
As predicted, the 2007 Michigan Vintage Volkswagen Festival at Ypsilanti turned out to be a great success. You can read the details in this Car Connection article but the photo that got my attention immediately was of a Karmann Ghia type 3 coupe, a rare bird that was built from 1962 to 1969. Based on the Type 3 sedan with its 1500 c.c.,16" high engine, the coupe was sometimes referred to as a poor man's Porsche. Ghia's unique styling also inspired the second-series Corvair. I have a special affection for this car because, then a pr employee of VW Canada, I was sent on a cross-country tour to show the new Type 3's to the dealers. Also with us for a day was a car that very few people anywhere saw because it never went into production: a white Karmann Ghia Type 3 convertible prototype. I did, however, have the privilege of driving it, though briefly. German enthusiasts tell me three were made and one still exists. Location unknown.