Beschreibung:

Volkswagen's "Thing" had its roots in a military project. Loosely based on the World War II Kübelwagen, it was intended as a lightweight, four-wheel drive utility car for several European armies. Although Volkswagen decided not to enter the competition for this "Europa Jeep," company management felt that a "fun vehicle" in that formula could be popular in the consumer market. Thus was born the Type 181 Kurierwagen, called "Trekker" in the U.K., "Safari" in Mexico, where many were built, and "The Thing" in the United States. Based on the mechanicals of the Type 1 Beetle, it used a Karmann Ghia floorpan and 1,500 and 1,600 cc versions of the familiar air-cooled flat four engine. Transmissions were all VW's four-speed manual. Production began in 1969 in Germany, with early units delivered, ironically, to the German Army, as well as Dutch and Belgian forces. Civilian sales began in 1971, by which time Mexican production had started. Marketing in the U.S. commenced in 1972. In all, more than 90,000 were built through 1983, though civilian sales halted in 1980. Difficulty in meeting safety requirements resulted in withdrawal from the United States market after 1974. The accompanying logbook indicates this particular Type 181 was first registered in Indonesia in 1976 as a VW Safari and records several changes in ownership through to 1995. The car was imported into Australia in 2009 and first registered in Tasmania, with copies of the Import Approval accompanying the car. A real head turner on the road, the Volkswagen is great fun to drive and perfect for Australian conditions. To be sold registered in NSW.