The Karmann Ghia was sold with a 1.5 liter H4 engine. This engine was modified during its lifetime, but it remained the same engine that was used in the Volkswagen Beetle. It was an air cooled engine that was mounted in the rear, just as in the Beetle. The Karmann Ghia was also a rear wheel drive. The H4 engine was not powerful enough to make the Karmann Ghia a contender against other sports cars of its day, but it was still appreciated by VW fans thanks in part to the fact that it shared so many parts with the Beetle and it was considerably easier for the average guy to work on than most other cars from that era.

The Type 34 Karmann Ghia was launched in 1961. In the United States, this model was called the European Ghia. It shared more styling features with its relative from Porsche than the 1600 Karmann Ghia. The Type 34 would eventually be replaced by the Porsche 914.

The Karmann Ghia TC (which stands for touring coupe) was sold from 1970 to 1976.

You'll find Karmann Ghias in many popular movies. Molly Ringwald drove one in Pretty in Pink, and the mysterious serial executioner drives one in Zodiac.

There are plenty of places to find a Karmann Ghia in either restored or unrestored condition. The first place I'd go is the world's garage sale, also known as eBay. There are also lots of parts on there to help you fix one up.