. The coupe body style was particularly iconic, though a convertible version offered open-air motoring for those who preferred to feel the wind in their hair.

Historical Significance

The Karmann Ghia's significance lies in its democratization of style. It brought the panache of Italian design to a wider audience at an affordable price point. This car challenged the notion that beauty and exclusivity were inseparable, influencing future generations of designers to create aesthetically pleasing vehicles without prohibitive price tags.

Performance and Handling

Performance-wise, the 1959 Karmann Ghia was not about breakneck speed; it was about enjoying the journey. With a top speed hovering around 70 mph and leisurely acceleration from 0-60 mph taking over 20 seconds, it prioritized reliability over racing prowess. Handling was nimble thanks to its lightweight construction and balanced weight distribution, making it adept at navigating winding roads with poise.

Driving a Karmann Ghia was an intimate experience; the hum of its air-cooled engine provided an unmistakable soundtrack to outings, while its compliant suspension absorbed road imperfections gracefully.

Ownership Experience

Owners often used their Karmann Ghias as daily drivers or weekend cruisers rather than track cars. Its mechanical underpinnings were shared with the VW Beetle, ensuring maintenance was straightforward and parts were readily available. This accessibility made it an enduring favorite among enthusiasts who valued both form and function.

Fun Facts

A little-known fact is that less than 500 Type 34 Karmann Ghias were produced with electric sunroofs – making them exceptionally rare finds today. Celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn were known to favor this chic coupe, adding to its allure. While not known for setting speed records, it certainly set trends in automotive design.

Collector's Information

Today's collector market sees the 1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia as a highly desirable piece. With estimates suggesting that over 445,000 units were produced throughout its entire production run (1955-1974), finding one in good condition can be challenging but not impossible. Values vary widely based on condition and originality but expect well-preserved examples to fetch anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000 or more at auction.

Conclusion

The 1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia stands as an icon of automotive history – a car that transcended cultural boundaries and defined an era of design elegance coupled with mechanical simplicity. It remains beloved by collectors and enthusiasts alike for its beauty, reliability, and undeniable charm.

1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Front Quarter Wedge Weatherseal for Convertibles-ALP 10Front Quarter Wedge Weatherseal for Convertibles. Used at back of roll-up quarter window. Pair R&L

1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Rear Door Wedge Weatherseal for convertibles-ALP 10-ARear Door Wedge Weatherseal for convertibles. Used behind back of roll-up quarter window. Pair R&L

1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Rear Quarter Wedge Weatherseal for Convertibles-ALP 10-BRear Quarter Wedge Weatherseal for Convertibles. Used at front of roll-up quarter window. Pair R&L

1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Front Door Wedge Weatherseal for Convertibles-ALP 10-CFront Door Wedge Weatherseal for Convertibles. Used at front of vent window assembly to door. Pair R&L

1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Gravel Shields. Molded flat without metal backing plates-FS 40Gravel Shields. Molded flat without metal backing plates. Apply with contact cement. 7-5/8" long X 5-5/8" wide at top. Pair

1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Outside Quarter Window Seal (facing base)-MP 1501Outside Quarter Window Seal (facing base). 2-1/2" wide X 1-1/4" long. Pair R&L

1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Oil Cooler Seal. 7/16" I.D., 7/8" O.D. Each-RP 8-BOil Cooler Seal. 7/16" I.D., 7/8" O.D. Each

1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Auxillary Window Seal Kit for Convertibles (ALP 10, ALP 10-A-WK 400Auxillary Window Seal Kit for Convertibles (ALP 10, ALP 10-A, ALP 10-B, ALP 10-C) 8-Piece Kit

1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Front Vent Window Seals, for Convertibles-WR 9800Front Vent Window Seals, for Convertibles. Molded in proper shape. Pair