VW 181 - Thing / Kübel / Safari

Dedicated to the Volkswagen Type 181 Kurierwagen. In the US it is known as "The Thing", in Germany as "Kübel", in Mexico as "Safari" and the Type 182 with RHD is known as "Trekker" in the UK. Originally designed and built for the german military of the late 60s & 70s, the Thing was also popular as a tough working horse or just a fun ride... var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-30716195-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })();

[lowestthing]

[vw181-blog]

Ex army Volkswagen 181 used by military police

[vw181-blog]

wiring diagram for VW Thing...compare that with your SUV...

[vw181-blog]

Complete german army radio device built into the back of a VW 181.  

[otherpeoplesthings]

Volkswagen Type I “Kurierwagen,”  also known as the “Thing” (in the USA 1973-75). I have a lot of respect for this vehicle.  It’s a Type I, but has eschewed the laid back Beetle image in favor of utility and durability (could use some AWD of course)…one of those rare cars that actually looks better when it has the crap beat out of it.  Plus it’s rear engine, rear drive…if only it was a LWB wagon I’d be sold. Shame that the Thing had too short of a life, mainly due to DOT regulations that required the windshield to be further away from the front occupants. Valid point, I guess.

Seen in SW Portland  

[vwdubthing]

Thing by dez&john3313 on Flickr.

[volkswagencars-blog]

1973 Volkswagen Thing.

[process-vision]

1973 Volkswagen 181 “The Thing”

[vw-history]

[vw181-blog]

VW 181 in Danish Army 

[opferziege]

[vw181-blog]

Sales brochure of military VW 181 made in Mexico...

[vw181-blog]

VW Kübel in the german army at Fliegerhorst Leipheim 

[vw181-blog]

1972 VW 181 Thing from Tenerife, Canary Islands....

[vw181-blog]

VW Thing accessories...

[vw181-blog]

VW Safari 1972

[vw181-blog]

[vw181-blog]