1973 Volkswagen Type 181 Thing SUV

The Volkswagen Type 181 'Thing' was a very capable vehicle, built for both military and consumer use. The German government was in need of a durable transport vehicle that was nimble, lightweight, and inexpensive. Volkswagen saw the opportunity and produced the 'Thing' which was an off-road capable vehicle that could be driven on poor roads. The design was simple and was based on the World War German military light reconnaissance Type 82 Kubelwagens. Production began in 1969 at Wolfsburg, German and continued in German until 1971, when production was transferred to Puebla, Mexico. The Mexican produced versions were dubbed the 'Trekker' and 'Safari'. In 1972 the 'Thing' began selling in the United States and was sold until 1974 when it was dropped due to failing to meet the ever-evolving US safety standards. During those two years of sales in the US, it is believed that 25,000 units were sold.

The example shown carries chassis number 183015428 and engine number AM009473. It is finished in white with the interior finished in black vinyl with bucket front seats and bench rear seats. It was expected to fetch between $12,000-$18,000. That estimation proved to be accurate, as it was sold at $17,050.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2006