Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Tyres

Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Convertible
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia 1955–1974
- Most of the standard type 14 Karmann Ghia from 1955 were equipped originally with crossply 560 - 15 Tyres.
- If you do desire a crossply then the 5.60 x 15 Firestone is the best option for the type 14 Karmann Ghia.
- If you would like to fit a radial equivalent tyre the 155 R15 will give the correct light steering feel.
- The 165-15 Tyres will give the correct diameter but will feel slightly heavier on the steering.
- We suggest either the 155 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 or 165 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 would be the best handling tyres for a Karmann Ghia.
- Michelin produce the 155 TR 15 Michelin X and 165 SR 15 Michelin XZX which are also great value options.
- In addition, Michelin make a 165R15 Michelin XZX Whitewall tyre, allowing white wall lovers not to compromise their car's performance.
- We would suggest the 15E Michelin is the perfect Karmann Ghia innertube.
- Early Karmann Ghia models fitted tube-type wheels. In later editions, some cars were fitted with double hump wheels (that can be run tubeless) but others still had the standard tube-type wheel. The tubeless wheel was available from as late as 1972, likely earlier than 1972 but we do not hard evidence of this. See our Innertube Guides below for more information.
- If you have OE tubeless wheels on a pre-1972 Karmann Ghia please get in contact so we can update our information.
- Karmann Ghia Tyre pressures – we suggest 19psi in the front and 29psi in the rear.
Razor Edge Ghia Tyres
- The Type 34 Karmann Ghia or Razor Edge Ghia, as it was called, fitted 600 - 15 crossply tyres.
- The radial alternative to a 6.00-15 tyre is a 165R15 tyre, or 165/80R15, as it is a full profile tyre.
- The later 1968 Karmann Ghia, like the Porsche of the period fitted 165 VR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 N.

1967 Karman Ghia Type 34 1600
History of the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
Recognised almost as readily as the immortal Beetle itself, and with a cult following all of its own, the Karmann Ghia was in its makers own words a Volkswagen for people who can't stand the sight of a Volkswagen! Hand-built by Karmann at its Osnabruck works, VW's top of the range coupe married a modified beetle floor pan and running gear to stylish coachwork by Carrozeria Ghia.
Launched in 1955 in 1200cc form, the Karmann Ghia kept abreast of mainstream beetle developments, it gained all-synchromesh transmission and progressively larger and more powerful engines. A cabriolet appeared in 1957 and in 1959 the cars front end had a subtle restyle with raised headlamps and enlarged intakes. From 1967 the model was built with the 1500cc engine, gaining the 1584cc unit in 1970 and undergoing front and rear restyling.
A: The original crossply tyre for a Karman Ghia was 5.60-15, for which the ideal radial alternative would be 155 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO or Michelin X. a 165R15 is also a good radial tyre for a Karmann Ghia.
A: Michelin make a 165SR15 White Wall XZX which is perfect for a Karmann Ghia in need of whitewall tyres.
Innertube Guides

1972 Michelin Volkswagen Fitment Guide

1974 Michelin Volkswagen Fitment Guide
