Volkswagen Thing (Type-181) 1974

[Volksauto]

In the late 1960's, Volkswagen created a military vehicle for west Germany mainly to compete with vehicles like the Europa Jeep. The car VW created was named the Type 181 and was heavily inspired by the Type 82 "Kübelwagen" made in WWII. Like the Kübelwagen, the Type 181 used a Type 1 or Beetle engine and running gear. The 181 also used the Karmann Ghia's floor pans. The car was pretty much the equivalent to a German Jeep. It was VERY utilitarian, had a folding windscreen, snap-in side windows, and removable doors. Made between 1968 and 1983, the 181 was also available for the civilian market in many countries. In America, where it was sold as "The Thing", was available for only two years: 1973 and 1974. The thing was powered by VW's 1.6 liter twin port boxer four and produced 60 horsepower.​