The 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 34 featured in the Ron Sturgeon Collection at the DFW Car & Toy Museum is a standout among Volkswagens—and not just for its sleek lines or rarity. Known affectionately as the "Razor Edge Ghia," this model was never officially sold in the United States, making any sighting on American soil a noteworthy occasion. The car's presence at the museum underscores the growing appreciation for obscure and European-market classics that rarely cross the Atlantic.
Styled by Italian design house Carrozzeria Ghia and hand-built by Karmann, the Type 34 is a more luxurious and angular sibling to the familiar Karmann Ghia Type 14. Its distinctive styling, refined cabin, and exclusivity earned it admiration across Europe—though few made the transatlantic journey. This particular example was reportedly purchased new in Europe and later brought stateside by a U.S. military service member. Finished in elegant beige, it retains hallmark features such as a two-spoke steering wheel with a Wolfsburg horn ring, chrome accents, and a push-button AM/FM radio. The interior also boasts crank windows, a locking glovebox, passenger grab handle, and a full VDO gauge cluster, including a 100-mph speedometer, clock, and aftermarket 6k-rpm tachometer.
The rear-mounted engine delivers power through a four-speed manual transaxle, while the front trunk houses the fuel tank and spare wheel, typical of VW's engineering layout. The odometer shows 54,000 miles, supporting its well-preserved status. "Most people have never seen a Type 34 in person—let alone one this complete," says Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. "It's a rare opportunity to experience a piece of VW history that was never meant for U.S. roads."
With only around 42,000 Type 34s produced globally and far fewer surviving today, this 1967 coupe is one of the rarest air-cooled Volkswagens ever built. Its display matters because it highlights a model that represents the pinnacle of Volkswagen's collaboration with Ghia, blending Italian flair with German engineering in a package that was ahead of its time. For enthusiasts, the 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 34 is a reminder of how diverse the VW lineup once was, and how rare it is to see such a complete example outside Europe. The car is an integral part of a collection that celebrates not just automotive beauty, but the stories and people behind each vehicle.
To view this rare Volkswagen and over 200 other classic vehicles and thousands of vintage toys, visit the DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. The museum, formerly known as the DFW Elite Toy Museum, is now located at 2550 McMillan Parkway and offers free parking and admission. Its website, dfwcarandtoymuseum.com, provides further details. The display of this Type 34 not only enriches the museum's offerings but also serves as a cultural bridge, allowing American audiences to connect with a piece of automotive history that was previously inaccessible.
