The Type 14 was the most well known and prevalent variant of the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. Mechanically based on the Type 1 Beetle, the Karmann was styled by Italian design house Ghia, and featured bodywork sculpted by German coachbuilder Karmann. A convertible version of the Type 14 was introduced in 1957, and in 1961 the entire lineup received a facelift, with wider front grills and updated and repositioned tailights being notable changes. As the Type 14 was based on the Beetle, the Karmann Ghia's engine was updated concurrently with the Beetle's, eventually ending with a 1.6L flat four engine at the end of the model's life.