The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia was a very affordable European-style sports car that sold from 1955 to 1974. It featured the chassis and modified-engine from the Volkswagen Beetle along with the Euro-styling of Italian car designer, Luigi Segre.

When Hot Wheels designer, Phil Riehlman did his take on the classic sports car, he made it into a modified race car. Classic car lovers everywhere fell over in disbelief as they could not believe Phil messed with the classic design. The small group of Hot Wheels enthusiasts who understand that Hot Wheels are “Customized California Miniatures” ended up loving the race-inspired Ghia. It was dubbed the “GOFAST GHIA” due to the saying written on the spoiler in one of Phil’s drawings.

While the Ghia briefly appeared on a limited basis in the 2006 First Editions, it has been relegated to the premium lines since its appearance in the 2007 Ultra Hots. The Karmann Ghia shown below was the 2nd of 2 colorways in the Ultra Hots of 2007. It featured a metal body/chassis, real rider tires & and opening “hood” as this was the premise behind the Ultra Hots line. The black piece you see on the back/top of this Ghia actually comes off to reveal the engine.

So if its “Customized California Miniatures” you’re after, this race-inspired Ghia fits the bill. If its realism you’re after, your best bet is to find the Ghia in another brand of diecast or to try and track down one of the 100% Hot Wheels releases shown >> HERE.

RELEASE DETAILS: Purple Pearl Body (metal). Smoke-Tinted Windows. White Interior. Real Riders Preferred Wheels. Unpainted Metal Base. Made in Malaysia. Toy# L0480. Released in 2007 as part of the Ultra Hots Series.