1964 Volkswagen Type 34 Ghia - Jay Leno's Garage

[@larryfoster4455]

I had an auto restoration and detail business for 50 years. Back in the mid 70's a young guy working for me got a type 34. It had been brought back by a serviceman. The car was silver with black/gray interior, very good shape. I had a 1961 Plymouth Fury convertible at the same time (along with a dozen other cars, ya can't have just one) Park a type 34 next to a '61 Fury and a strange thing pops out. Line for line it's the same styling. After that I couldn't see a type 34 without thinking '61 Plymouth. Then about 30 years ago was reading about the type 34 in a European magazine and read, "Just as the original Karmann Ghia styling was taken from a Chrysler dream car, the type 34 was styled after a pre-production 1961 Plymouth sent to Ghia to be turned into dream/show car that was seen in the studios and styled into the 34." The article had a photo of the '61 Plymouth at Ghia with VW execs in the foreground looking at it, My helper drove aggressively (he was 17) and flipped the car onto it's roof three times, each time restoring it beautifully with my help. The last time he modified the suspension and lowered the car, but he nearly rolled it again and regretfully sold it. Next car he got...a 1961 Plymouth Fury 2 door hardtop that he painted silver with a black and silver interior. I never liked some styling elements of the '61 Plymouth, the type 34 made the styling work. L.R. Foster

[@neilgibbons2532]

Larry Foster why where u surprise. take a look at the early japan interiors they all use 2 echo American big time

[@mctavish199]

Your "helper" sounds like a genuine arsehole. You helped him to restore it three times! You come across as nearly as dumb as he was.

[@hebneh]

I was going to post the comment that those funny swoopy lines on the front of this car were obviously inspired by an early '60s Plymouth, and you've already said that. Odd that such a peculiar American styling touch was copied for a European car then.

[@michaelburley9479]

Well, at least we didn't have to pay for it. Hopefully the car has survived in spite of it's putz owner at the time. @@mctavish199

[@brentcrude8153]

I can relate - I flipped a '66 Karmann Ghia (on a dark, coast road, in a tight curve, trying to keep up with a '69 Firebird), when I was 17. That night, I learned (the hard way), the limitations of that car...and of myself. I'm 57 now, and I have never been in another car wreck. But looking back, I believe I can say unequivocally, that no two consecutive minutes in my life since, have been as diametrically opposed emotionally, as the moment before that car went over and the moment it came to a stop. A wild ride in every sense of the phrase. Foster, to all the Commenters here, hating on your 17 year old Helper, I 'd like to remind them that we were all 17 once...and if you worked it right, once is exactly enough.

[@kwahaus]

Five words that will never come out of my mouth - “like my Bugatti over there...”

[@paulpeterson4320]

HAHAHAHA!!!!

[@FrenchCrow]

Likewise, in another video when he said _"one of my Miuras"_ ...

[@AcmeRacing]

… and even my Countach ...

[@fatdad64able]

"Hey honey, can you bring my baguette from over there?".... Dang, you're correct, that's as close as I can get.

[@AlexKidd]

@@fatdad64able I'm not even that close, I gotta make my own Baguette

[@jackjmaheriii]

One of the things I love about older cars is the mechanical click of a door opening. It really is a very satisfying sound and feel.

[@nygelmiller5293]

What these experts didn't realise was, that the rear luggage compartment can actually hold a medium sized suitcase, you just have to push it right to the back , because the luggage lid slopes slightly down where you open it.And the front luggage compartment will hold a large suitcase. BUT the cases must not be the thick ones of today! ALSO, and this is KEY: the reason why the luggage COMPARTMENTS are shallow, is because of the traditional Volkswagen suspension, designed originally on the Beetle, by Dr. Porsche. Transverse torsion bar tubes, which constantly adjust, so you don't need a hard ride, but the suspension means such cars are just as stable, as they are at 30 m.p.h.!

[@IncogNito-gg6uh]

The 6V on my '65 beetle worked flawlessly through the harshest midwest winters. No dimming lights. Always started.

[@AKhellbindeR]

This guy isn't just rich, he's internet rich, as in facebook rich. It's pretty refreshing to see someone like that who is into cars like these, and not just pebble beach snobbery.

[@usergonemad]

There's something understatedly elegant about this car. It's easy to understand why the owner is so pleased to have it. Really nice, a treasure. I'd love to find one someday.

[@nygelmiller5293]

Just you do that! Everyone should!

[@usergonemad]

@@nygelmiller5293 They didn't make all that many of them but they aren't unicorns yet either. Today it's outside of my reach but tomorrow who knows? For that matter...everyone *should* look for one of their favorites. I've been fortunate enough to own a few of mine and enjoy them for years. Today I drive "a car" because current finances don't allow much more than that - it's a crapwagon - but I've owned a few "short list favorites" on not much more money than present.

[@servicarrider]

You just never know what's going to pop up on Jay Lenos garage. A true transportation guy. Good job Mr. Leeno.

[@patrickchubey3127]

I always see that beautiful '42 Plymouth coupe in the background in these videos and I think I've fallen in love with that car.

[@en3usiastfortesque368]

Love these air-cooled cars...... VW's, Porsche's, Corvair's, Tatra's.......

[@jamesborthwick155]

Catching up on older videos and came across this gem. I love Beetles and Type 3s, and the Type 34 is one of the coolest looking air-cooled VWs ever.👍

[@toddvanwinkle7777]

Razor edge Ghia...heaven!!! Thanks for doing Vee Dubs, Jay!!!

[@1SaG]

Karmann Ghias weren't "Italian built". They were Italian *designed* (by Ghia) and built at the Karmann-plant in Osnabrück, Germany.

[@jpvill4th]

And to add to your comment, Karmann had significant input to the design of the Type 34 since Karmann built the prototype vehicles. If what I read is correct, there were two prototypes. Ghia was only involved in the conceptual phase, not the actual building of the prototypes.

[@michaeltough2449]

@@jpvill4th designed by Tom Tjarda, he kindly autographed the radio blanking panel of my old 1963 push button dash 343 ghia

[@michaeltough2449]

@Jason Bouphasavanh !!!? 47

[@paulpeterson4320]

Thank You!! How do these "experts" not know that???? I love Jay but sometimes he shocks me.

[@SmokeyLeatherCompany]

Also the “regular Karmann Ghia” as he calls it isn’t on a bug pan the Ghia shares the same pan with a Thing they’re both 4 inches wider than a bug

[@Jmatt455]

I'm a 63 yr. old mechanic, and this is the first time I've ever seen 1 of these cars. My sister had a 71 Super Beatle I would work on, so I became the neighborhood VW guy. But never heard of this VW. So cool.

[@momchilminkov5722]

In Bulgaria, one of these was parking on my street. Not so shiny as this one, but the same car. My neighbor was driving it every day to work, 35 years after it was produced :)

[@michaelknapp8961]

My grandmother bought one of these the first year they came out. She loved it. This was the early 60s.

[@nygelmiller5293]

I should have met your grandmother! I tried to get my parents to buy one, but they just weren't stylish folks I got one myself eventually

[@cmoore7700]

I gotta state the obvious. This VW looks alot like a Corvair 2 door from the side. I think its beautiful

[@longtomsa]

I was born and bread in Germany and I thought I know quite a few German cars but I must confess that I never knew that one. Knew the Beatle and the Type 3, the Karmann Ghia and 611s as well as the K70 and RO80, but this one slipped right past me. Lovely car and I am grateful to see it. What I haven't seen on this channel yet is a Borgward. My dad had a Borgward Isabella from roughly the same area and I believe quite a few have been exported to the US. So Jay, should you ever get a chance to do one of those I will be a fan. Thank you for this channel. i don't miss an episode and am grateful for the knowledge you and some of your guests convey to us. I am only in the 1/24 plastic model league but boy, I love seeing those cars explained and in motion. Thank you very much for that.

[@HereIsMyOffer]

Come to jay's garage, where jay will tell you all about your own car.

[@TzadikTheManic]

He will?

[@apple_cider1207]

i honestly am not really big on cars but i really enjoy Jay narrating. wish he'd do more documentary style narrating. very calming voice.

[@robertwoodliff2536]

Mmmmmmm....here his delivery is very soft & conversational.

[@StevenKHarrison]

My Great Aunt had one of these and I drove it through the Alps back in the early 80's. A great peppy little car and fun to drive.

[@nygelmiller5293]

The horizontally opposed engine

[@nygelmiller5293]

I'll start my message again, because it got cut off. I meant these cars WOULD have been ideal for cruising the alps, because the horizontally opposed engine design, let's a fifth more power for its engine size.All Volkswagens with engines like this, don't seem to KNOW what hills ARE, and go the same speed on the flat, or up hills!

[@nathans.2678]

Jay Leno is the man... most guys could only wish to have a car collection like his.

[@BorisW150]

The looks of this car really grew on me. The owner, Matt, is quite interesting and cool in his own right. Good to see something so out of the ordinary.

[@troybrown6012]

NICE. I remember seeing a lot of these in Hawaii as a child in the late 60's.

[@kim007250]

Matt Jacobson is so cool , Jay Leno always interesting , that was a episode worth waiting for. Big thanks

[@paulterhaar4862]

Driving in the US and Germany/Europe are two different worlds that are not comparable. I've owned over 25 cars, most of them Volkswagen, several US cars, European Fords and Audi. A Chevrolet Caprice (owned a '86 5.7 V8 and a '88 4.3 V6) is made for cruising 55 Miles an hour on a lone country road, a Audi V6 (owned a '95 Audi 80 Avant 2.8) for cruising at 100 Miles an hour on the Autobahn. One of the best cars I owned was a '89 Buick Regal, 3.1 V6 full options, with the knight rider cockpit which was fully digital. At low rpm it sounded like a V8 and it used only around 10 liters (95 octane) on 100 kilometers which made it affordable to drive here in Europe. I've been also the owner of a '87 Fiat Panda, '85 Saab 9000 Turbo and a '78 Pontiac Grand Prix with a modified 350 block and a TH400 transmission, man, what a beast that was...

[@DwainDwight]

a friend's dad back home in Australia when I was growing up had one of these. I always liked it. Thanks for the review Jay.

[@roywhiteo5]

one thing i like about this channel is how all the exterior video is sync'd up when the shot switches to the interior.

[@jimmypinch]

There will never be another Jay Leno

[@kanervatie]

I have a soft spot for this car. There is something in it.

[@benhill391]

Thank you Jay that was great!! I was a proud owner of that VW in 74 so thank you for the stroll down memory lane.

[@frankross2382]

I had a type 34 Ghia in high school in 1969. I loved it and wish I still had it. I worked for a local VW dealer and we did a lot to the car. 1776cc engine, new carbs, special exhaust. For the life of me I can't remember what year it was but late 60'

[@Jan-vc1qg]

Nice car,my mom drove one back in the 60s. Loved it with 2 antena,s on the trunk.

[@nygelmiller5293]

Your mom was cool!

[@eusupporter8438]

Nice walk on the lane of memory. Thank you for that. My teacher had one when I was in primary school in Germany. And each day before school I walked by and saw the car thinking how cool it is. 👍

[@mariocooke5463]

I had one of these in San Diego in the mid 70's. Blew the engine coming back from Utah, and had to abandon it there. Great surfmobile.

[@RB747domme]

Mario Cooke bet you wish you kept it now. They're changing hands for $125,000 plus.

[@a-manlordsoftime755]

😭😭😭😭

[@canyonhaverfield2201]

Matt patiently holding his tongue the two,that's 2 times Jay brought up the out of alignment angle of this cars' seating position in relationship to steering,floor peddles and shifter. At one point I thought Jay was going to simultaneously drive while ducking down onto the floor to check out the air vents.. the things this guy will do to keep conversations rolling is masterful !

[@nickwills6042]

I really love those Razoredge Karmanns, probably the best looking vw of all time, be that modern or old

[@user-dl8yo3wv1t]

It's been a while since I've drooled so much over one car.

[@AaronSpielman]

Beautiful, and about time you featured one. How about some Brazilian VW's next - an SP2 and a Brasilia? And maybe a Type 143 Fridolin?

[@VS-zu8jk]

I never knew about these until my kid reach me this funny looking convertible Hot Wheels.

[@erichakanson7010]

I saw this car on petrolicious a while back. great to see it again to learn more about these unique and obscure VW's and other models of the era. great video jay.

[@jstevenj1]

Nice Nice Nice!, I'm a Type I Beetle guy from way back, owned '60's and 70's models, never knew this one existed. Such a treat, especially the interior back seat cam, Super...

[@andreasvenator]

When I grew up in Potomac, Md in the 1960´s I was the "Defrost Nazi" for a group of young military men that earned their keep in the Pentagon and parts of Langley, since I was practically the only one who actually understood the German owners manual and knew how to get the heat to run in their 911s with that triple-decked battery of levers in the center of the dash and the levers to the left and right of the hand brake. I remember amazing a young Navy Lieutenant by pulling the lefthand lever next to the handbreak after I started his engine. He had no idea it was a governor to set the engine rev so the oil heated up better after starting. Those were the days: The Americans back then - sadly - had no idea how to enjoy or care for those air-coolred cars! Nobody knew the oil had to be over 50° C warm before you passed 2500 rpms, while you had to have 80° C before you went past 4000 rpms. Combine that with sloppy attitudes to oil changes and the "Defrost Nazi" shook his teen-age head all the way to his Eagle Scout ceremony in the Red Room of the White House. The Cold War was very good to me!

[@RJCooper2]

Love the look with that deeo Vandyke Brown and the yellow fog lamps, tan leather seats and orange rugs. The Venetians really outdid themselves the way they curve to return toward the bow.

[@nygelmiller5293]

I can see nothing gets past YOU! You should buy a Karmann-Ghia, then, yourself!

[@Omar.F87]

It reminded me of the Renault Alpine A110 from the front, nice looking car.

[@soyounoat]

Two car guys having a good time with a cool car. A+

[@terrellgunter118]

What, no burn out! Not sure if your aware, but the 1500 S motor ran on Hi Test gas. It had dome pistons and nocked like all hell at sea level if you ran regular. The duel carb's also helped out on performance. Great Show

[@nygelmiller5293]

Does dome pistols means it's a hemi

[@timharper3390]

Gorgeous automobile. I've had a few Beetles but I had an Harvest Orange Type III Squareback I really regret letting go. The motor popped on me and I was in my partying 20's so just let it go. Think I bought it for less than $1200 in mid-90's and now they're all but gone. Same as is always said in Jay's VW vids, in the 70's and 80's all Beetles were

[@tomjones6296]

I had one of those....had a design flaw....mine came with a 1500 engine but a six volt system...which meant that when the timing got just a hair off, the engine would actually work against itself when you tried to start it. As long as the timing was perfect it would start right up. It only took two weeks of normal driving before the car would become very difficult to start. Or, you could carry a timing gun around with you and reset the timing all the time. My solution once I learned the true cause (even the Volkswagen dealers didn't have a clue) I got a super duper heavy duty battery that would crank forever until it started. I noticed he said in this video "this car has been converted to 12 volts." So this owner is also aware of the problem. I spent a number of frustrating years until I found a garage who's owner raced Volkswagens...and when I described the problem to him, he told me right off what the problem was and set the timing and it worked like a charm. Other than being a 6 volt system when it should have been 12 volt given the engine it had, it was a great driving car, part Porsche, part VW, it had a Blapunkt radio with marine band, Corduroy seats, really nice interior. MIne was blue and white. The other thing that was the pits was changing the spark plugs.....next to impossible....I finally got tried and took it took a garage to get the plugs changed and after doing it twice, the owner/ mechanic told me to never come back again! The steering was incredible like he says in the video. I liked the air cool too, coming through Needles, California one Summer, it was about 115 degrees, and no problem driving flat out. I think mine was a year or two newer than this one. I had a lot nicer steering wheel with the Porsche emblem at the center of the wheel. The Porsche emblem was also on a few other items inside the car all well...the same radio mine had, was also in Porsches. Except for hard to start, and changing plugs, it was a really, really great little car. Gear shifting, like the steering, was totally effortless....the best I'd ever had before or since.

[@michaelbenardo5695]

VW never used large enough battery cables, nor did they use a large enough primary wire from the ignition switch to the coil. If you fix those problems, your 6 volt system will work fine.

[@michaelbenardo5695]

If you think your 6 volt car need more juice, just use an 8 volt battery and have the regulator re-adjusted.

[@philrogers177]

This was my first car in about 1967 in Canada. It was fast and fun to drive and was comfortable for 4 with lots of space. I also had a job delivering newspapers to stores. First time I loaded up the front with papers and took off, I came to a right hand turn at the bottom of a hill ... and the car wanted to go straight! Just got stopped in time. Mine was red, white and black.

[@branon6565]

What a nice ride, simplistic and elegant, I like it....it'd be cool if Jay featured a Notchback, an early Fastback, and an early Squareback at some point....

[@burningbananas70]

The Type 3 Karmann Ghia was the car we heard about... saw a couple beaters back in the day. Never seen one like this. Thanks Jay for another cool show!

[@vonLubrich]

When I was younger I wanted one of these.

[@BOBXFILES2374a]

I saw one of these in Kansas City, MO years ago. Jaw dropped. I owned a Ghia & 2 Beetles over the years. Wish they still made 'em.

[@ge7862]

That thing is just beautiful.

[@Altema22]

What a way to wake up; with one of my favorite car guys showing one of my favorite cars! I've wanted a type 34 for a while, and would make it my daily driver if they were not so rare. We have a type 14 which I love (Oringinal! Unrestored! Worn out!), but there are times when I wish it had a real back seat, instead of the seat that's suitable only for pets or double amputees. If you have one child, they will be fine with a pillow and reclining sideways, lol. The type 14 had a rear seat until 1973. When US safety regulations mandated rear seatbelts, VW deleted the rear seat. The type 34, I think, has enough rear seat space to let a human sit there without removing their legs. As to why they did not import the type 34, it is suspected that Karmann would not be able to meet demand. Then it was also risky introducing a mid sized VW that cost so much in the us, in direct competetion with Falcons and Corvairs, the latter of which it bore more than a passing resemblance. Rust is always an issue on cars where the entire body is welded together into one unit, with English pewter used to finish the seams. You can't really coat or prime the steel, THEN weld it, so it meant it had to be painted afterwards. I know I don't drive our Ghia in the rain, which is actually a shame because they handle beautifully in the rain. I had to drive it to an out of state wedding here they wanted our Ghia in the photos, and it was huge rainstorms all the way back. Confident and sure footed is how I would descibe the experience, as we comfortably cruised along at 60mph while modern cars were hiding under bridges. Regarding the gas tank placement; the steel tanks bend and deform, and have the space above and below to do so. You will die from the impact before the gas tank ruptures, and I have seen type 14's demolished beyond recognition with the gas tank still intact. Besides.... you can always add more air to the spare tire for protection ;) By the way, although there is a difference in weight distribution with a rear engine car, handling is tuned for understeer. You don't have 500 pounds of cast iron hanging off the front, but you don't have it hanging off the back either. Most of the transmission weight is ahead of the rear axle, and the engine block is so light you can pick it up with one hand. Not sure about the type 34, but the type 14 handles the same as a Porsche Speedster, although not with as much confidence. The type 14 brakes are better than the Porsche as well, and I'm sure that comment alone will garner plenty of foaming mouth rants of hatred... but facts are facts, with the Ghia stopping 70-0mph in 190 feet @ 0.86 G, and the Speedster taking 220 feet @ 0.73 G. Both cars handle with 0.73 G on the skidpad on skinny 4.5 inch wide tires. Needless to say, they are both fun on country roads :)

[@gavinthor4479]

A luxury Volkswagen?That's right - it has a mirror on the visor!

[@michaelburley9479]

And don't forget the bigger engine, map pockets and fog lights! Hey, can't expect too much, it's a Volkswagen!

[@s.sestric9929]

@@michaelburley9479 And a gas gauge.

[@williamwhitman6874]

But be drivers always knew exactly how much gas they had and if not, you had the "reserve tank " handle (unfortunately on the floor)

[@williamwhitman6874]

Sorry, Google never heard of VW-that should be VW drivers .

[@nygelmiller5293]

@@williamwhitman6874 I didn't know there was a reserve gas tank - and I owned one! Perhaps they didn't have it on the 1968 model

[@MidiPunk]

Love the 'angry brow' front end, like a hawk or owl.

[@RUCKERMAN]

I worked for a VW dealer in the mid 1970s and we had parts books for these Type 34 Ghias. There were none around in my area though as these were never imported into the US in any quantity. We had the Type 3 Fastback and Squareback instead which were good cars in their day.

[@GETUPANDGO]

That thing is awesome...looks like a Corvette from some angles, like an Alfa from others

[@jean-paulmorin913]

You mean Corvair?

[@thatmanstumototours2270]

I saw a few of these in SW France(Lege Cap Ferret) at a VW rally..They are very distinctive and very good looking in person..We had many VW's(several Beetlees and Buses and also a Gas Heater 411) when I was growing up, including my Mom's Karmann Ghia and it was pretty mind blowing to be confronted with something so wonderful that I had never seen before....

[@DARIVSARCHITECTVS]

Jay's Garage has to be the best vehicle collector show ever.

[@justajo2]

I saw my first one on the street in Dallas, TX in 1990. A VW aficionado I knew had told me about them and showed me a few pix so I knew what it was when I saw it. In 2002 I knew someone who owned one in Apache Junction, AZ. Amazing car.

[@biohazardshrimp]

Also I don't remember Ralph Nader going after VW for a front mounted fuel tank. I remember him going after Chevrolet though for the Corvair and several other American cars for various "issues"

[@dehoedisc7247]

Nader's beef with the Corvair design was exactly his beef with the VW bug, VW bus, Karmann Ghia (type 1) and that was the "Swing Axle" rear suspension. Nader chose to attack Chevrolet and Not to attack VW. Stupid, but that's life.

[@robertgrider4346]

BioHazard Shrimp , and don't forget Nader's book about the corvair,"Unsafe at any Speed", that coming from a guy who never drove a automobile,nor had a driver's license, a real expert!!

[@Johnnycdrums]

I don't think Ralph Nader is an engineer in any sense. I bet he never even got his hands dirty.

[@tacoheadmakenzie9311]

Right, Robert Grider.. sort of like buying a sex manual written by a virgin.

[@nygelmiller5293]

@@tacoheadmakenzie9311 Now THAT was a good comment!

[@thyslop1737]

Wow! That car rocks.

[@lejink]

Interesting design, I like it Thanks for the upload

[@compaqdeskpro5770]

10/10 episode Jay. Keep up the good work, this show is better than the tonight show and top gear combined.

[@gilbertoexe6301]

Que carrinho bacana , se tivessem fabricado aqui no Brasil , seria um sucesso .

[@christopherguzzi1316]

I love the variety of cars featured by Jay. I also love how he refers to his productions as a "web site".☺☺☺

[@schnizdawg]

I think that guy is DB Cooper! He looks just like his artist rendering. LOL

[@revolutionday1]

schnizdawg #b00m

[@cementer7665]

Personally, I think he looks like Joey Aprillo(?) from The Sopranos. Maybe he entered the Witness Protection Program.

[@charliebabbit4325]

The thumbnails of Volkswagen videos make the cars look so big. Then you see jay standing, and it looks like he could put that on his back

[@hurrdurr25]

This guy sure loves saying his cars are 100% original and telling us everything that's not original.

[@gooseknack]

I believe in this case he means original, as in its a Volkswagon with original Vollswagon gear. Just not as "factory fitted"..

[@captmcneil]

What's the problem with saying "the interior is original" and "I've added seat belts".

[@jpvill4th]

@@captmcneil got the impression that someone in the 1980s restored the car. What is also interesting in that the European built and sold for the European market were available with cloth or leather upholstery, Beetles included. I have a 1972 Super Beetle that was built for the European market and it has cloth upholstery, non-headrest seats, and cloth headliner. It has 52,824 km on the odometer and this matches the mileage on the maintenance work from Germany just prior to coming to the US and a month after arriving in the US. The Beetle was imported to the US in 2015. It was registered here as a 1971 model but the serial number confirms that it is a 1972 built in April of 1972 as does the original German registration book. It doesn't have things that would have been required in the US, like no high backed seats, no backup lights, only directional lights on the front fenders or wings and a 1287cc engine (AB). There are probably other things that are different but I haven't found them yet.

[@RB747domme]

hurrdurr25 everything is 95% original, 85% of the time.

[@mej6519]

love the type3 razors.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

This is one of my favorite episodes recently: two knowledgeable car guys saying lesser-known but not esoteric things about an interesting car. I never get used to the 'skinny tires' on cars from this period. With the engine hanging behind the axle I would have liked to hear more from them about handling. The Porsche steering wheel may be highly collectible but it looks way out of place with this interior.

[@vincentcalcopietro6970]

Porsche steering wheel does not do that car justice good luck finding the original. And whats with the white pants think he just finishined a game of lawn bowls before the interview

[@johncollins5552]

A standard beetle steering wheel would be much nicer in my view.

[@williamwhitman6874]

Find a VW bug owner that hasn't changed a dozen things. They were built to be improved. I bought a new 1970 bug but within a week had added tuned exhaust, leather steering wheel cover, radio, radials, koni shocks, rear sway bar, a real steering damper and on and on.

[@nygelmiller5293]

You Want to know more about handling? Like all cars with swing axle suspension that could cause some troubles. However, having owned the AUTOMATIC version, with "double jointed suspension, I found it not only sorted that out, but was sensational! I had a phone conversation with a guy, whose car had the original suspension, and he joked these cars are not anything you would take for a high speed drive on the Motorway! The phone just went quiet, and I could tell he was furious, when I mentioned with the better suspension on mine, this is EXACTLY a car I would take down a motorway in a wind. In fact it is the SAFEST car in high winds!

[@stephendunster1005]

Thank you for this. I saw a few of these in Montreal when I was a kid. A very nice, very interesting car. Montreal was a great place for European vehicles back in the '60's and '70's .... some very sexy older Alfa Romeos .... I even saw a Citroen DS Chapron convertible. My neighbour was a pilot and his wife drove VWs; he had a Studebaker Hawk, a Citroen DS, and later a Citroen SM .... he used to say driving the SM was like flying. Thanks again ... Steve Dunster

[@generalblackjack5333]

First time i heard of that car was in the movie cars 2. "A volkswagen karmann ghia has no radiator. That's because it's air cooled."

[@davevanden9327]

Matt and Jay , The karmann ghia , (type 14 , round and curvacious model), was never built on a regular vw beetle floorpan. It was built on a seperate wider floorpan , that was also used on the vw thing. The karmann ghia did come with a rear bench seat , up until 1974, when it was replaced with a cargo area only. I hope this does not seem discourteous or challenging , merely some additional info for a wonderful show.

[@troybrown6012]

The blinds look good on this

[@paulgracey4697]

My first car, a 1966 VW type 3 Fastback was imported the same way this one was and shares much of its heritage. A service in Santa Monica set up the proxy purchase at Wolfsburg, where a G.I. drove it to Hamburg, thus making it a "used" car that I was importing. I remember that this Ghia was one of my choices when I made the deal, but I could not afford it. The Type 1 based Ghia would have been about the price that my Fastback was, but I was wanting the better driving position and greater horsepower my 1600cc version had. What I soon found was that that linkage between the two carburetors was always in need of adjustment from a design change made during the change from 1500cc to the larger engine. The cylinder through rods holding the head and cylinders to the crankcase were modified so that thermal expansion could no longer stress them enough to break, a bad habit the older version was known for. The compromise allowed for the whole engine to expand more with heat, though, which the carburetor rods did not accomodate well. I still have the balancing venturi I used monthly until a friend going Formula V racing sold me the electronic fuel injection off the newer model dual-port engine he had because racing rules forbade using the injection. I then went through the complicated process of converting my Fastback to a fuel injected, dual-port(polished) hotter cam-ed sleeper capable of giving 4 banger Porsche's a stoplight surprise. To do so it needed to be made 12V from the original 6V, but i was forced to retain the 6V starter. That made it necessary to be very quick to start, or pausing to cool it before burning out the starter motor, but it worked fine with the extra Counter-EMF balancing the higher voltage. The fuel injection had other benefits as well. No longer did I need to fear losing power going over the Grapevine as it automatically compensated for altitude, and better yet, it gave the car improved mileage despite the more aggressive cam.

[@dehoedisc7247]

NO WAY. The 343 Karmann Ghia was NEVER imported to USA by VW of USA. It was only brought in by independent sources, unofficially. On the other hand the 311 Fastback was totally officially a VW of USA import. And was a popular model. (along with 361 Squareback and 411 Fastback and 461 Squareback.)

[@Dirtyol12valve]

I wish Jay would make a video on the vw schwimmwagen

[@Airforce1Gunny]

Sat in one, really cool car.

[@oscarpark1523]

One of my all time favorites

[@foellerd]

Jon S lol, we all know J would enjoy that more then anything too.

[@reallyhappenings5597]

Ooh yeah now we're talking! Exotic military classics!

[@F0nkyNinja]

Or a Ford GPA or similar.

[@zelphx]

Great change of scenery! Thanks, Jay!

[@andreasburki]

Hi Jay, great video! When are you doing the type 14 original Karmann Ghia? Like to see that one.

[@halnwheels]

Great to see this car. I had the pleasure of knowing someone who's father had one. I saw it a couple of times and it is beautiful in person. I also had the pleasure of driving a Type III fastback with an automatic transmission. It was really a pleasant car. The seats were offset from the pedal cluster and steering column because the floor pan came out to the parameter where the wheel track is. Don't forget the Beetle's passenger compartment was narrower than the wheel track, the seats were closer together than the Karmann Ghias (Type I and Type III), and the other Type III cars (fastback, squareback, and the not much seen notchback). Also, This wasn't Italian built to my knowledge. Ghia Studios were the designer and Karmann coachworks was the builder of the body. They were based in Osnabruk, Germany. Karmann built the Karmann Ghias that we had here in the USA and also the convertible Beetles. They had a Karmann badge. Karmann also was the coach builder for the Chrysler Crossfire, but that 's another story! This is such a beautiful example of not only the Volkswagon mark, but of all the interesting cars in automobile history. Thanks for bringing these wonderful examples to us, Jay.

[@nick.maldonado]

the cut scene to the guy's face when Jay mentions Ralph Nader

[@efs83dws]

Nick Maldonado I saw that too. Nader was a thug.

[@JBO3022]

10:20, dude was pissed at the whole conversation.

[@vincentcalcopietro6970]

type of car that you would take out on easter sunday love the colour.

[@dbvida]

Get to see this car again, originally featured on Petrolicious. I saw one recently in Chiang Mai, Thailand but RHD. It's really cool.

[@groovyhippie1165]

Looking forward to seeing more of Matt's collection. I've never heard of the Type 34 Ghia before, very cool.

[@nygelmiller5293]

As a one time owner of ONE of these, if you like these, I think YOU are cool for liking my favourite car! Not everybody gets it.

[@mohammadalmeer9047]

jay please i was waiting for more than 3 years for the blue Bugatti in the back

[@kruisinwagen]

Love this car. Just stunning

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Interesting car... I wonder how it feels driving it, the design and the engine placement make me very curious as to how much different it would be than a vw beetle!

[@AdrianosClassicGarage]

Thanks for the insight guys, needed to know!

[@wayneshalagan6297]

I had both a Beetle and a Type 1 Karmann Ghia of the same vintage. I agree they drove similarly, however, the aerodynamics of the Ghia were definitely superior at highway speeds. The lower centre of gravity also improved handling. The Ghia (mine was a '67) also had factory front disc brakes which were way better than the drums on a Beetle of the same period.

[@agentumsilwersilwer5310]

Adriano's Classic 500 its bigger mostly.

[@waiting4aliens]

Drives like a type 3 probably, a bit more power due to dual carbs, but a bit more weight.

[@kebulei]

Not all. Some were also sold with a single side draft carb.

[@ingvarellingsen2925]

One of my favorite Volkswagen cars.

[@greatreset3]

same price as two beetles. Paul and Ringo??

[@michaelburley9479]

Paul & Ringo were budget Beatles...

[@diegogarcia4255]

@@michaelburley9479 Stuart Sutcliffe and Pete Best are far cheaper.

[@bsiple]

Great overview of the car. My Dad had a restoration project with a Karmann Ghia that we unfortunately couldn't finish so it was nice to see what this car looks like fully restored and on the road.

[@ericmiles11]

This made my day, notice my profile picture.

[@chrishenniker5944]

I can't help noticing that the roofline looks like a Rover P5B coupe, both of which I love. This was the Volkswagen I really want.

[@superchargedadventures]

Type 3's came out in 61', except for the Fastback which came out in 66' debuting the dual carbs! This "razorback" would have been a 1500 with a single sidedraft carb. I have a 66' S model fastback, has some parts from Bill and Steves on it! Also from, #JimDutcher/Dutcher'sspeedshop #Goldmine #ISPwest #Josh&Alf Vw's for life!!!!

[@dehoedisc7247]

Razorback? Not on a VW, it was called NOTCHBACK by every VW employee I ever worked with back in the 60's.

[@kurtlyons136]

I had a 1965 notchback type 3 with dual carburators

[@livinginyourhead7333]

Cool to see a car that was manufactured in my area (osnabruck) here in germany on Jay Lenos Garage

[@nygelmiller5293]

I went to the Osnabruck factory in 1984, with the Karmann-Ghia Owners Club of Great Britain. But as they didn't make Karmann Ghias any more, and we only saw them doing the convertible versions of the Golf (Rabbit in the U.S. I believe) it just wasn't the same! Disaster on top of disaster followed. Our owners club were supposed to be getting to see these and other models in Karmann's museum But another owners club had been shown round before and someone had stolen a KARMANN GHIA emblem off a car, so the management didn't let us in!

[@PatrickMcCarthy13]

I used to have a 1967 VW Notchback. This car reminded me a lot of mine but mine looked more like a Vulvo.

[@PaulZink]

So did my mother, here north of Boston; a slate grey one with ivory interior. Got a ride in it many times.

[@scottbarber6694]

Ditto my '67 blue Squareback, and later orange one.

[@michaelhughes4409]

Your mom looked like a Volvo?

[@dehoedisc7247]

Notchback was another of the Euro VW's that was Never officially imported to US, it was a "grey market" import, not sanctioned by VW of America.

[@mctavish199]

You naughty man. Everyone was thinking the same thing (especially after the Vulvo comment), but we had the self-control not to say it.

[@joestitz539]

Love the car. Color too !

[@Freimopp777]

12:33 please bring a BMW 507 to the show