The story of Ghia – part 1
The beginning In tracing the genealogy of coachbuilding firms, it turns out that they originated in the early years of the last century as…
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia design proposal by Tom Tjaarda.
Vehicle Overview
In 1965, renowned automotive designer Tom Tjaarda, working at Carrozzeria Ghia, proposed a bold new design for the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. Tjaarda, an American designer based in Italy, was well-known for his elegant and forward-thinking automotive creations. His proposal for the Karmann Ghia reflected a more modern and dynamic aesthetic compared to the existing model, which had debuted a decade earlier in 1955. By the mid-1960s, the Karmann Ghia had established itself as a stylish, affordable sports coupe, but Volkswagen was exploring ways to refresh its image and appeal to a younger, more style-conscious audience. Tjaarda’s design proposal embraced a sharper, more angular approach, moving away from the rounded, flowing lines of the original. One of the most striking features of Tjaarda’s proposal was its sleek, fastback roofline, which extended gracefully toward the rear, giving the car a more aerodynamic and contemporary look. The front end featured a more aggressive stance, with a lower, wider grille and integrated headlights that moved away from the Beetle-inspired roundness of the earlier model. The body lines were taut and well-defined, emphasizing a sense of motion even when stationary. Tjaarda also proposed subtle flares over the wheel arches, adding a sporty touch that hinted at a more performance-oriented variant. The rear design was similarly updated, with more angular taillights and a pronounced rear deck that suggested improved aerodynamics and stability. Despite the modern and stylish appearance, Tjaarda’s proposal did not move beyond the design phase. Volkswagen ultimately decided to continue with the classic lines of the original Karmann Ghia, which remained in production until 1974. Nevertheless, Tjaarda’s vision for the Karmann Ghia is a fascinating example of how the car might have evolved had Volkswagen chosen a more daring path. It reflects Tjaarda’s signature blend of elegance and sportiness, capturing the spirit of mid-1960s automotive innovation.
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Year1965
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MakeVolkswagen
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ModelKarmann Ghia
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CoachbuilderGhia
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DESIGNER
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