About the Type 34 Registry

Welcome to the Type 34 Karmann Ghia Registry! The ultimate resource for all things related to this unique car. We are an organization dedicated to the "other" Volkswagen Karmann Ghia.

The VW Type 34 Karmann Ghia was produced between 1962-1969 with a total production run of 42,505. It is estimated through extensive archival research that less than 2,500 exist today. It is indeed one of the rarest and most unique vehicles Volkswagen ever built. The few remaining owners are spread throughout the world from California to Australia. With these kind of figures, it can be extremely difficult for these owners to restore and maintain the surviving examples.

In 1989, Lee Hedges started an organization dedicated to the registration, restoration, and preservation of these vehicles and the network was started. It was envisioned as an international group to register all remaining Type 34s and help needy Type 34 owners with their restoration efforts. The accomplishments have been impressive. The VW Type 34 Karmann Ghia Registry has grown from the 50 or so initial members, to over 1000 Type 34s with over 350 members online in 15 countries. It is the first organization in the world dedicated exclusively to the Type 34.

This Registry website is open to all Type 34 owners and enthusiasts the world over. There is no longer a printed quarterly newsletter hence no more club dues. Everyone is encouraged to contribute. Owners cars include non-drivers to show-winners and everything in between. A perfect restoration of these cars is extremely difficult due to the lack of parts, but many of the critical items are being reproduced thanks to the Registry's efforts. The purpose of the Registry is for enthusiasts to enjoy these wonderful cars in whatever shape they're in while helping to identify and restore as many as possible to insure the marques continued existence.

We are simply an international network of owners and enthusiasts dedicated to helping each other and perpetuating the marque. Unfortunately for the Type 34 owner, very few people even know of this model and replacement parts are almost non-existent. For this reason, the network is an essential part of the Registry's success. Parts location, technical advice and a vast archive of ownership experience are here and yours to draw from. Fellow enthusiasts find themselves relying on each other for assistance. Advertisements for cars, parts, club regalia and reproduction items offered by vendors all dedicated solely to the Type 34 are all here on this website.

This website serves as a forum where people can discuss daily restoration issues with other owners, get up to the minute parts availability, and research the archives for information and literature on the Type 34. It also serves to educate enthusiasts and recruit Type 34 owners that might benefit from what's here.

The main gathering for the Type 34 Registry occurs yearly at the VW Classic in Irvine, California every June. While other meets are scheduled throughout the year, this event brings together the most Type 34s and holds the USA-record for the most assembled together outside the factory. In 2003, 28 Type 34s were organized by the Registry for this event. These events are the best place for enthusiasts to share their experiences an gather needed parts and information with the group swap efforts. Most people make it a weekend affair to enjoy the traditional Registry Dinner Cruise the night before the Classic and socialize with fellow Type 34 owners. While most years see between 10-15 cars, the smaller meets enjoy similar success as well.

Explore the menu items on the left to find out more about the T34 and the Registry! If you own one be sure to include your information in our database, post your story with some pictures and join the fun. If you have yet to find a T34 of your own, be sure to browse the classifieds. Your special Ghia might just be waiting for you!

Last Updated Friday, February 20 2004 @ 12:26 AM CST|12,794 Hits