The Volkswagen Type 181 is a two-wheel drive, four-door,
convertible, manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen from 1968 to
1983. Originally developed for the West German Army, the Type 181
also entered the civilian market as the Kurierwagen ("courier car")
in West Germany, the Trekker (RHD Type 182) in the United Kingdom,
the Thing in the United States (1973-74), the Safari in Mexico and
South America, and Pescaccia in Italy. Civilian sales ended after
model year 1980.
Manufactured in Wolfsburg, West Germany (1968-74), Hannover, West
Germany (1974-83), Puebla, Mexico (1970-80), and Jakarta, Indonesia
(1973-80), the Type 181 shared its mechanicals with Volkswagen's
Type 1 (Beetle) and the pre-1968 Volkswagen Microbus, its floor pan
with the Type 1 Karmann Ghia, and its concept with the company's
K�belwagen, which had been used by the German military during World
War II.
All four doors were removable and interchangeable, the windshield
folded flat, and the convertible roof could be removed for al
fresco driving. The spartan interior featured vinyl covered bucket
seats, painted sheet metal, drain holes and perforated rubber mats.
A fiberglass hardtop and trunk-mounted auxiliary heater were
offered as individual options.
For more information, please call Gianna 203-330-9604 or email at
[email protected]
