1974 Volkswagen Type 181 Thing Cabriolet

The Volkswagen Thing was derived from military projects and based on the mechanicals of the Type 1 Beetle. It had a Karmann Ghia floorpan with a 1,500 and 1600cc version of the air-cooled flat four engine. All transmissions were 4-speed manual Volkswagen units. Production began in Germany in 1969, with early units delivered to the German Army, as well as Dutch and Belgian forces. Civilian sales followed in 1971, by which time Mexican production had started. The United States market began receiving the Thing in 1972. It was withdrawn from the United States market after 1974.

During the production lifespan which reached 1983, a total of 90,000 examples were built.

This particular Volkswagen type 181 Thing was given a restoration that was completed in December of 2018. It is finished in Atlas White (code # L-90C) paint, over a weatherproof Sunbrella brand Acapulco inspired Blue and White interior. The engine is a 1584cc air-cooled overhead valve flat four-cylinder engine fitted with a single Solex 34 PICT 3 carburetor and delivering 46 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual transmission and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2019