The Karmann Gipsy was a compact off-road utility vehicle produced in the 1970s and early 1980s by Wilhelm Karmann GmbH, the German coachbuilder known for specialty vehicle manufacturing. The Gipsy was developed as a lightweight, multi-purpose vehicle designed for both civilian and utility use, including agricultural and recreational applications.

Unlike traditional steel-bodied vehicles, the Karmann Gipsy featured a fiberglass body mounted on a steel chassis, reducing weight and improving resistance to corrosion. It was typically equipped with four-wheel drive and simple mechanical components, making it suitable for off-road terrain and rural environments. Engine options were modest in output, focusing on reliability rather than high performance.

Produced in relatively limited numbers, the Karmann Gipsy remains a niche and uncommon model. It represents a period of experimentation in lightweight off-road vehicle design and reflects Karmann’s role in producing specialized automotive projects beyond conventional passenger cars.