A Short History Of The VW Karmann Ghia (cont.)

1966 Saw the engine increased in size again, this time to the 1500cc unit similar to that from the Type 3, often considered as one of the best VW engines ever produced. Discs replaced drums on the front brakes as well as the brakes being upgraded to a twin circuit set up, the wheels changed from 5x205 fitment, to 4x130 fitment, improved gear ratios, leading to more relaxed cruising.

The electrics were now 12v rather than the previous 6v system. A redesigned dashboard features new instrument displays, a faux wood dash cover with a smaller version of the insignia featured on the deck lid, the heater controls are now housed on the dash as opposed to the floor as previous models.

The 1967 model year didn’t really see any major changes, but 1968 brought along a completely new Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) setup. The hardtop model received an electrically heated rear window, and the convertible model had a glass rear screen fitted. In the interests of security, the Ghia now had a locking steering column. 1969 Brought new rear lights with reversing lights built in, and a 1600cc single port motor.

In 1970 the single port 1600 was replaced by a 1600cc twin port, a few other detail changes were made including a thermostatically operated inlet pre-heater.