Karmann Ghia Parts
Coachbuilt in Osnabrück. Body panels, trim, and mechanical components for coupe and cabriolet.
Parts and fitment questions: (657) 438-7002 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm Pacific
What changed on a Karmann Ghia
The running changes that matter
Our chassis decoder records a fuel gauge becoming standard and the Cabriolet arriving in 1957; the end of the low-light era in 1959, when the headlights were raised 45mm and pushed further forward; a 34 horsepower 1200cc engine in 1960; a 1300cc option in 1965; 1500cc with front disc brakes and a dual-circuit brake system in 1966; the switch to 12 volts in 1967; a glass rear window on Cabriolets in 1969; 1600cc and a heated rear window in 1970; Type 3 taillights in 1971; heftier bumpers in 1972; and the end of production in July 1974 after 445,238 cars built in Germany.
Beetle underneath, Ghia on top
Mechanically the Ghia follows the Beetle almost year for year: our 6V coil covers the Ghia 1956–1966 and the 12V coil 1967–1974, and our link and king pin rebuild kit covers 1956–1965. The parking brake lever and ratchet gear are the Beetle design. Body is where it stops being a Beetle — the coachbuilt panels are Ghia-specific, and our floor pan halves for it are cataloged for the Ghia 1955–1974 and the Thing 1973–1974, not the Beetle.
Before you order
- Mechanical parts: check the Beetle listings too. Most of it crosses on the same part number.
- Body panels: order Ghia-specific. Beetle sheet metal does not fit this shell.
- 1966 brought front disc brakes and a dual-circuit system. Order brake parts to what is on the car.
- Low-light cars, 1959 and earlier, have different headlight geometry from everything after.
Shop your exact year
Same mechanicals in a Beetle body: 1958–1967 Beetle parts and 1968–1979 Beetle parts. Shares floor pan halves with the Thing — see 1973–1974 Thing parts.
Common questions
Do Beetle parts fit a Karmann Ghia?
Mechanically, most of them do. Our engine internals, case studs, crankshafts and carburetors are cataloged across Beetle, Super Beetle, Bus, Ghia and Type 3. Body panels are the exception, because the Ghia shell is coachbuilt and shares nothing with the Beetle.
What year did the Karmann Ghia go to 12 volt?
1967, the same year as the Beetle and the Bus. Our 6V ignition coil covers the Ghia from 1956 to 1966 and the 12V coil from 1967 to 1974.
When did the Ghia get front disc brakes?
1966, according to our chassis decoder, which records a 1500cc engine, front disc brakes and a new dual-circuit brake system all arriving that year.
Does the Ghia share a floor pan with anything else?
Yes. Our floor pan halves are cataloged for the Karmann Ghia from 1955 to 1974 and for the Thing from 1973 to 1974 on the same part.
Still not sure? Call the parts line at (657) 438-7002, Mon–Fri 8am–5pm Pacific. We'd rather talk you out of the wrong part than process the return.