Trunk script emblem
The first models of the Ghia went on show in Europe in 1955. They began shipping in volume in late 1956. Production ended in 1974. The initial idea was sparked by Dr. Wilhelm Karmann, who was designing the Beetle cabriolet. Karmann suggested to Luigi Segre Ghia that a beetle-based sports car could be made and presented to VW for their approval. The rest, as they say, is history.
This '58 Ghia has Porsche 356 headlights
Here you can see the previous owner's Texas license plate
The electrical system is 6 Volts.
The previous owner's double-cab pickup can be seen in the background
Roof release latch/crank
Original German wipers
The fresh-air intakes are an important element in the front end
of the Ghia. This shape was used through 1959. In 1960, the intakes
were enlarged. All fenders were changed, the headlights were moved upwards
and the wheel arches were cut higher. The tail lights were enlarged
and also moved upward slightly.
The Sapphire radio in this picture is not close to the era of the car, so an old Blaupunkt will soon be installed after it gets some chrome polish and cleaning.
This is the original steering wheel manufactured only during the
'58 and '59 years (I'm told this is a hard to find item). The previous
owner had Bob Koch, in Southern California, restore it. Koch specializes
in restoring steering wheels and inside-rearview mirrors.
"Bat ear" style side badge ('56-'59)
'56 YOM (year of manufacture) plates acquired from auction. Bought '58 sticker separately and affixed with 3M spray glue. Cleaned with Meguire's cleaner/wax and registered with the DMV (Form REG. 352, DMV Special Plates Unit, Sacramento, CA 916-657-7606). It took over 6 months to get these from auction to active/installed.
Clip from the VW brochure
