how many vw things were made

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When did the VW Thing come out in the US?

1973 Volkswagen Thing Volkswagen A civilian version followed for 1971 in Europe and Mexico, while U.S. models arrived for 1972. (It was marketed as the Safari in Mexico and the Thing in the U.S.)

What is the Volkswagen Thing?

The Volkswagen Thing (Type 181 & 182) was created from a hodge-podge of Beetle, Bus and even Ghia parts, proving that it was aptly named as the “Thing.” Learn the history of this multi-purpose vehicle, from military use to joy rides. You may be surprised by the history of this versatile Volkswagen!

How many Volkswagen cars are there in the world?

As of September 30, 2015, it was confirmed that some five million Volkswagen-branded cars, 2.1 million Audi vehicles, 1.2 million Skoda automobiles and 700,000 Seat cars, as well as 1.8 million VW commercial vehicles were fitted with a defeat device in their engines,...

What kind of car is a 1973 VW Thing?

All set up to resemble a Type 82 World War II German Kubelwagen this 1973 VW Thing is perfect for off road fun! New Tires, Recent Brakes and a very nice interior. Call John 612-805-2428 Here is a rare find a 1971 VW Thing!

Is the VW Thing still being made?

After three generations spanning a total of seven decades, it's certainly sad news to announce that the 2019 model year will be the last for the iconic Volkswagen Beetle.

What years were VW things made?

The Thing was produced between 1968 and 1983 (civilian sales ended in 1980), firstly at Volkswagen's HQ in Wolfsburg, then in Hannover, Mexico and lastly in Indonesia.

When did they stop making VW things?

Things were made from 1968 thru 1979. The last official year model was 1980. They were imported into the United States from 1973-1974. Things have Thing-only ball joints.

What is the Volkswagen Thing Called?

Volkswagen Type 181Volkswagen Type 181/182ManufacturerVolkswagenAlso calledVolkswagen Type 181 (LHD) Volkswagen Type 182 (RHD) Sold as: Volkswagen Thing (United States) Volkswagen Camat (Indonesia) Volkswagen Safari (Mexico) Volkswagen Trekker (UK) Volkswagen Pescaccia (Italy)20 more rows

How rare is a VW Thing?

Only about 25,000 examples were imported, and the Thing remains as goofy and unusual today as it was thirty years ago. Since so many parts are shared with the Beetle and the Microbus, the Thing is inexpensive to run and maintain--but what else would you expect from a bucket car? BODY STYLE Four-door convertible.

Can a VW Thing go in water?

If you have you ever asked yourself “do Beetles float?”, the answer is yes: the original Volkswagen Beetle would indeed float on water. However, it is certainly not recommended that you experiment with this.

How fast can a VW thing go?

1973 Volkswagen Type 181 Thing SpecificationsPRICE$3,150 (when new)WEIGHT1,984 lb0-60 MPH23.8 secTOP SPEED68 mph5 more rows•Sep 9, 2020

Why is it called VW Thing?

Developed for the West German Army in the late 1960s, this multipurpose vehicle was based on the VW Type 182 Kübelwagen used in World War II.

What engine is in a 1973 VW Thing?

1600 cc engineThe Thing was powered with VW's air-cooled 1600 cc engine, producing 46 horsepower and teamed with a four-speed manual transmission.

Is the VW Thing reliable?

Being a military vehicle, the Thing was conceived to be as reliable and as easy to mend as possible, that's why it seems a bit crude and doesn't offer any creature comforts. The Thing is as basic as a car can be, making the Beetle look like a luxurious machine by comparison.

Was the VW thing used in ww2?

The Volkswagen Thing's origins date back to World War II and Nazi Germany. VW produced the type 62 Kubelwagen during the war to fill the German army's need for a utility vehicle. It was Germany's version of the American Jeep during the war.

How much is the Volkswagen Thing?

A: The average price of a Volkswagen Thing is $21,583. Q: What years was the Volkswagen Thing sold?

Is the VW thing a kubelwagen?

Let Jerry help you no matter which Volkswagen you have The VW Thing and the VW Kübelwagen are two very different Volkswagen vehicles, despite their similar look.

How much is the Volkswagen Thing?

A: The average price of a Volkswagen Thing is $21,583. Q: What years was the Volkswagen Thing sold?

How fast can a VW thing go?

1973 Volkswagen Type 181 Thing SpecificationsPRICE$3,150 (when new)WEIGHT1,984 lb0-60 MPH23.8 secTOP SPEED68 mph5 more rows•Sep 9, 2020

What does kubelwagen mean?

bucket-seat carKübelwagen is a German word, contracted from Kübelsitzwagen (literally: 'bucket-seat car') – originally military slang for doorless cross-country and field-cars, fitted with bucket seats, to prevent riders from falling out of the vehicle – became a household word similar in meaning to the english "jeep".

What is a Volkswagen thing?

The Volkswagen Thing (Type 181 & 182) was created from a hodge-podge of Beetle, Bus and even Ghia parts, proving that it was aptly named as the “Thing.” Learn the history of this multi-purpose vehicle, from military use to joy rides. You may be surprised by the history of this versatile Volkswagen! Share the Knowledge

Where was the 181 Beetle made?

Manufactured in Wolfsburg, West Germany (1968–1974); Hannover, West Germany (1974–1983); Puebla, Mexico (1970–1980); and Jakarta, Indonesia (1973–1980), the Type 181 shared some of its mechanicals with the 1966-1977 Standard Beetle and the floor pans of the Karmann-Ghia. It’s similarity to the Type 82 Kubelwagen that had been used by the German military during the Second World War is obvious to anyone who looks at it. This vehicle weighed 1,920 pounds and held up to four people comfortably. It had a a manual 4 speed transmission that accelerated from 0-60 mph in 23.2 seconds.

What engine did the 181s use?

Between 1968 and 1970, 181s utilized reduction boxes at the rear as used on the pre-1967 split window Bus and a 1500cc single port engine. From 1971 to the end of their production, the engines were 1600cc dual port with I.R.S. (Independent Rear Suspension). IRS Things are easier to drive on the road, but the early swing axle models have better traction off-road. Military 181s invariably had limited slip differentials in the transmission. Civilian models were available with or without a limited slip diff. Volkswagen utilized as many parts as possible from the Beetle in production, making Things easy to maintain and mechanical parts easy to find. The front brake drums are from a 1965-1967 Beetle; post-1970, the brake shoes are 1968 to 1977 Beetle both front and rear, the wheel cylinders and master cylinder are all 1968-1977 Standard Beetle. The engine is essentially a 1600cc dual port Beetle (Code is AM or AL) with a larger air filter set to one side using the rubber intake pipe from a 1961-1967 Bus or Karmann Ghia. The engine has low compression pistons to enable the use of lower quality fuel and has a steel grate style sump guard. The wheels are 14” diameter 5/205 Lug pattern used on the 1963-1971 VW Bus. The front axle beam comes from a 1966 Beetle with braces to the floor pan for additional strength. Perhaps one of the few unique features of the Thing, the ball joints are exclusive to Things to assist with ground clearance.

Why did VW turn the Beetle into a carrier car?

The Bundeswehr was looking for a successor to the DKW Munga. Because the international joint project of the “Euro Jeep” did not get beyond the planning, Volkswagen stepped into the breach and turned the Beetle with angular corrugated iron, half-height doors, and four garden chairs into the “courier car” exactly 52 years ago.

When did Volkswagen make the 181?

It was in the fall of 1969 when Volkswagen marketed the Type 181 in Europe, however, few made it to dealers, as NATO bought a large part of the vehicles.

What is the name of the car that was known as the thing?

Known in the United States and Europe as The Thing, in the United Kingdom as Trekker, Pescaccia in Italy, or Safari in Mexico and South America, this car bore the name Type 181 and wasn't sold to civilians.

What year was the VW 181 made?

The technical basis for the VW 181 presented in 1968 and produced in 1969 is the Beetle, which is probably an even bigger legend in the USA than in Europe. On top of it stands - to put it ungallantly - a corrugated iron body, the beauty of which is only apparent to many at the third or fourth glance.

Why does the Volkswagen Thing have a sloping hood?

As part of its simple styling, the Volkswagen Thing had a sloping hood that was not molded to be aerodynamic, but rather out of the need for greater visibility when riding on rough terrain.

What is the function of the front end of a VW?

Like the Bug, the VW Thing had the engine mounted in the rear, so the primary function of the front end of the car, besides carrying the spare tire and the gas tank, was serving as a trunk.

Is the Beetle seat orthopedic?

A little bit of suffering is part of The Thing. The seats are not exactly orthopedic, and legroom is a foreign concept. But that doesn't detract from the love for the edgy classic. The Beetle technology under the rust-prone body is almost indestructible. And at least the most important spare parts are available in large quantities.

What type of engine did VW use?

Like the World War II era Type 82 Kübelwagen, the Type 181 used mechanical parts and a rear-engine platform, manual transmission and a flat-4 engine derived from that of the Type 1.

What is the engine in a VW?

The engine is a 4-cylinder rear mounted petrol engine.

What was the name of the vehicle that was used by the European military in the 1960s?

During the 1960s, several European governments began cooperating on development of a vehicle known as the Europa Jeep, a lightweight, amphibious four-wheel drive vehicle that could be mass-produced for use by various national military and government groups.

What is a Volkswagen Touareg?

Volkswagen Touareg (for civilian use) A 1974 "Acapulco" Thing. 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, ...

When did VW import into the US?

As you may know VW only imported the VW Thing into the United States in 1973 and 1974 so most in the US rarely see one of these at a VW show much less have the chance to own one. Now is your chance. 1974 VW Thing on eBay. Volkswagen Thing Auction of the Day: This cool red Thing is all set up for the beach!

What engine does a Larry limo have?

This limo Thing has a stretched Hard Top, a stretched Acapulco Top, Full roll bars, 2387 Cc engine (this beauty roars!), and dual carbs. Larry changed the paint scheme to blue and white in the late ’90’s at the request of a previous owner.

Is it worth picking up a VW thing?

The VW Thing is an iconic part of Volkswagen history and they are becoming more difficult to find as time passes. So if you can find one that is for sale near you it is definitely worth picking one up for your collection!

Can you restore a car to factory showroom condition?

It would be a lot of work to restore to factory showroom condition but that could always remain an option down the road if you were to just focus on getting it back on the road to start.

Is VW a project car?

Here is another option for you if you are looking for something very affordable just to get your foot into the fun world of VW Things. It’s a project car for sure.

Is a nice running motor a complete car?

A nice running motor was just installed and front wheel cylinders and shoes were just replaced and are new so it’s a running and driving, nice complete car.

Is the VW Thing under restoration?

This VW Thing under went a recent, nice quality restoration. The paint is fresh and looks great! The interior was redone and looks fantastic and a new top was put on as well. The attention to detail is obvious. Bumpers, glass and rubber all look very nice.

What are the major brands of Volkswagen?

Volkswagen's most notable brands include Audi, Bentley, SEAT, Porsche, and Škoda. In addition to its commercial vehicle segment, the automobile firm finalized a deal to acquire U.S.-based Navistar, as well as Scania and MAN, two European manufacturers of commercial vehicles and engines.

How many cars were affected by the Volkswagen diesel scandal?

As of September 30, 2015, it was confirmed that some five million Volkswagen-branded cars, 2.1 million Audi vehicles, 1.2 million Skoda automobiles, and 700,000 Seat cars, as well as 1.8 million VW commercial vehicles were fitted with a defeat device in their engines, and were thus affected by the Volkswagen diesel deception scandal.

What percentage of Volkswagen deliveries will be in China in 2020?

China accounted for around 40 percent of worldwide deliveries in 2020. Deliveries to China contracted by around nine percent between 2019 and 2020. Volkswagen's revenue streams were also down from a peak in 2019: 2020 revenue amounted to almost 223 billion euros. Volkswagen shifts its fuel type strategy.

How many cars will Volkswagen make in 2020?

The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's leading vehicle manufacturing companies. The car manufacturer delivered around 9.3 million vehicles in 2020. Volkswagen's worldwide deliveries fell by around 15 percent year-on-year, with Western Europe and South America observing the sharpest decline in demand. China accounted for around 40 percent of ...

Does Volkswagen make electric cars?

Volkswagen aims to expand its electric car model range and tap into the growing European market for electric vehicles. Volkswagen's brands. Although the VW brand is the group’s most prolific marque, the automotive company has acquired several other brands over the last years.

When did the Volkswagen thing come out?

1973 Volkswagen Thing Volkswagen. A civilian version followed for 1971 in Europe and Mexico, while U.S. models arrived for 1972. (It was marketed as the Safari in Mexico and the Thing in the U.S.)

When did VW stop selling the 181?

Although VW would continue selling the Type 181 through 1980 (and military models through 1983), U.S. sales ended after the 1975 model year, as a result of more stringent safety regulations.

How much is a 4x4 worth?

While many other off-road, 4×4 vehicles are skyrocketing in value, the Thing is still very much affordable. Values are basically flat over the past five years, with the average #3 (Good) condition Thing commanding $15,500. Best-in-the-world (Concours) examples go for just north of $30,000. These numbers are down significantly from the Thing’s peak in the summer of 2015, when the average Thing was $22,900 and #1-condition Concours cars went for $42,900. In general, Acapulco Edition cars (complete with striped top, like the Jeep Surrey Gala) are worth a 20-percent premium.

What engine was used in 1973?

The stock engine on Things manufactured after Serial #183 2436 525 in the year 1973 is a 1600cc dual port engine. In '71 and '72 Things were manufactured with 1500 cc engines. Things originally came with an oil bath air cleaner that was Thing-specific. However, certain Type II air cleaners will work.

What is the difference between 1973 and 1974?

They do not have the same travel as the proper C/V joints. We DO NOT consider them safe. The main difference between 1973 and 1974 models is the heating system. 1973 and earlier models utilized the BN4 gas heater manufactured by Eberspacher. 1974 models used heat from the engine/exhaust similar to the Beetle.

What is the difference between a passenger side tie rod and a beetle?

The passenger-side tie rod is Thing specific. The Thing front beam is different from the Beetle because it has a reinforced shock tower and plates welded on the rear for supports that attach to the chassis. Rear brake drums are Thing specific. Master cylinder and wheel cylinders are not Thing specific.

Where was the Acapulco model made?

The Acapulco model Thing was originally designed for the Las Brisas Hotel in Acapulco, Mexico. It became so popular that the original blue and white paint scheme was exported to the United States. VW also made an orange and white combo, yellow and white combo, and green and white combo.

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