Latest news with #VolkswagenThing
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Volkswagen's Quirky 'Thing' Roars Back to Life After Decades
In a recent video, the team at WD Detailing uncovered a remarkable piece of automotive history: a Volkswagen Type 181, affectionately known in the U.S. as the "Thing." This particular vehicle had been tucked away in a barn for over five decades, accumulating a mere 6,800 miles (approximately 11,000 kilometers) since new. Its pristine condition and unique backstory offer a fascinating glimpse into automotive design and history. The Volkswagen Type 181, introduced in 1969, was initially developed for the West German Army. It later entered civilian markets under various names: "Kurierwagen" in Germany, "Trekker" in the UK, and "Safari" in Mexico and South America. In the United States, it earned the quirky moniker "Thing" during its brief availability in 1973 and 1974. This vehicle's design drew inspiration from the World War II-era Kübelwagen, sharing mechanical components with the Volkswagen Beetle and Microbus. Notably, the Thing featured removable doors, a fold-flat windshield, and a convertible roof, embodying a utilitarian yet playful aesthetic. Upon discovering the Thing, the WD Detailing team faced the challenge of reviving a vehicle that had been dormant for 50 years. Despite its long slumber, the car's body was in exceptional condition, with minimal rust and all original parts intact. The interior, though dusty, showed no significant damage, preserving its original charm. The restoration process began with a thorough exterior wash, revealing the vehicle's original paintwork. Attention then turned to the engine bay, where the team carefully cleaned and inspected the air-cooled flat-four engine. The interior received a meticulous cleaning, preserving the original seats and fixtures. The Volkswagen Thing holds a unique position in automotive history. Its unconventional design and military origins set it apart from other vehicles of its era. Built on the Beetle's platform, it combined reliability with a rugged, off-road-ready appearance. The Thing's versatility and distinctive look have earned it a cult following among enthusiasts. This barn find underscores the importance of preserving automotive history. Vehicles like the Volkswagen Thing offer insights into past engineering practices and cultural trends. For enthusiasts and collectors, such discoveries highlight the potential value hidden in forgotten garages and barns. The revival of this 1970 Volkswagen Thing by WD Detailing is more than just a restoration; it's a journey into the past, bringing a piece of automotive history back to life. It serves as a reminder of the timeless appeal of unique vehicle designs and the stories they carry through the years.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Left For Dead: Barn Find Volkswagen Thing Gets Fully Detailed
Read the full story on Backfire News Someone drove a Volkswagen Thing into a barn 50 years ago, parking the German contraption. Little did they realize at the time it would sit for half a century before getting pulled out and detailed by some being dirty, this Thing is wonderfully well preserved. With about 6,800 miles on it, there's no wonder the VW doesn't look too shabby. According to the owner, it could possibly have been the first one imported into the US. Under all the barn dust is a beautiful example of the VW Thing. But the worst part of the classic German vehicle by far were the wheels, which had quite a bit of surface rust. You perhaps have owned a car with wheels that looked similar and just accepted their corroded state. But the guys at WD Detailing take pride in their ability to clean up cars and make them look fantastic. They use their own wheel cleaner and it does a great job of removing most of the grime and some corrosion sitting on the metal. But you'll notice the rust is still present to a degree. The rest of the classic Volkswagen cleans up nicely, including the engine compartment in the rear. Also known as the Type 181, the Thing was created by Volkswagen as a cheap and different open-air adventure vehicle. You can remove the roof and doors, plus fold down the windshield, similar to a Jeep, getting a fully open air driving experience. Just don't expect to do any serious off-roading in one. With the same platform as the Beetle, only widened and a few things rearranged, the Thing was a super yet fun way to get around. But the classic rides haven't become serious collector items, fetching rather modest amounts on the market these days. Image via WD Detailing/YouTube
