Basic information and history

The Volkswagen Type 181 was originally created in response to the West German armed forces' need for a simple and easily serviced light off-road vehicle, and quickly took on a life of its own in the civilian market. The car built on proven Volkswagen technology with a rear-mounted, air-cooled boxer engine and platform chassis, combining this with a spartan, sheet-metal-clad open body with removable doors, a folding windscreen and a soft top. Depending on the market, it was marketed as the Kurierwagen, Trekker, Safari or, in North America, under the well-known nickname Thing.

1973 is an interesting model year for the model, as it was during this period that the Type 181 achieved its greatest civilian distribution and was exported in significant volumes. The simple construction with bolted body panels, generous ground clearance and an engine that can be worked on without special tools makes the car one of the most accessible classics in the Volkswagen family.

This example was imported from Germany, where it underwent a registration inspection in 2015 as part of the import process, and has reportedly had one owner. The vehicle is stated to be in original condition. The seller states the odometer reading is 307482 km, and a digital copy of the latest inspection report is available. The car has been kept in a garage during the periods it has not been driven.

Equipment and options

• New upholstery
• New soft top
• Windows

In addition, the car has received new rear brakes. The soft top and upholstery were replaced in 2019. The car has previously been rust-proofed in Germany.

Condition

Exterior: Both the paintwork and body are described by the seller as being in good condition. The windows are stated to be in excellent condition.

Interior: The interior is described as being in excellent condition, which is consistent with the upholstery having been replaced in 2019. The headliner, i.e. the soft top, is also stated to be in excellent condition. The instrument panel is assessed to be in good condition. The car is fitted with seatbelts front and rear, all of which function.

Tyres and wheels: Tyres and wheels are stated to be in good condition.

Mechanics and function: The engine is described as being in good condition and is said to start and run faultlessly. The gearbox is likewise assessed to be in good condition and shifts without any issues, according to the seller, and the clutch works. The brakes are stated to be in good condition. The car can be driven as it stands. The seller states that the vehicle is currently at a workshop for repair of a minor electrical fault, and that the car will undergo inspection once the work is completed.

Service history

The seller states that the vehicle is fully serviced. A digital copy of service and repair records from 2019 is available and accompanies the car. The car last passed inspection in 2024 with no remarks. Known work carried out in recent years includes new rear brakes as well as a new soft top and new upholstery in 2019, in addition to the rust-proofing treatment carried out in Germany.

Summary

A Volkswagen Type 181 from model year 1973 in stated original condition, imported from Germany with a registration inspection completed in 2015 at import, one owner, and an odometer reading of 307482 km according to the seller. The car has undergone refreshing of the soft top and upholstery in 2019, has new rear brakes and has previously been rust-proofed. The exterior, engine, gearbox, brakes, and tyres and wheels are consistently described as being in good condition, while the interior, headliner and windows are assessed to be in excellent condition.

The vehicle can be driven as it stands and last passed inspection in 2024 with no remarks. The odometer reading cannot be guaranteed and the service history lacks documentation, which should be taken into account. For anyone seeking an air-cooled Volkswagen with clear character of its own and simple, easily worked technology, this is an example well worth a closer look.