VOLKSWAGEN KARMANN GHIA CONVERTIBLE

The Karmann Ghia Convertible, produced from 1957 to 1974, blended Volkswagen's reliable mechanics with Italian design flair from Ghia and coachbuilding expertise from Karmann.

Its creation stemmed from Volkswagen's desire for a stylish halo car. Wilhelm Karmann secretly purchased a Ghia design, presented it to VW, and secured the contract.

There was no direct successor, but the VW Scirocco is sometimes considered a spiritual one.

A little-known fact: the Karmann Ghia's sleek lines were initially intended for a larger, more expensive car. Ghia scaled down the design to fit the VW Beetle chassis, resulting in its distinctive look.