The VW Thing (technically the Type 181) was a military-style vehicle that most closely resembled the Jeep. But it was a rear-wheel drive “fun-mobile” that used the same rear-mounted engine as the VW Beetle. They were only sold in… more»
Thing
Sep 26, 2024 • For Sale • 19 Comments
Flood Project: 1973 VW Thing
Military-inspired vehicles have always found a place in the public car collective. From Jeeps to Hummers to G-Wagons, OEMs have always figured out how to provide some utilitarian designs to the masses. For sale in Philadelphia, PA, is Volkswagen’s… more»
Jun 20, 2024 • For Sale • 15 Comments
Recent Repaint: 1973 Volkswagen Thing
I read an interview with an executive from the automotive industry who stated that one of the most challenging aspects of vehicle development is devising a name for the new model destined for the showroom floor. Invoking an emotional… more»
Jan 23, 2024 • For Sale • 23 Comments
On Or Off Road Fun: 1978 VW The Thing Baja
The Volkswagen Thing has roots going back to the West German Army before it became available for civilian purchase back in 1968, and it’s truly one of those vehicles that sort of defies description, in written words anyway. But… more»
Nov 1, 2023 • For Sale • 17 Comments
Open Air Funmobile! 1973 Volkswagen Type 181 Thing
With the unseasonably cold weather we’re already experiencing in Middle Tennessee, spotting this topless 1973 VW Thing is making me long for spring or even a little more fall before winter officially sets in. With such a cool concept… more»
Sep 29, 2023 • For Sale • 27 Comments
Reluctant Sale: 1973 Volkswagen Thing Survivor
Here on eBay is a seller who doesn’t want to be a seller, with a 1973 Thing to sell. Volkswagen made these smart, fun utility vehicles from 1968 through 1980, but the US only enjoyed two model years of… more»
Mar 13, 2023 • For Sale • 22 Comments
Fair Weather, Open Air Funmobile: 1973 Volkswagen Thing
I’ve been living in my neck of the woods of North Carolina for 20 years and last week I spotted my first Volkswagen Thing on the road. And it was orange, too. So when I saw this orange Thing… more»
Feb 14, 2023 • For Sale • 17 Comments
Military-Style “Thing”: 1972 Volkswagen Type 181
At first glance, this looks like a VW Thing sold in the U.S. in 1972 and 1973. But it’s a Type 181 or Kurierwagen that may have been built for military use in 1972. With its removable roof and… more»
Nov 19, 2022 • For Sale • 8 Comments
Thirteen Year Nap: 1974 Volkswagen Thing
In 1968, Volkswagen recycled its Kubelwagen military vehicle into a civilian vehicle that became known as the Thing when it finally hit our shores in 1973. The Thing almost defies description. It’s not an SUV, it’s not a truck,… more»
Sep 16, 2022 • For Sale • 36 Comments
A Little Thing: 1973 VW Thing Shorty
If somebody pointed at this unusual-looking two-seater and said, “What is THAT Thing,?” well, they’d be halfway right. It’s a 1973 Volkswagen Thing that’s had a major “midsection reduction” and is now officially a Shorty. Just when you thought… more»
May 1, 2021 • For Sale • 17 Comments
The Thing In The Barn: 1973 Volkswagen 181
The Thing In The Barn sounds like a low-budget horror flick. And I remember saying, “What was THAT?” when I passed one in the granny lane back in 1973. It looked like Dr. Frankenstein had crossed my dad’s ‘72… more»
Dec 29, 2020 • For Sale • 16 Comments
Cheap Thing: 1974 Volkswagen Thing Project
The VW Thing was known as the Type 181 on its home turf, starting out as a utility vehicle developed for the West German Army. It became available in the civilian market starting in 1968 and enjoyed a run… more»
Jul 12, 2019 • For Sale • 5 Comments
1-Of-400! 1974 VW Thing Acapulco Edition
If you’re an Air-Cooled Aficionado, you need to see this! It’s a special edition one-year-only car, and it’s available here on craigslist near Tempe, Arizona. Thanks go to Ikey Heyman for suggesting it!
Aug 3, 2018 • For Sale • 36 Comments
Let’s Hit The Beach: 1975 Volkswagen THING
There’s no doubt about it: Barn Finds reader Michael certainly refers an eclectic range of cars to us. I recently wrote an article on a 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 Convertible that he referred. Now we have something that is… more»
