The 1974 Volkswagen Thing

Around the 1960s, several European countries started developing the Europa Jeep, a lightweight, amphibious four-wheel drive vehicle that would’ve been used by military and government agencies. But development was time-consuming, and the West German government needed an expensive yet durable transport vehicle as an in-between while the Europa Jeep was in development. In addition, Volkswagen customers in Mexico loved the Beetle but needed something that could handle their rural roads, adding in the popularity of VW-based dune buggies in the United States; the executives thought they could satisfy that market by parts-sharing.

Enter the Volkswagen Thing:

Officially known as the Volkswagen Type 181/182, the first Thing was sold in Europe and Mexico in 1971 with assembly done in Wolfsburg, West Germany. With parts deriving from the Beetle, the Thing is a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive 4-door convertible with a 4-speed manual and a 46hp flat-4 engine. The floorpans are from a Type 1 Karmann Ghia, rear swing axle suspension from the Volkswagen Transporter until double-jointed axles from Porsche and IRS semi-trailing arms from the US-bound Beetles.

Here in America, the VW Thing was sold from 1973-1974, costing around $3,000 or approximately $19,000 in today’s money. On the pre-owned classic car market, the VW Thing goes for $20,000 to $30,000 for a mint condition Thing. Unfortunately, in 1974, the VW Thing was reclassified as a passenger vehicle and was subject to new and stricter US safety standards… this means the Thing was canceled in America after 1974 and 25,000 in sales.