Collection

The Type 34 Karmann Ghia or what is known by enthusiasts as the “Razor” or “Other” Karman Ghia is a rare and unique model with only 42,498 units being manufactured between 1962 and 1969. The Type 34 and the Porsche 356 were equally priced. The Type 34 was not available in the United States although of the roughly 2,500 that are estimated to remain currently, approximately 300 can be found stateside. The Razor was manufactured as a two-door hardtop coupe. Only two convertible prototypes are known to have been manufactured.

The Type 34 was designed to appeal to those Volkswagen customers that had out grown the Beetle and preferred to upgrade to another Volkswagen. The car was designed by Italian designer Carrozzeria Ghia and the body built by the Wilhelm Karmann Coachworks.

The Type 34 was powered by a 1600cc air cooled “pancake” engine. Models for 1966 were fitted with the new 1600cc dual carb engine. The new ball joint front suspension with full width torsion bars gave a very smooth ride.

Initially, the Type 34 was designed to replace the Type 14 Karmann Ghia, but its radical angular styling had limited popularity and the high cost of production led to its short life and "second place" to the original model, which continued to be produced after the Type 34 had ceased production.