It is slow, uncomfortable, unsophisticated - and just wonderful. In a Volkswagen Type 181 ”The Thing” you will be loved by everybody - and now there is one for sale on Bilweb Auctions.
Originally developed for the army in West Germany in the late Sixties, the Type 181 gradually became Lifestyle car with cousins as the Mini-Moke and the Citroen Mehari. It was a perfect fit for those who wanted to hang on the the hippie and surfer cultures. The name ”The Thing” was chosen for the US market in order to accentuate the simplicity, robustness and anti-luxury image. In Germany it was called ”Kurierwagen”, in the UK ”Trekker”, in Mexico ”Safari” and in Italy ”Pescaccia”.
Type 181 was built upon the same platform as the Karmann-Ghia and the Volkswagen Type 1, the Beetle. The iconic air-cooled engine is instantly recognized when lifting the engine lid and the spares supply, including trim options, are almost infinite.
The car in the auction was built in the VW factory in Puebla, Mexico in 1974 and deported over the border to sunny California. In 1984 it was imported to Sweden and since then six enthusiast owners has cared for the car, resulting in a very good and roadworthy condition.
It is painted in a very typical Seventies color, Avocado Green. The other color options was Pumpkin Orange, Blizzard White and Sunshine Yellow.
What strikes the onlooker is that basically all the body sheet metal is flat, apart from the pressings for increased rigidity. This gives ”The Thing” a very characteristic design. The wind screen can be dropped down and the side windows detached and put in the trunk, providing a maximized open feeling. The interior is very much Volkswagen in the 1970s with, among others, the steering wheel och the speedometer from the late 1303 Beetle version.
Acceleration 0-100 km/h? Maybe. Top speed? Irrelevant. Horse power? A few. A Volkswagen ”The Thing” is desirable for completely different reasons. Like being the coolest regardless of context.
Bilweb Auctions has estimated the value of the Type 181 ”The Thing” to between 130 000 and 150 000 SEK. The auction closes on 2 February.
30 JAN 09:10 PER-ÅKE FRÖBERG
Volkswagen ”The Thing” - a car for everybody to love
It is slow, uncomfortable, unsophisticated - and just wonderful. In a Volkswagen Type 181 ”The Thing” you will be loved by everybody - and now there is one for sale on Bilweb Auctions.
