Volkswagen Type 181 Thing
The Volkswagen Type 181, marketed as 'The Thing' in America, the 'Trekker' in the UK, and the 'Kurierwagen' in Germany, is one of the most charmingly absurd vehicles ever mass-produced. Based on the Beetle's air-cooled platform but with a body inspired by the wartime Kubelwagen, the Type 181 was originally developed for the German Bundeswehr (military) before finding an unexpected audience among civilian buyers who fell in love with its open-air simplicity.
The Thing was about as basic as a car could be. The body was made of flat steel panels that could be straightened with a hammer or replaced easily. The doors, windshield, and convertible top were all removable. The rear-mounted 1.6-liter air-cooled flat-four engine produced just 46 hp — barely enough to motivate the lightweight body to highway speeds. The four-speed manual gearbox had no synchromesh on first gear.
But the Thing had an irresistible charm. With the top down, the doors removed, and the windshield folded flat, it was as close to driving nothing as you could get while still technically being in a car. It was supremely practical for beach duty, farm work, or simply enjoying a warm day. The flat body panels and mechanical simplicity meant it could be maintained by anyone with basic tools.
In the United States, the Thing was sold from 1973-1974 before being withdrawn due to upcoming federal safety regulations it could never have met. In Mexico, production continued until 1983. The American market cars — approximately 25,000 units — are the most sought-after today.
The Type 181 shared its mechanical components with the Beetle and Bus, making parts readily available. The air-cooled engine, while slow, is reliable and easy to work on. The simplicity that made the Thing a mediocre military vehicle makes it an excellent recreational car.
Today, the Thing is a cult classic with a devoted following. Values have risen sharply as enthusiasts appreciate its unique character, mechanical simplicity, and undeniable fun factor. Good examples are increasingly hard to find, as decades of beach use and minimal rust protection have taken their toll.
Rust is the primary concern — the flat body panels and minimal sealing make the Thing highly susceptible. Check floor pans, battery tray, lower body panels, and fender edges. The Beetle-based mechanicals are simple and well-supported by a vast aftermarket. Original canvas tops deteriorate and replacements are available but not cheap. Original paint colors are important for value. US-market (1973-74) cars are most desirable. Check for Mexican-market cars that have been imported — they may have different specifications. The flat panel construction makes bodywork relatively straightforward.
Approximately 90,883 units produced (1969-1983). Primary production at Wolfsburg, Germany (1969-1978) with continued Mexican production at Puebla (1970-1983). US-market sales ran only 1973-1974 (approximately 25,000 units). Military versions were delivered to the Bundeswehr and NATO allies. The platform was based on the Beetle/Karmann Ghia floorpan with a unique body.