Both Coupe and Convertible versions of the 1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia continued with the 30 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 four-wheel drums and the fuel tank capacity was 10.5 gallons, with one-gallon reserve. Production of the Coupe rose to 17,196 units this year and 4585 Convertibles were sold. The Coupe cost $2,445 and the Convertible $2,725, which was unchanged from the past year. Interior colors were changed from January to July 1959 but, more importantly, Volkswagen changed the front end styling of the Karmann Ghia late in the year. Cars built before August 1959 wore the more attractive “low-light” nose and are more desirable than the later, raised headlight cars.