Volkswagen introduced the Karmann Ghia coupe in 1955, using Volkswagen Beetle-based mechanicals.
The two-door Type 14 Karmann Ghia combined a Volkswagen Type 1 chassis and engine with elegant Italian-influenced styling. Carrozzeria Ghia developed the design, while German coachbuilder Karmann handled body construction and assembly in Osnabrück.
Although the car carried the Karmann Ghia name, Volkswagen was the automaker behind the model. Karmann was the manufacturing partner, not the brand that marketed it as a Volkswagen passenger car. This distinction is a common source of confusion.
The Karmann Ghia was positioned as a stylish, affordable coupe rather than a high-performance sports car. Volkswagen later offered a convertible version, and production of the Type 14 continued until 1974. A larger Type 34 Karmann Ghia was also produced from 1961, but it was a separate model.