''The Great Karmann'' turns !

 Nor were the simple yet exciting automotive era. His debut is the characteristic angular-Karmann-Coupe in September 1961 at the IAA. The customers it rolls just weeks later - in parallel with the VW Type 3, which provides the platform. In order for the first time in the target Wolfsburg automotive middle class. Set while still on the principle known bug that is built on rear wheel drive and an air-cooled boxer engine, but this time, but in larger dimensions. Of his siblings Wolfsburg should stand out, the 2 +2 seater sports coupe with upscale amenities and more flair.

For gradually do the VW customers in the early 60s, a lush body, more interior space and more status. Or at least, as it can provide the already millions built Beetle, which has the Karmann Ghia Type 14 served as a platform hat.Kantige character-box: The Great Karmann is 50 years in the fifties, the dainty-round car is one of the most popular vehicles of the German Women's World: More than 443 000 units have been built in total.
( Renault Twingo )
The relationship between VW and coachbuilder Karmann is quite good. In addition to the playful Karmann Ghia 1200 Type 14 is manufactured in Osnabrück and the Beetle convertible. The proposed Type 3 - known as a Volkswagen "1500" and later as "1600" - like the Wolfsburg in the segment above the beetle to go hunting customers. The Karmänner are now all ears. For them, the chance to develop a larger coupe.
Plans are to abound:

Shortly after the presentation of the original Karmann Ghia Type 14 from the Lower Turin, seat of the Ghia design studio led by the legendary Luigi Segre are numerous designs fluttered into the house. In Wolfsburg, we are quite open to a larger version. In the end, even the VW board chairman Heinrich Nordhoff personally go-ahead for the "Grand Karmann. The result is a project called "Lyon" to the Type 34, which is based on the Chevrolet Corvair built since 1959. Chief Designer is once Sergio Sartorelli, already the "small" Karmann has given his form. Edged character-box: The Great Karmann turns 50
New ground in styling

With its big brother, however, enter new territory not only in size but also in styling. With its edgy-burly shape stands out from the big brother of ladylike, as "housewives-Porsche" mocked type 14. This one is in Italy, with the embossed by the German regulatory requirements Front agree: despite the start of production are still present alternative designs with a different arrangement of the double headlights. They shape together with the generous glazed roof and the tall, slender poles, the appearance of the "34". Side by side with the little Karmann Ghia 1200 he continues to the present modern, mature and highly representative. At the same time, customers may appreciate richer performance data match those of type 3. Thus, initially, 33 kW/45 hp from 1493 cc to be drawn. In 1963 two years is long the 40 kW/54 hp twin carburetor engine in the 1500 S for use before 1969 is the sudden end. To the end of 1968 replaced Wilhelm Karmann personal mail from Wolfsburg: "The timely, mutual planning," it says, "we share with you that we commemorate the production of the Type 34 next year should. The problem is that sales are far fail to match that of the "small" Karmann, from which in the course of his life alone, more than 80 000 convertibles built-edged character-box: The Great Karmann is 50 years old have been. From these figures, the "34" but far away: After manageable 42 505 copies sold on 30 June 1969 deadline. The "Small" is still under construction, for five years until the summer of 1974 the Scirocco must go.

Today, the "Great Karmann" to the more rare models in the classic scene. The small number of items and the unique design provide for exclusivity. The present prices for these vehicles in good condition easily cracked the 10 000 € mark. Absolutely priceless, however, is today in the "car collection Volkswagen Osnabrück" Headquartered Cabrio prototype. In this anniversary year we'll see him exceptionally well on the road, Volkswagen Classic presents him at numerous events such as the Kitzbühel Alps Rally in May of this year or the Sachsen Classic in August. A big welcome seems guaranteed, as it also means if a big brother's birthday.