1974 | Volkswagen Thing 1600

The Volkswagen Type 181 was a two-wheel drive, four-door, convertible, off-roader, manufactured by Volkswagen from 1968 to 1983. Originally developed for the West German Army, the Type 181 was also sold to the public. If you bought one in the United Kingdom, you'd have bought a 'Trekker'; if you'd bought one in Mexico it would have been a 'Safari'; If you bought one in the United States, you'd have bought a 'Thing'. Back in Germany, however, the civilian car was known as the Kurierwagen.

The Type 181 had its roots in the earlier Volkswagen Kübelwagen, used by the German army in World War II, but the two cars share nothing more than their designs. Mechanically, the Type 181 is comprised of existing Volkswagen parts: the floorpans are from a Karmann Ghia, the rear-mounted flat-four engine from a T1, and the suspension in the earlier examples was from a Transporter. A notable feature of the Type 181 is the modular design, whereby the doors and roof are removable, and the canopy and windscreen fold flat.

This Kurierwagen was tastefully enhanced by a previous owner to evoke the earlier Kübelwagen. The front wings are much smaller and do not cover the side or front of the front wheels, and the bowled headlights are mounted on top of the wings. The rear lights are mounted on the bumper, leaving the rear panel uncluttered. There is also the base of an aerial point on the rear bumper, which is not connected, and a petrol-driven heater, yet to be completed.

The current keeper has taken good care of his Kurierwagen, and with a bit of fettling it will be back to its very best condition. However, should its next owner want an honest, reliable, fun car to take to the beach, or the pub, they should look no further; the vendor assures us that the car hasn't missed a beat during his ownership. It's had some light modification in the last few years, including a recent respray, and the most significant alteration was an extension to the seat rails, owing to the current owner being very tall.

Provided with this Kurierwagen are its original German registration documentation, MoT test certificate and service history, as well as some invaluable spare parts. Also supplied are the Type 181 Registry parts manual, extensive wiring diagrams, and comprehensive maintenance diagrams. This 181's current keeper purchased the car in late 2022 and is now ready to be enjoyed by its next! Consigned by Charlie McCreery

Lot details
Year: 1974
Make: Volkswagen
Model: Type 181 'Kurierwagen'
Registration: VMP 115S
Chassis No: 1862007997
Odometer: 2,000


* Tasteful evocation of the famous Volkswagen Kübelwagen

* Original German documentation