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A WONDERFUL ORIGINAL CONDITION SURVIVOR

The Volkswagen Type 181 “The Thing” was an updated version of the German military’s Type 82 Kubelwagen. Rather than using the Type 82’s mechanical setup, however, the Thing rode on a combination of a Beetle drivetrain and a Type II Transporter suspension. Like the rest of the VW lineup, the Type 181 placed the air-cooled, 1584-cc engine in the rear and used the motor’s 46 hp to drive the rear wheels.

While the Beetle had charm, the Thing was much more utilitarian. Nary a curve on the car, it had a removable top, a folding windshield, and hose-it-out practicality. While it would never be confused for a Jeep, Land Rover, or Land Cruiser on the trail, it could manage to stray off the pavement, and was particularly fun on the beach.

This is a great chance to get a true survivor. Very good/excellent originals are hard to find. You can always get a restored example, but you can't create another unmolested example like this one. It has no needs. This is as close to a new 1973 VW Thing that you will find.

Conditions:

Body /paint (paint 97% factory original) in very good to excellent condition, with no history of accidents or damage.

Chrome/bright work are in excellent condition.

Weatherstripping/rubber parts are in very good condition.

Wheels/tires are in very good to excellent condition ( tires are in new condition)

Top/side curtains/boot are in very good condition with no problem areas.

Glass/windshield is in very good condition with no cracks or chips.

Wheel wells/suspension are in very good original condition ( see pics)

Engine/engine compartment are in very good condition, nicely detailed.

Trunk area is in very good condition (jack, tools, spare)

Undercarriage is in very good original condition, with only slight surface corrosion (no repairs to floors have ever been needed, (see pics)

Interior: seats are in very good original condition, dash/gauges/steering wheel in excellent condition, new wood floors & wicker tray under dash, over all interior condition is in very good to excellent condition.

The Thing runs and drives like new. It has no issues and is ready to drive and enjoy.

The Thing is being sold 'as is', with no warranties. Please go over the description and photos well, to get a good feel of this VW before you place a bid. I have many more photos of the car, plus a folder of invoices, booklets and window sticker to show its history. Please feel free to call if you would like to go over any details. 419-618-3855 Chuck
The car is bring offered on other sites and locally. We reserve the right to end the auction before it conclusion.

On Jul-25-14 at 17:21:44 PDT, seller added the following information:

We have lowered the reserve price considerably. 7-25-14

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Volkswagen Thing for Sale