🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Volkswagen

Model:

Karmann Ghia

Model Code:

Typ 14 (Coupe), Typ 34 (Coupe), Typ 40 (Convertible)

Body Styles:

Coupe, Convertible

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Volkswagen Karmann Ghia owners and enthusiasts undertaking repairs and restoration.

Value Proposition:

Comprehensive digital resource for essential repair and maintenance information, offering immediate access and cost savings over physical manuals.

Key Feature 1:

Extended model year coverage (1954-1979).

Key Feature 2:

Detailed, step-by-step repair procedures.

Key Feature 3:

Inclusion of critical specifications and torque values.

Key Feature 4:

Diagnostic and troubleshooting guides.

📋 Manual Details

Product Name:

Volkswagen Karmann Ghia 1954-1979 Workshop Service Repair Manual

Model Years Covered:

1954-1979

Page Count:

300+

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Format:

PDF Download

Language:

English

Operating Systems Compatibility:

Windows, Mac, Linux

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Yes

Fuel System:

Yes

Ignition System:

Yes

Cooling System:

Yes

Exhaust System:

Yes

Transmission Manual:

Yes

Transmission Automatic:

Yes (where applicable)

Clutch:

Yes

Drivetrain:

Yes

Suspension Front:

Yes

Suspension Rear:

Yes

Steering:

Yes

Brakes Hydraulic:

Yes

Brakes Parking:

Yes

Wheels Tires:

Yes

Chassis Body:

Yes

Electrical System:

Yes

Lighting:

Yes

Instruments Controls:

Yes

Heating Ventilation:

Yes

Interior Trim:

Yes

Bodywork Repair:

Yes

Maintenance:

Yes (scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, tune-ups)

Repair:

Yes (engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake system repairs)

Troubleshooting:

Yes (diagnostic procedures, fault finding)

Disassembly Assembly:

Yes (step-by-step procedures for major components)

Adjustments:

Yes (valve adjustments, carburetor tuning)

Diagnostics:

Yes (electrical system testing, mechanical diagnostics)

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds)

Illustrations Diagrams:

Detailed

Torque Specifications:

Included

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely searchable (typical for modern PDF manuals)

Print Ability:

Printable

Digital Access:

Instant Download

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, horizontally opposed four-cylinder (VW Type 1 engine derivatives).

Displacement Early Models:

1.2 L (1192 cc)

Displacement Mid Models:

1.5 L (1493 cc)

Displacement Late Models:

1.6 L (1584 cc)

Bore X Stroke 1200Cc:

88 mm x 92 mm

Bore X Stroke 1500Cc:

83 mm x 69 mm

Bore X Stroke 1600Cc:

85.5 mm x 69 mm

Horsepower 1200Cc:

Approx. 34-40 hp

Horsepower 1500Cc:

Approx. 44-50 hp

Horsepower 1600Cc:

Approx. 50-56 hp

Fuel Delivery Early:

Single downdraft carburetor (e.g., Solex 28 PCI, Solex 30 PICT)

Fuel Delivery Late:

Twin Solex carburetors (e.g., Solex 34 PICT-3) or Bosch fuel injection (late Type 34 Ghia)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (post-1970s modifications may be necessary for lead-free operation depending on engine variant and regional regulations).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed manual transaxle

Transmission Type Optional:

Volkswagen Automatic Stickshift (3-speed) on some models.

Features:

Rear-wheel drive, integrated engine and transmission unit.

📐 Dimensions

Length Typ14:

Approx. 4050 mm (159.4 in)

Width Typ14:

Approx. 1630 mm (64.2 in)

Height Typ14:

Approx. 1290 mm (50.8 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2100 mm (82.7 in)

Curb Weight Typ14:

Approx. 830-900 kg (1830-1984 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

N/A (Vehicle predates standardized crash testing as known today).

Active Features:

Disc brakes on front wheels (introduced later in production), hydraulic drum brakes on rear.

Passive Features:

Seat belts (often optional in early years).

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Basic AM/FM radio (optional), analog gauges.

Driver Assistance Features:

None.

Connectivity Features:

None.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first. Manual will provide specific intervals based on engine and usage.

Tune Up Interval:

Recommended every 12,000-15,000 miles (19,000-24,000 km) for ignition points, spark plugs, and carburetor adjustments. Manual will detail.

Valve Adjustment:

Recommended every 6,000 miles (9,600 km) for air-cooled engines. Manual will provide specific procedure and tolerances.

Engine Oil Type:

Viscosity SAE 20W-50 or SAE 30 (depending on climate). Specific VW specifications (e.g., VW 500.00 for early engines) should be referenced. Manual will list precise specs.

Transmission Oil Type:

API GL-4 gear oil, typically SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90. Manual will confirm specific grade.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Known Issue 1:

Rusting, particularly in floor pans, sills, and around wheel arches.

Known Issue 2:

Carburetor tuning and synchronization issues.

Known Issue 3:

Electrical system gremlins due to age and wiring complexity.

Known Issue 4:

Overheating in warm climates or under heavy load due to air-cooling system efficiency limitations.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Volkswagen's legacy of reliable, air-cooled, rear-engined vehicles, building on the success of the Beetle.

Model Evolution Typ14:

Based on the VW Beetle floorpan and mechanicals but with a stylish Italian-designed body by Ghia and built by Karmann. Early models featured 1.2L engines, evolving to 1.3L, 1.5L, and finally 1.6L engines as production progressed. Headlight design and interior features also saw updates.

Model Evolution Typ34:

A larger, more luxurious coupe version based on the VW Type 3 platform, featuring a distinctive 'Razor Blade' design by Sergio Sartorelli of Ghia. Offered with larger engines, including fuel-injected variants later in its run.

Production Period:

1955-1974 (Typ 14), 1961-1969 (Typ 34)

Manufacturing Location:

Osnabrück, Germany (by Karmann)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Design Recognition:

Widely celebrated for its elegant styling, often considered one of the most beautiful cars of its era.

Reliability Reputation:

Generally good mechanical reliability due to shared VW Beetle components, but prone to rust and requires diligent maintenance.

Certifications:

N/A