For collectors and enthusiasts, the 1965 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe represents a sweet spot in automotive history: the marriage of reliable German engineering with Italian flair. Finished in classic red and powered by a freshly serviced 1.2-liter air-cooled flat-four, this example from the Ron Sturgeon Collection is now on display at the DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas.
The Karmann Ghia was Volkswagen's answer to buyers who wanted more style than the utilitarian Beetle offered, without sacrificing dependability. Built by Karmann and styled by Italy's legendary Ghia design house, the coupe featured refined curves and detailing more often seen in European sports cars of the era. This particular car, with its four-speed manual transaxle driving the rear wheels, has received recent mechanical updates under current ownership, including a rebuilt carburetor, fuel pump overhaul, valve adjustment, and replacement of the clutch system, motor and transmission mounts, and spark plugs. The engine tins have been refinished in gloss black, giving the engine bay a clean and polished appearance.
Classic design elements shine throughout: bullet-style front turn indicators, pop-out rear quarter windows, dual pea shooter exhaust outlets, and polished chrome trim complete the elegant yet sporty exterior. Inside, a two-spoke steering wheel with Wolfsburg crest horn bar frames a VDO instrument suite that includes a 90-mph speedometer, analog clock, and fuel gauge. The five-digit odometer shows 55,000 miles. Included with the car is a Volkswagen Delivery Status certificate, confirming original identification numbers, factory colors, and its manufacturing date of January 2, 1965.
"The Karmann Ghia has always stood out as a car that makes you smile before you even start it," said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. "This red coupe is a beautiful representation of Volkswagen's most stylish era—accessible, fun, and absolutely timeless."
This 1965 Karmann Ghia Coupe is one of more than 200 collectible vehicles and 3,000 vintage toys on display at the museum, offering guests a unique look at the intersections of design, culture, and automotive innovation. The museum, formerly known as the DFW Elite Toy Museum, was founded by Ron Sturgeon in the 1980s and recently relocated to North Fort Worth at 2550 McMillan Parkway. The new 150,000-square-foot facility offers free parking and admission, secure climate-controlled car storage, and facilities for events. It is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more information, visit dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
The display of this Karmann Ghia underscores the growing interest in mid-century vehicles as cultural artifacts, not just machines. As automotive design continues to evolve, the Karmann Ghia remains a testament to the enduring appeal of accessible elegance and the joy of driving.
