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The Volkswagen Type 181, variously known as the Thing, the Trekker, and the Safari,
is a vehicle developed for the civilian market in the 1960's from the Type 82 Kubelwagen
used by Germany during WWII as a light field transport vehicle.The Type 82 was derived
from the KDFwagen chassis platform, a mass produced "people's car" for German families
designed by Ferdinand Porsche at the request of Adolf Hitler.
An updated, civilian version of the Kubelwagen with new bodywork was renamed the Type 181
and introduced in the U.S. in the late 1973 as the Thing. The first car ever imported
from Mexico to the US.
The VW Thing is built on a chassis pan similar to, but different than that used in the
Karman Ghia, and the running gear shares some parts with Beetles and Busses, while including
other parts that are unique to the 181. Being built from the same basic chassis pan, the
Thing's specifications are similar to those of the Beetle and Microbus.
This 1973 Volkswagen "Thing" Convertible is extremely fun to drive. The ultimate
"Fun in the Sun" wagon. The exterior is Yellow with a black interior, new black soft top and side
curtains. Under the hood a rebuilt 1584cc flat 4 46 hp with a 4spd manual synchromesh transmission
and special exhaust powers this little wagon. Upgrades from the original civilian version of the
Kubelwagen include, squared fenders, new door latches, headlights mounted in, rather than on
the front fenders and the addition of bumpers. A good restored example, solid throughout.
Runs and drives very well.
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