Volkswagen’s Karmann Ghia was almost at the end of the line, and the company decided against modifying it to meet more stringent crash regulations. Even so, the 1973 model gained a wider front and rear track. The fuel pump was improved, new Girling disc brakes were fitted up front and the engine and transaxle mounts stiffened up. The rear seat was removed as a result of safety regulations and seat belts now had a warning buzzer.

Karmann Ghia models utilized the final version of their engine – the twin-port 1585 cc flat-four, producing 46 net bhp. Numerous options were available at extra cost, including air conditioning, AM/FM stereo, wood steering wheel and shift knob, racing stripes and even a tissue dispenser.

A 3-speed semi-automatic transmission (called Automatic Stick Shift) was still offered for the Karmann Ghia Coupe and Convertible, but it was never popular and quite a few cars were subsequently fitted with 4-speed manuals.

Coupe sales dwindled further this year to 10,462 and Convertible production dropped again to 2555. These would be the last convertibles. Prices rose 10 percent for the 1973 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, with the Coupe costing $3050 and the Convertible $3450.

Thirteen exterior colors included Sunshine Yellow, Saturn Yellow, Amber, Bahia Red, Phoenix Red, Black, Olympic Blue, Zambesi Green, Ravenna Green, Light Ivory, Alaska Blue Metallic, Marathon Blue Metallic and Saturn Yellow Metallic.