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this car runs and drives nice.

History of the 1971-1975 Volkswagen Type 181 "The Thing"

The Volkswagen Type 181 “The Thing” was an updated version of the German military’s Type 82 Kubelwagen. Rather than using the Type 82’s mechanical setup, owever, he Thing rode on a combination of a Bettle driveline and a Type II Transporter suspension. Like the rest of the VW lineup, he Type 181 placed the air-cooled, 584-cc engine in the rear and use the motor’s 46 hp to drive the rear wheels.

While the Beetle had charm, he Thing was much more utilitarian. Nary a curve on the car, t had a removable top, folding windshield, nd hose-it-out practicality. While it would never be confused for a jeep, and Rover, r Land Cruiser on the trail, t could manage to stray off the pavement, nd was particularly fun on the beach.

Much like during its two-year production run, he Volkswagen Thing today is a quirky, ye-catching ride. Its bright and wild 1970s colors, ombined with the caonvertible’s boxiness make it stand out in a sea of uniform cars. Models from 1974 are slightly more desirable due to their 55 hp, hough condition and color tend to drive value more than model year. Top of the packing order is the visually unique Acapulco Edition, hich is decked out in a blue-and-white striped Surrey top. Cars that retain their original hard top are also popular. Keeping a Thing streetable is not difficult given their commonality with the ubiquitous Beetle, nd prices tend to be reasonable as a result. Consequently, uyers can afford to be choosy.

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The Volkswagen Type 181 “The Thing” was an updated version of the German military’s Type 82 Kubelwagen.

Rather than using the Type 82’s mechanical setup, owever, he Thing rode on a combination of a Bettle driveline and a Type II Transporter suspension.

Like the rest of the VW lineup, he Type 181 placed the air-cooled, 584-cc engine in the rear and use the motor’s 46 hp to drive the rear wheels.

While the Beetle had charm, he Thing was much more utilitarian.

Nary a curve on the car, t had a removable top, folding windshield, nd hose-it-out practicality.

While it would never be confused for a jeep, and Rover, r Land Cruiser on the trail, t could manage to stray off the pavement, nd was particularly fun on the beach.

Much like during its two-year production run, he Volkswagen Thing today is a quirky, ye-catching ride.

Its bright and wild 1970s colors, ombined with the caonvertible’s boxiness make it stand out in a sea of uniform cars.

Models from 1974 are slightly more desirable due to their 55 hp, hough condition and color tend to drive value more than model year.

Cars that retain their original hard top are also popular.

Keeping a Thing streetable is not difficult given their commonality with the ubiquitous Beetle, nd prices tend to be reasonable as a result.