Rare 1963 Volkswagen Type 34 Karmann Ghia (w/ startup)

A rare red 1963 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia 1500 (Type 34) arriving at Carcadia. Introduced in September 1962, the Type 34 was a larger alternative to the more popular Beetle-based Type 14 Karmann Ghia. Based on Volkswagen's 1500 platform, it featured more interior and cargo room and a more powerful 1500cc engine. Both models were designed by Carrozzeria Ghia and hand-built by Karmann. This car is one of around 42,500 Type 34s built, none of which were officially sold in the U.S. market. About 1,500-2,000 examples are known to still exist, around 400 of which now reside in the U.S.

This is a car that most people in the U.S. are not familiar with. It's also a car that the few who are familiar with it tend to be obsessively in love with. The original Type 14 Karmann Ghia has always been a common sight here, and while I personally don't consider the Type 34 better-looking than its Beetle-based sibling, it's definitely more unique and more quirky. I find it puzzling why VW decided against selling it in the States, especially given how today's American market tends to prefer larger vehicles with more power. And with a huge percentage of remaining Type 34s now residing in the U.S. and a close-knit community of enthusiasts dedicated to enjoying and preserving them, it's clear the car has found a good home here.

Do you think the Type 34 Karmann Ghia would have been successful if offered for sale in the U.S. market? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!