A very good friend with whom I went to medicine university together owned a Karmann Ghia during his first years of study. He loved this car and I never really understood him. After buying a Porsche 993, I got a glimpse of why he loved the Karmann Ghia: it was actually a low power Porsche 911 which could remind some people of the very first Porsche models. The engine/engine sound and the interior provided another Porsche feel. My friend works now as a doctor in the UK and has three kids (he's married to a very nice scottish woman). And guess what he wants to buy in the future: yes, an old 911.
Sorry to hear about this sad story.