Here is a list of the interesting books on the subject of the Karmann-Ghia that I have found to date. Unfortunately, no single title encompasses all of the interesting facts. The books listed here are still available in German bookstores at the present time (1998/1999).

	Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia Die Autos und ihre Geschichte 1955-1974 Laurence Meredith, 1994 German-language edition 1995 Motorbuch Verlag, D-70032 Stuttgart ISBN 3-613-01698-2 80 pages, German, 21cm * 26cm This book contains a lot of pictures and an agreeably large amount of text, including a detailed history, complete with photographs of prototypes, photos of details of the various Karmann-Ghia production years, a few pages on the subject of tuning, textual lists of colors, production numbers, chassis numbers, and simple technical information. This book is my current favorite. It describes the history and the changes made to the Karmann-Ghia in great detail and also discusses the road performance of the various models, names names on the subject of tuning and provides a few practical tips for today's Karmann-Ghia owner. This book also devotes 13 pages to an intensive discussion of the little-produced, square type 34 Ghia. Unfortunately, the textual color lists, which are included as an appendix, includes some errors. The bright orange of my Karmann-Ghia does not appear on the list, although it is mentioned in German catalogues. On the other hand, the black that is listed only existed as a roof color.
	Zeitreise Unterwegs im Karmann-Ghia Lutz Gaas, 1999 Autovision-Verlag, Hamburg ISBN 3-9805832-4-4 96 pages, German, 25,5cm * 17,5cm Nice book with a lot of documentated b/w pictures, complete with photographs of some prototypes, the Karmann-Ghias from Brazil and cars with beetle-based chassis, photographs of the Karmann-Ghias parents, pictures of the production and some technical information. A really nice book from Lutz Gaas - member of the Karmann Ghia IG Südheide club.
	Markt Buch VW Karmann-Ghia Schnittige Volkwagen aus Osnabrück Dieter Günther, 1988 VF Verlagsgesellschaft, Wiesbaden ISBN 3-926917-03-2 100 pages, German, 21cm * 28cm A book with a lot of text and a lot of photographs, a detailed history of the Karmann-Ghia, complete with photographs of many prototypes and comparative models on a VW basis, a few pages devoted to the subject of tuning, sales advice with weak points, miniature models, production numbers, chassis numbers and some technical information. What is particularly interesting in this book are the prototypes presented of models that were never built and the historical environment in which the Karmann-Ghia was created. No comparable treatment of these subjects can be found in any of the other books discussed here. The sales advice and the illustrated welded joints of the type 14 can also be of great assistance. Unfortunately, the pictures and the text are not synchronized, so that one is often obliged to search through half the book to find the photograph corresponding to a certain passage in the text, or wonder at the fact that the pictures on a certain page do not match the text.
	Technothek VW Karmann-Ghia Stuart Johnston, 1995 German language edition 1996 HEEL Verlag GmbH, D-53639 Königswinter ISBN 3-89365-535-2 126 pages, German, 21cm * 23cm This book includes very nice pictures, history, detail photos of the Karmann-Ghia, yearly models, production numbers and chassis numbers, simple technical information and contact addresses. Even if this book divulges precious few technical details, cannot serve as an instruction manual for amateur mechanics and includes some photos of disfigured Karmann-Ghias (e.g. with additional cooling grilles), it would nevertheless serve as a good introduction to the world of Karmann-Ghias. After reading this book, one should at least have less trouble identifying the various model years, for several details are made clearly and easily distinguishable by means of a series of photographs. Warning: this book does not deal in any depth with the little-produced, square type 34 Karmann-Ghia!
	Schrader-Motor-Chronik Karmann Ghia Coupés und Cabriolets 1955-74 Halwart Schrader 2nd edition 1996 Schrader Verlag, D-70032 Stuttgart ISBN 3-613-87062-2 95 pages, German, 21cm * 19,5cm A brief historical introduction and many reproductions of interesting advertising brochures on the Karmann-Ghia (e.g. as well as patterns for both models). In addition, simple technical information, original new prices and excerpts from the motor press on the Karmann-Ghia. For those who would like to transported back to the era of the Karmann-Ghia, this book includes many interesting advertising brochures and information from the period. Unfortunately, few of the photographs are in color...
	Vom Kutschenbauer zum Auto-Karossier Karmann - die Geschichte eines Familien-Unternehmens Dieter Knust 1st edition 1996 Verlag Meinders & Elstermann GmbH & Co. KG, D-49191 Belm ISBN 3-88926-896-X 256 pages, German, 18cm * 24,5cm A very interesting book on the background of the firm's history from 1901 until today. In addition to the connection to Volkswagen, relations with Opel, Siemens (prototypes), Adler, Ford, DKW, Porsche, BMW and others are explained. This book also deals with the plant in Brazil and the models built there.
	Der Käfer Eine Dokumentation, IV Sonderkarosserien, Cabriolet, Karmann-Ghia, Buggy, Auslandsproduktionen Dr. Hans-Rüdiger Etzold 1st edition 1995 Motorbuch Verlag, D-70032 Stuttgart ISBN 3-7168-1890-9 222 pages, German, 21,5cm * 25cm This book provides a good overview in words and pictures of what beetle-based chassis one can encounter or could have encountered, as the case may be. This book devotes 25 pages to the Karmann-Ghia (only type 14) and its history. Some of the information it contains is unfortunately not included in the other books on the Karmann-Ghia. Thus it makes an interesting contribution to the literature.
	VW Dienst Reparaturhandbuch für Modelle 143 - Karmann Ghia Coupe und für Modell 141 - Karmann Ghia Cabriolet Firma Neuffer, Göttingen, Deutschland German, 21cm * 29,5cm This original VW service handbook (at least it looks original!) I obtained via the Neuffer company. It is particularly useful in dealing with problems with the Karmann-Ghia's construction, e.g. installing and removing door windows, lights, bumpers, etc. However, it also contains instructions on welding and chassis work.
	Volkswagen Original Teile Bildkatalog Ghia Mod. 141-144, Ghia Mod. 343-346, Kleinlieferwagen 147 Volkswagen AG Best.-Nr. 000.7600.38.89 German, 21cm * 29,5cm This catalogue contains many guided illustrations and gives advice on obtaining spare parts. However, it is also very interesting to just leaf through the book and thereby discover unknown parts or learn about differences among the various model series. I also obtained this book via the Neuffer Company.
	Volkswagen Official Service Manual Super Beetle, Beetle & Karmann Ghia 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979 Volkswagen AG ISBN 0-8376-0096-0 470 pages, English; 21cm * 28cm This book by VW is not directed towards laymen but rather specialists, who posses the necessary VW tools and technical knowledge. Apparently, this book was published only in an international, English-language version. For this reason, I have not obtained a copy for myself - after all, I am a computer specialist and not an automotive specialist! For my purposes, a simple "how to" book is perfectly adequate.
	So wird's gemacht pflegen, warten, reparieren Band 16 VW Käfer von 9/60 bis 12/86 Dr. Hans-Rüdiger Etzold 16the edition 1995 Verlag Delius, Klasing & Co., 33602 Bielefeld ISBN 3-7688-0237-X 200 pages, German, 19,5cm * 26cm A simple and extensive handbook on service and repair for the experienced handyman. With the help of many guided illustrations on subjects from brakes and coupling to cylinder heads, one quickly figures out what is to be done. As, in terms of its technology, the first, round type-14 Karmann-Ghia does not differ much from the beetle, the non-specialist can cover a lot of distance with this book.
	Schrader-Motor-Chronik VW Käfer Cabrio Karmann Ghia, Rometsch, etc 1949 - 80 Walter Zeichner 2nd edition 1997 Motorbuch Verlag, D-70032 Stuttgart ISBN 3-613-87015-0 94 pages, German, 21cm * 20cm This book deals primarily with the history of the VW beetle cabrio, which was primarily built by the Karmann company. On 11 pages, it deals a bit with the Karmann-Ghia. Sixteen additional pages are devoted to a comparison of the special chassis of Rometsch (models from 1951 to 1961), Otten (model MCA Jetstar), Heusel (design: Colani), Enzmann and Denzel. Most importantly, this book contains reproductions of brochures, which are briefly documented.
	VW Treasures by Karmann Karmann Ghia, Beetle Convertibles, Rabbit Convertibles, Scirocco Jan P. Norbye ISBN 0-87938-202-3 I haven't looked at this yet! Thanks to Michael Hammer from Danemark for this tip.
	VW Käfer einschließlich Karmann-Ghia Jonathan Wood, 1996 HEEL Verlag GmbH, D-53639 Königswinter ISBN 3-89365-473-9 156 pages, German I haven't looked at this yet! This book might be out of print.
	Motor Klassik Das Oldtimermagazin von auto, motor und sport Ausgabe 7/1998 Der Käfer im Maßanzug: VW Karmann Ghia ISSN 0177-8862 Vereinigte Motor-Verlage GmbH & Co. KG, D-70174 Stuttgart 10 of 148 pages, German, 23cm * 30cm An extensive report, including history and good sales advice on the round Karmann-Ghia type 14. Unfortunately, some of the entries are poorly researched (the railroad track bumpers already existed in 1970) or even wrong (a four-seater prototype is presented as the first prototype). Furthermore, the selection of literature is rather poor. Nevertheless, in general the article is worth reading.
	Motor Klassik Das Oldtimermagazin von auto, motor und sport Ausgabe 12/1998 Nachruf: Wilhelm Karmann ISSN 0177-8862 Vereinigte Motor-Verlage GmbH & Co. KG, D-70174 Stuttgart 1 1/2 of 148 pages, German, 23cm * 30cm A brief obituary of Wilhelm Karmann II, who died on October 25. Unfortunately, in my opinion, somewhat too brief. Many ordinary daily papers printed as much.
	Auto Bild Ausgabe Nr. 49, 4. Dezember 1998 Die Legende lebt, Karmann baut wieder einen Ghia Axel Springer Verlag AG, D-20350 Hamburg 4 of 86 pages, German, 23cm * 32cm According to the headlines, this edition is supposed to contain information on the new Karmann-Ghia; well, there's not much to be found. What are nevertheless very interesting are the many (approximately 30) photos of cars built by Karmann. Its low price of only DM 1.90 makes it worthwhile.
	VW Speed Das Magazin für die VW-Szene Ausgabe März/April 1998 SonnenSchein: Karmann Replika zum Träumen ISSN 1433-4542 Verlag Delius, Klasing & Co., 33602 Bielefeld 5 of 148 pages, German, 21,5cm * 28cm This is as yet the only report that I have seen on a rather interesting replica of a Karmann-Ghia convertible made by the Rudolf GFK workshop near Cologne. The text may not be very in-depth, but the pictures speak for themselves.
	Eine Idee macht Geschichte Die Volkswagen Chronik Volkswagen AG, Öffentlichkeitsarbeit Best.-Nr. 075.802.101.00 59 pages, German, 21cm * 29,5cm Company presentations of the firm's history from the VW beetle to the corrado. Sadly, the Karmann-Ghia is referred to only in passing.

If you know of other books on the subject of the Karmann-Ghia, please e-mail me the title and other information (e.g. ISBN number, cover picture). I will then add the information to this list as soon as I can.