25/10/2023
At the start of the year, I was approached by a local car enthusiast asking myself if I was willing to photograph a particular old air-cooled Volkswagen for Hayburner magazine, a 1957 Karmann Ghia lowlight.
Let’s take it right back to when the public first laid eyes on this sporty-stylish coupe. With the end of World War Two, recovering from the great depression, 1950’s America was slowly becoming more financially stable. Over in Europe, german car manufacturer Volkswagen had earned their status for building efficient and reliable cars but now wanted to delve into something which will grab the public’s interest.
Karmann, a german coachbuilder, responsible for the beetle convertible and Ghia, an italian coachbuilder both worked as a team to create the iconic sporty coupe but when it was revealed to the press in 1955, it did not have a name, but in the end they decided on Karmann-Ghia.
This is Hamish’s 1957 Karmann Ghia Lowlight. Finished in Pelican Red, it has had a full resto, with the body and pan being separated to carry out a complete floor pan restoration. The beating heart which would’ve originally been an 1192 engine, was now a fully rebuilt 1641 with fresh powder coated tinware. To express this beefier engine, a vintage speed exhaust was added on for good measure.
For the finishing touches, it was sent to Hamish’s well known friend, Volkswagen air cooled magician, Evil ben. Where he set the suspension to Hamish’s taste giving it that killer stanced look. With the help of the narrowed beam installed by the previous owner, the satin black wheels are tucked in nicely as it will live on to the ride the cornish roads.
If you’re wondering, why have I uploaded a magazine on my feed? It’s because this is my first ever magazine feature which I was shocked to be asked to carry out. Never thought i’d be asked to do so but seeing my work in-front of me published in Hayburner, really did put a smile on my face🤟🏼