1968 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
The 1968 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia represents a pinnacle of accessible style and European flair within the automotive landscape of its era. While sharing its underpinnings with the robust and economical Volkswagen Beetle, the Karmann Ghia was a distinctly different beast, offering a captivating Italian-designed body handcrafted by the esteemed Karmann coachbuilder in Osnabrück, Germany. This model year saw the Karmann Ghia continuing its legacy as a more attainable alternative to the exotic sports cars of the time, providing a blend of sporty aesthetics and everyday usability.
Design and Styling:
The 1968 Karmann Ghia's most striking feature is undoubtedly its svelte and elegant coupe (Type 14) and convertible (Type 14) bodywork. Designed by Luigi Serafini of Ghia in Turin, the car boasts a timeless silhouette characterized by its flowing lines, gracefully sculpted fenders, and a distinctive swept-back roofline. The front features a relatively upright grille that houses the iconic VW emblem, flanked by large, round headlights. The hood has a subtle central crease, and the side profile is accentuated by a sharp character line that runs from the front fender to the rear. The rear end is equally distinctive, with tapering tailfins that house slender, horizontal taillights and a compact engine lid. The convertible variant offered the open-air driving experience without sacrificing the car's inherent elegance.
Mechanicals and Performance:
Beneath its stylish exterior, the 1968 Karmann Ghia shared its mechanical heart with the Volkswagen Beetle. This meant it was powered by an air-cooled, rear-mounted flat-four engine. For 1968, the primary engine offering was typically the 1.5-liter (1500cc) unit, producing around 53 horsepower. While not a powerhouse by any stretch of the imagination, this engine provided adequate performance for leisurely cruising and city driving. The rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, coupled with the Karmann Ghia's relatively light weight, contributed to its nimble handling characteristics, particularly on winding roads.
Transmission options usually included a four-speed manual gearbox, known for its robust simplicity. The suspension was also derived from the Beetle, featuring independent torsion bar suspension at the front and a trailing arm independent suspension at the rear, offering a comfortable ride for its class. Braking was handled by drum brakes on all four wheels, a standard setup for the era.
Interior and Features:
The interior of the 1968 Karmann Ghia offered a more refined and stylish environment compared to its Beetle counterpart. While still functional, the cabin featured bucket seats, a simple but elegant dashboard with a prominent centrally located speedometer, and chrome accents. The materials used were of good quality for the price point, aiming to evoke a sense of sportiness and sophistication. Features could include a heater, optional radio, and basic instrumentation. The luggage space was limited, with a small trunk at the front and some storage behind the rear seat.
Significance and Legacy:
The 1968 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia holds a significant place in automotive history as a testament to attainable European design. It proved that a car could be both stylish and practical, offering a taste of sports car aesthetics without the prohibitive cost. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its beautiful design, which has aged gracefully and continues to attract enthusiasts. While not a high-performance vehicle, the Karmann Ghia provided a unique and charming driving experience, fostering a devoted following that continues to appreciate its timeless appeal and the romance of its Italian-German creation. Today, it remains a highly sought-after classic car, cherished for its aesthetic beauty and its distinct personality.