1974 Volkswagen Thing

The 1974 Volkswagen Thing, known as the "Volkswagen Type 181" in Europe and "Volkswagen Thing" in the United States, was a unique and quirky vehicle produced by the German automaker Volkswagen. The Thing was originally developed for military use but was later made available to the civilian market.

The Volkswagen Thing had a distinctive and rugged appearance. It featured a boxy, utilitarian design with flat body panels and removable doors. The convertible top could be folded down for open-air driving, and the windshield could be folded flat.

The 1974 Volkswagen Thing was powered by an air-cooled, rear-mounted 1.6-liter flat-four engine. It was similar to the engine used in other Volkswagen models of the era. In the United States, this engine produced around 46 horsepower.

It typically came with a 4-speed manual transmission, which was the standard for many Volkswagen models of that time. The Thing was designed to be a versatile vehicle and was capable of off-road driving. It had a raised ride height and featured rear-wheel drive with optional four-wheel drive for improved traction in challenging terrain.

The interior of the Thing was basic and straightforward, with durable materials used to withstand outdoor and off-road conditions. The rear bench seat could be folded down to increase cargo space. Safety features were relatively minimal by today's standards. The Thing lacked advanced safety features commonly found in modern vehicles.

While the Volkswagen Thing was a unique and interesting vehicle, it had a relatively short production run in the United States, with sales ending in 1974 due to stricter safety regulations. It gained a cult following among enthusiasts and collectors for its distinct appearance and off-road capabilities.

The Volkswagen Thing was produced in various versions worldwide, including the Type 181 in Europe and the Safari in Mexico. Each version had slight variations in design and features. If you want to see this car up close, check out the video below and let us know what you think of it!