The big news for the 1958 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia was the introduction of the Convertible model in August 1957. It had been considered since 1954, along with the (fortunately forgotten) four-door version. The Convertible was strikingly handsome and added to the Coupe’s image as an elegant option for Volkswagen people who wanted something sexier.

The Coupe shell was strengthened with reinforced bulkheads and braces to the sills. The convertible top was spectacular and tight-fitting, with a wool headliner and horsehair filling. It lowered into the rear seat well, unlike the Beetle, which looked like it was carrying a mattress when you put the top down.

The Karmann Ghia continued with the 36 bhp, 1,192 cc air-cooled flat four-cylinder engine from the Beetle. The transmission was a 4-speed with crash first gear, brakes were drums and the fuel tank capacity was 10.5 gallons, with one-gallon reserve.

The Convertible was officially 66 lbs heavier than the Coupe though the official figures are suspect, as the reinforcement was substantial. Performance was listed as the same, though that seems unlikely as well. In any case, 0-60 mph in 34.2 seconds was leisurely at best. The Coupe cost $2,445, while the Convertible was $2,725, or almost $300 more expensive.

Coupe sales totaled 14,415 for the year with 4,392 Convertibles. An initial 105 Convertibles were built in 1957 as stocks were accumulated, and can be added to the total.

The Convertible came in a new range of exterior colors, in use from August 1957 to December 1958. They included Black, Pearl White, Diamond Gray, Amazon Green, Graphite Silver and Bernina Blue. Convertible interiors included tweed cloth and leatherette options tied to exterior colors.