Introduced

Introduced in 1955 as an exotic alternative to Volkswagen's trusty Beetle, the Italian-styled Karmann Ghia has achieved something approaching cult status among VW fans, even though its sporty looks aren't echoed by appropriate performance. Beneath that sensuous exterior lies a standard Beetle drivetrain - and that means, at best, nothing more than a 1600cc engine that struggles to produce just 55bhp. But don't let that put you off the idea of ownership, for this rare car has much to offer; its coachbuilt body is one of the most attractive of all Ghia designs, while tried-and-tested mechanicals almost guarantee reliability. So, says Mark Hughes, slip into something stylish as we get familiar with this Italo-Germanic beauty.